(''. Qui-Gon's name is likely to have originated from the terms
Qigong , which is a Chinese theraputive breathing technique and
Jinn , spirits in Arabic mythology.
A venerable if maverick Jedi Master, Qui-Gon Jinn is a student of the living
Force . Unlike other Jedi Masters, who often lose themself in the meditation of the unifying Force, Qui-Gon Jinn lived for the moment, espousing a philosophy of "feel, don't think -- use your instincts." Were it not for Qui-Gon's unruly views, he would have undoubtedly been on the
Jedi Council .
At the behest of
Supreme Chancellor Valorum , Qui-Gon and his Padawan apprentice
Obi-Wan Kenobi journeyed to
Naboo to settle the trade dispute that threatened the peaceful world. Aboard a
Trade Federation battleship, the Jedi were ambushed, but they managed to escape to Naboo's surface.
In the swamplands of Naboo, Qui-Gon rescued a clumsy
Gungan outcast,
Jar Jar Binks , who swore a life-debt to the Jedi. Qui-Gon's compassionate nature was such that he took the strange alien under his protection. With his help, they journeyed to the city of Theed. There, they freed Queen Amidala and her retinue from the clutches of the Trade Federation, and set off to deliver her safely to Coruscant.
During the trip to the capital, damage sustained to the Royal Starship forced an unscheduled stop on the Outer Rim world of
Tatooine . There, Qui-Gon discovered a young slave boy named
Anakin Skywalker , who was strong in the Force. Sensing the boy's potential, Qui-Gon liberated Anakin from slavery. During their departure from Tatooine, Qui-Gon was nearly killed by a dark warrior, whom he suspected to be a
Sith Lord .
The Jedi Master then traveled to Coruscant to present Anakin to the Jedi Council. The Council, however, felt Anakin's future seemed clouded and uncertain, and deemed the boy too old to begin training and dangerously full of fear and anger. They refused to allow Qui-Gon to train Anakin, but the Jedi Master nevertheless kept the boy as his ward as he returned to Naboo.
On Naboo, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan confronted the Sith Lord
Darth Maul , Qui-Gon's attacker from the desert. Maul proved a deadly and fearsome opponent. Together, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon fended off the Sith Lord's attacks, but as the battle progressed, Master and apprentice became separated. Maul pressed his advantage, wearing down Qui-Gon's defenses and ultimately killing the Jedi Master. Obi-Wan then defeated Maul, but nothing could save Qui-Gon. With his last breath, the Jedi Master asked Obi-Wan to train Anakin, a request Kenobi accepted.
A short time later, the Jedi Master's body was cremated at a funeral attended by numerous mourners, including Anakin, Obi-Wan, Jar Jar, and several Jedi Council members.
Precognition is the ability to sense the future. (
Darth Sidious seems to be the most accurate with this ability but
Yoda is also a very capable practitioner.) Qui-Gon encourages Obi-Wan to concentrate on the moment (the living Force) rather than contemplating the future (the unifying Force). The living Force focuses more on using emotions, whereas the unifying Force (The Jedi Code) teaches uniformity and restricts emotion. Qui-Gon's focus on the living Force differs from his Jedi counterparts as it is what some would consider to be a more "liberal" take. It promotes a constant state of awareness to the present since it is the present that shapes the future. Qui-Gon's belief in this justifies his behavior when on field missions. Sensitivity to current situations motivate him to make decisions that perhaps a more conventional Jedi would not as exemplified by his Padawan
Obi-Wan Kenobi . This split in philosophy has kept Jinn off of the more conservative minded
Jedi Council .
Qui-Gon's independent spirit was inherited from his equally (if not more so) rebellious master
Count Dooku . Dooku was a man who also appreciated the value of the moment as opposed to the abstract future but unlike his master, Qui-Gon dug deeper and found support for this belief in the Journal of the Whills. The Whills were a society that pre-dated the Jedi and studied the Force in their own unique way. Through the Whills, Qui-Gon found justification for his support in the living Force as well as curious knowledge in regards to maintaining one's identity in spirit after death.
Qui-Gon's character illustrates that, within the Jedi Order, there is defiance, impatience and rebellion. This has led the audience to believe that he was a large influence on the young Anakin and that he adopted these qualities which eventually led him to betray the Jedi and become ''.
Although by the time of the
Clone Wars he has been dead for over a decade, Qui-Gon is not forgotten, particularly by those who were close to him. In particular, Count Dooku uses Obi-Wan's memories of Qui-Gon in an attempt to gain the young Jedi's assistance to "destroy the Sith". Qui-Gon's spirit, now one with the Force, tries unsuccessfully to communicate with Anakin when the latter goes on an anger-fueled rampage intent on killing the
Tusken Raiders responsible for his mother's death. Later, in a scene at the end of ''Revenge of the Sith'' (which does not appear in the final cut of the film but does in the book), Yoda and Obi-Wan apprentice themselves during their
Exile to Qui-Gon's spirit to learn the secret of preserving their identities after becoming one with the Force.
