Qui-Gon Jinn

Character Bio

As a Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn developed quite a reputation among his peers. While he was undeniably an asset to the cause of the Jedi, it is thought that his rebellious nature was looked down upon and kept him from a position with Yoda, Mace Windu and others on the Jedi Council.

Though much about his early years remains unknown, Qui-Gon's history as a Jedi Master is documented to some degree in Star Wars: Episode I -- Insider's Guide. According to the program, Qui-Gon trained two Padawan learners before mentoring Obi-Wan Kenobi. While the first made the transition to Jedi well, the second, Xanatos, proved to be much more of an ordeal. Though a dedicated student, Xanatos deserted the ways of the Jedi by helping his father (the richest man on Telos) attempt to take over their homeworld. Qui-Gon found himself facing off against his former student in the planet's civil war. The Jedi helped to quell this attempt by killing Xanatos' father, though he let the former Padawan leave in peace.

The two would face off again years later on Tatooine with Qui-Gon triumphant once again. However, this time he had help from his new Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi. After Xanatos' betrayal, Qui-Gon had been reluctant to take on another Padawan, but Yoda convinced him that Obi-Wan would be the perfect student. Of course, Yoda was right as the two went on to have numerous adventures that would shape Obi-Wan into a fine Jedi Knight.

In one of their final quests (as portrayed in both movie and videogame renditions of Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace), the two were sent to help cease a trade dispute on Naboo between the planet's government and the Trade Federation. Though the mission seemed simple enough at first, numerous important events key to the future of the galaxy occurred.

Eventually, Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and others such as Queen Amidala and Jar Jar Binks found themselves on the desert planet of Tatooine. It was here that they encountered a 9-year-old slave boy named Anakin Skywalker, within whom Qui-Gon had never seen such Force potential. He managed to grant Anakin his freedom after the boy won a Podrace on which his master Watto bet against him. Anakin then joined Qui-Gon and the others on their trip to Coruscant, where he was tested before the Jedi Council.

Before reaching the newly repaired ship, however, Qui-Gon was unexpectedly attacked by Darth Maul, whom he rightfully suspected to be of an order of Dark Jedi known as the Sith. The two fought until Qui-Gon hopped onto the low-flying ship and escaped to Coruscant with the others.

During his test before the Jedi Council, Anakin proved to be very strong in the Force. However, Master Yoda sensed nothing but darkness in the boy's future and refused to take him in. Enraged, Qui-Gon announced that he would take Anakin as his Padawan learner, whether he had the Council's blessing or not. Soon after, he and the others returned to Naboo for a final showdown with the Trade Federation.

During the infiltration of Naboo Castle, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan once again confronted Darth Maul. The two held their own well against the demon-faced Dark Jedi. However, they were eventually separated, leaving Qui-Gon to fight the Dark Lord of the Sith on his own. After fighting valiantly, Maul managed to stab the Jedi, leaving him to die. It took a horrified and enraged Obi-Wan to defeat the evil one.

After his victory, Obi-Wan quickly approached his dying master. Before his final breath, however, Qui-Gon received a promise from his student -- now a full-fledged Jedi Knight -- that he would train Anakin in his stead. Obi-Wan agreed.

EDUCATION: Trained in the ways of the Jedi.

AMBITIONS: To help maintain justice in the galaxy.

QUOTE: "Live for the moment. Feel ... don't think."

"I shall do what I must, Obi-Wan."

OTHER MEDIA: Aside from movies and games, Qui-Gon's adventures are portrayed in novels and comic books, some of which expand upon the story told in The Phantom Menace. He is also available as a Kenner action figure, and his likeness adorns a great deal of merchandise.

SOURCES:

Star Wars: Episode I -- Insider's Guide

Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace, 20th Century Fox © 1999

Qui-Gon Jinn is a trademark and copyright of Lucasfilm Ltd.

Appears In

Star Wars: Episode I: Jedi Power Battles (Dreamcast), Star Wars: Episode I: The Phantom Menace -- LucasArts Archive Series (IBM PC Compatible), Star Wars: Obi-Wan (Xbox), Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles (Game Boy Advance), Star Wars: Obi-Wan [Platinum Hits] (Xbox), Star Wars: Episode I -- Obi-Wan's Adventures (Game Boy Color)