Though he appears in only a single Star Wars film (Episode I: The Phantom Menace) and a handful of animated series and Star Wars books, Qui-Gon Jinn is a standout character that has long fascinated fans. His unique perspective on the Force and his adherence to his own conscience differentiates him from other Jedi in the series. Rejecting strict fidelity to the Jedi Code and the leadership of the Jedi High Council, Qui-Gon was far more interested in viewing the galaxy with open-minded, present-focused empathy than following a set of arbitrary regulations.
Warning: The following article contains major spoilers for the Star Wars franchise. Please note that this character guide is based on the current canon as defined by Lucasfilm; film novelizations are canon only where they do not diverge from their on-screen counterparts.
Who is Qui-Gon Jinn?
Qui-Gon Jinn was a respected, independent Jedi Master who first located and identified Anakin Skywalker as the Chosen One foretold in the Jedi Prophecy. Born on Coruscant circa 80 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), Qui-Gon trained as a Padawan under Jedi Master Count Dooku. At first, young Qui-Gon lacked confidence and exhibited a great deal of fear regarding the potential of failure. When Jinn was only a Padawan, Dooku piqued his pupil’s interest in prophecies by warning him of their alluring power and danger. This initial fascination led him to seek out and study a holocron housing ancient Jedi prophecies.
Eventually, Qui-Gon completed his training, became a Jedi Master, and took on a Padawan of his own: the steadfast Obi-Wan Kenobi. But despite his skills with the Force and his peaceful, discerning presence, Qui-Gon turned down an offer to sit on the Jedi High Council, a decision that vexed his young apprentice, who maintained strict commitment to the Jedi Code and revered the High Council. Qui-Gon believed in the concept of the Living Force, an understanding of the energy present in all life that encouraged him to stay in the moment rather than dwell on the possibilities or pitfalls the future might hold.
Around 32 BBY, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are sent on a diplomatic mission to Naboo, to assist in resolving tensions between the Republic and the Trade Federation. After narrowly escaping an assassination attempt, the pair realize the nefarious intents of the Federation (which, unbeknownst to the galaxy, was under the sway of the evil Darth Sidious) and make their escape, along the way running into Gungan Jar Jar Binks. A rather peculiar character, Jar Jar felt indebted to Qui-Gon after the Jedi Master saved his life. Once back in the subaquatic Gungan City, Qui-Gon utilizes Jedi mind tricks to persuade their leader, Boss Nass, to aid the Jedi by allowing the use of a submarine. Thanks to this provision, they reach the capital city of Theed, where they rescue Queen Padmé Amidala, who had also been under threat of the Federation. While they escape the planet in a royal starship, the damage sustained from the blockade assault requires the newly banded group of heroes to seek shelter for necessary repairs.