Qui-Gon Jinn is known to have had four apprentices. Qui-Gon's first Padawan was
Quinlan Vos and the apprentice's successful training gave Qui-Gon the title of Jedi Master. His second Padawan was
Xanatos , who eventually fell to the dark side, never completing his Jedi training. With Qui-Gon's third Padawan,
Obi-Wan Kenobi , they attempted to bring Xanatos to justice but Xanatos committed suicide rather than surrendering. Finally, from beyond the grave, his last apprentices are Jedi Masters
Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, to whom he teaches the art of immortality. Jinn would have likely taken
Anakin Skywalker as his apprentice if he had not been killed in his duel against
Darth Maul .
''"Qui Gon Jinn was perhaps the greatest Jedi alive, a commanding presence at Council, a strong and brave warrior who refused to be intimidated by even the most daunting challenge and a good and kind man."''
-- Obi Wan Kenobi,
The Phantom Menace novelization
Qui-Gon Jinn is a philosophical warrior who possesses knowledge of the
Architecture and
Engineering of various space transports and large capital vessels. He also has a subtle attention to detail as he wears a moisture farmer's poncho to blend with the
Mos Espa locals. A venerable Jedi Master and Jedi Consular, Qui-Gon brandishes his
Lightsaber with consummate grace (apparent in his Form IV mastery; see
Seven Forms Of Lightsaber Combat ). Qui-Gon originally studied Form II under his master, Dooku. However, Qui-Gon eventually chose Form IV over Form II. Having studied both forms made Qui-Gon a powerful lightsaber master. Some (like Yoda) considered him the best lightsaber duelist he had ever seen in over 400 years of teaching in the Jedi Order. Qui-Gon and
Mace Windu often sparred together; some sources claim that Qui-Gon never outsparred Mace but with Qui-Gon being twenty years older, he may have done so in his earlier years. However, sources do say that that Qui-Gon's saber skills rival those of Mace's.
Qui-Gon's green lightsaber was used by Obi-Wan Kenobi to defeat Darth Maul. A few years later, in ''
Rogue Planet '', Obi-Wan still had Qui-Gon's green lightsaber. What happened to Qui-Gon's green lightsaber after that is unknown, though by some accounts,
Luke Skywalker acquired its Adegan Crystal along with other Jedi artifacts when he went back to Obi-Wan's hut on Tatooine, for use in the construction of his own lightsaber. By the time of ''
Attack Of The Clones '', Obi-Wan is using a recreation of the blue lightsaber that he lost in his duel with Darth Maul.
Qui-Gon eventually discovers the secret of
Immortality ; he shares this enigma with Yoda, who entrusts it to Obi-Wan in turn. This is apparently achieved through extreme compassion and a rejection of selfishness and personal attachment to the point that the physical self fades away but the consciousness remains as one with the Force. It is ironic that Qui-Gon, whose body remained intact upon his death, would be teaching other Jedi how to become immortal, a process that makes their bodies vanish. This lends some fuel to the debate over Anakin Skywalker's death, since his corporeal status is ambiguous and consequently prone to much audience speculation.
Although Qui-Gon's ultimate fate is unknown, his consciousness is said to exist on Tatooine, where he presumably trains Obi-Wan following the events of ''
Revenge Of The Sith ''. There is no indication that his spirit is present anytime during the second half of the ''Star Wars'' saga.
Qui-Gon is a master of Form IV lightsaber combat, also known as Ataru, a form of combat with an emphasis on wild acrobatics, ducking, swooping and wide slashing attacks. Ataru was a common form at that time but Qui-Gon's dedication to Form IV is rooted in as equally rebellious reasons as his master Dooku's preference for Form II, just as Dooku abandoned Yoda's Form IV teachings in favor of Form II, Qui-Gon also would abort his master's Form II teachings for Ataru. Not seeing the modern practicality in the sword combat style of Form II, Qui-Gon applied himself to Form IV, since on field missions it is endurance and avoidance that are a Jedi's best allies. Still, Qui-Gon's exposure to the swordsmanship of Form II made him a uniquely talented combatant. Though never as unnervingly fast as Yoda or as skilled as Dooku, Qui-Gon was regarded among them as one of the most skilled swordsman in the Jedi Order. Though in his earlier years he might have been able to out-spar Mace Windu, time would eventually catch up with Qui-Gon. He would pass his Ataru skills on to his young protege, Obi-Wan Kenobi and with Padawan would duel with the Sith Lord Darth Maul.
