One notable line from Qui-Gon Jinn inStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menaceis so much more meaningful in the original Legends continuity. Although Legends went from the officialStar Warscontinuity to an alternate timeline in April 2014, the original and prequel trilogy films are part of both theLegends and modern canon timelines. For this, the two continuities retroactively give different context to moments in the original six saga films, with onePhantom Menaceline being especially somber in the initial timeline.
When Qui-Gon Jinn confirms his Jedi Knighthood to Anakin and Shmi Skywalker inThe Phantom Menace, the young Anakin states that “no one can kill a Jedi,” to which Qui-Gon responds with a melancholic “I wish that were so.” The simple line alludes to Qui-Gon’s long and often grim career as a Jedi, with the experienced Jedi Master having witnessed the loss of many other great Jedi. The Legends continuity shows many of these losses, including one particularly devastating death.
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One Particular Death Affected Qui-Gon More Than Most
As shown throughout Legends-era properties set beforeThe Phantom Menace, there were many small, often regional, wars before the onset of the full-scale Clone Wars. These included conflicts like the Stark Hyperspace War, the Mandalorian Civil War, and the Yinchorri rebellion,all of which included the deaths of Jedi. One conflict resulted in the loss of Jedi Master Tahl, who was particularly close with Qui-Gon Jinn.
Qui-Gon’s Relationship With Tahl Is The Key To His Character In Legends
Jedi Master Tahl was a close friend and colleague of Qui-Gon Jinn’s since the two were only Jedi initiates. Moreover,Qui-Gon and Tahl shared romantic feelings for each other. In Tahl’s final, heartbreaking moments, shown in Jude Watson’sJedi Apprentice: The Death of Hope, she and Qui-Gon confessed their love for each other, and her passing nearly led Qui-Gon to fall to the dark side in his pursuit of Balog – the Chief Security Controller of New Apsolon.
While it is not clear if Qui-Gon and Tahl might have broken the Jedi Code and pursued a romantic relationship with each other had the latter lived,their feelings for each other do express their mutual status as mavericks among the old guard Jedi. Qui-Gon Jinn was known to frequently disagree with the Jed Council, favoring his interpretation of the will of the Force over the Council’s collective judgment, so perhaps the two might have broken this tradition. Nevertheless, the tragic loss of Tahl makes Qui-Gon’s line inStar Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menacefar more powerful.
Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace
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Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace is set in a galaxy facing political turmoil, as Jedi Knights Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi seek peace while encountering Anakin Skywalker, a slave with great potential in the Force. Meanwhile, the Sith begin their resurgence, threatening the stability of the Republic.