Inherent in the strength of Ataru is its very weakness. This form requires space to operate in. When cornered in the Theed Reactor Core on Naboo by Darth Maul, this deficiency was made dramatically clear. Without ample space to move in, Qui-Gon was no match for the concentrated vicious attacks of the Sith Lord. This, paired with the Sith Lord's superior youth, were what lead to Qui-Gon's death. Fortunately, Maul forgot to kick Qui-Gon's lightsaber into the melting pit. Obi-Wan then killed Maul with Qui-Gon's lightsaber.
The headstrong sixty-year-old Qui-Gon has a penetrating gaze and craggy features. A noble Jedi Master, he also has a great understanding and a compassionate nature. That commiseration for all life forms leads to his saving
Jar Jar Binks from his punishment at the hands of his fellow
Gungan s.
He is considered to have liberal views about the Jedi Order, something his more-reserved pupil,
Obi-Wan Kenobi , would not be very keen upon in the sequels. In response to Obi-Wan chastising him, Qui-Gon would say "I will do as I must." or "That should be good enough for you. Now get on board." Despite his unruly views, Qui-Gon is a faithful Jedi, guided purely by the will of the Force. Qui-Gon had a tendency to be distant towards others because of Xanatos's betrayal and Obi-Wan's (temporary) falling out with him.
Despite his rebel-like personality, Qui-Gon is well liked by many of the Jedi. He is lifelong friends with
Plo Koon and is also close to
Yoda ,
Ki-Adi-Mundi and
Adi Gallia . Qui-Gon has great respect for
Mace Windu , although they do not see eye-to-eye on many issues. Qui-Gon often spars with Masters Windu, Dooku and
Bondara . Qui-Gon's closest friend (next to
Obi-Wan Kenobi ) is
Tahl ; they fall in love and he is so heartbroken when she is killed that he nearly turns to the dark side.
Qui-Gon's favorite rooms in the Jedi Temple were the starmap room and (especially) the Room of a Thousand Fountains. Yoda would often talk to Qui-Gon in the Room of a Thousand Fountains. After Qui-Gon was killed, Yoda never again went into the Room of a Thousand Fountains, which shows that Yoda was very close to Qui-Gon.
For his wisdom and his unique understanding and mastery of the Force, Qui-Gon was held in great esteem by most of his peers. His views on the politics and policies of the Republic in general and the Jedi Order in particular, often put him at odds with the Jedi Council. He was passed over at least twice for an invitation to join the Jedi Council; first, after the death of Master
Tyvokka (who himself had doubts on inviting Qui-Gon on the Council), his seat went to Qui-Gon's close friend Master
Plo Koon ; and second, with Master Giett's death,
Ki-Adi-Mundi was elected over him at the insistence of Mace Windu despite the support of the other Council members on electing Qui-Gon as a Council member.
- During the production of '' The Phantom Menace '', sets were only built as high as the actors' heads. Because Liam Neeson is so tall (6'4"), he added an extra $150,000 to the production costs.
- Qui-Gon appears only in ''The Phantom Menace''. His voice can be heard in '' Attack Of The Clones '' when Yoda is Meditating . George Lucas planned to have Qui-Gon appear as a Force ghost in '' Revenge Of The Sith '', similar to how Obi-Wan appeared in '' The Empire Strikes Back '' and '' Return Of The Jedi '' but the idea was shelved, although he was briefly mentioned at the end of the film to be back as a Force ghost who was supposed to help Yoda and Obi-Wan learn how to become one after death.
- Qui-Gon appears briefly in the Clone Wars Vol. 2 DVD, while Yoda is meditating.
- As a nod to Neeson, one of the younglings in ''Attack of the Clones'' is named Liam.
- '''', 1st edition paperback, 1999. Terry Brooks , George Lucas , ISBN 0-345-43411-0
- '' - Novelization'', 1st edition hardcover, 2005. Matthew Woodring Stover, George Lucas, ISBN 0-7126-8427-1
- ''Star Wars Episode I Who's Who: A Pocket Guide to Characters of the Phantom Menace'', hardcover, 1999. Ryder Windham, ISBN 0-762-40519-8
- ''The New Essential Guide to Characters'', 1st edition, 2002. Daniel Wallace, Michael Sutfin, ISBN 0-345-44900-2
- ''Star Wars: The Phantom Menace: The Visual Dictionary'', hardcover, 1999. David West Reynolds, ISBN 0-789-44701-0
- ''Star Wars Roleplaying Game Core Rulebook'', 1st edition, 2000. Bill Slavicsek, Andy Collins, ISBN 0-786-91793-8
