Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul being arch-enemies is not a lore spanning a few years. Maul’s hatred of Obi-Wan grew into a decades-long obsession, fueled by defeat, loss, and revenge. Obi-Wan, however, had risen above that hatred and faced Maul without sharing his obsession. They were enemies due to loss and vengeance fueling the fire of hatred stronger over time. In Star Wars Rebels season three episode Twin Suns, this hatred came to its conclusion. The duel between Obi Wan and Darth Maul became the most efficient duel. A lightsaber combat that lasted only three seconds.
The Final Hunt
The lore begins after the Sith and Jedi holocrons were combined by Darth Maul and Ezra Bridger, the same Rebels crew that once crossed paths with Ahsoka Tano .This revealed the truth to Darth Maul that he had been wanting for years. Now he finally knew that Obi Wan Kenobi was alive. This was the final nail in the coffin for Darth Maul as he was fueled by hatred and obsession. He was able to track Obi Wan on Tatooine. But was not able to find his exact location. This was due to Obi Wan being much more in control of himself and the Force, so he was able to mask himself. Because of this, Darth Maul had to remain on the deserted island for multiple weeks.
After some weeks, when Darth Maul was unable to get his location, he became annoyed and desperate. So he used the Holocron to bait Ezra to come because he knew that Ezra would want to help. Which, in turn, would force Obi Wan Kenobi to come out. However, Ezra had heard the warning Obi Wan Kenobi had given to him. And he also somewhat knew of Darth Maul's intent. Which is why he stole a ship to go to Tatooine even though it went against Hera's orders. Ezrabridger came out alive even after he dealt with a sandstorm and was attacked by Tusken raiders. That's where Obi Wan Kenobi, in a hood, met him.
"Look at what I've risen above"
The hatred was visible in its intensity when the arch-enemies Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul came face to face. Their hatred was deep and mutual. Knowing no bounds, it had been turned into decades' worth of obsession. This is where Darth Maul goads Obi Wan Kenobi, "Look what has become of you... a rat in the desert." To which he replied, "Look at what I've risen above."
Obi Wan Kenobi had mastered the Force through meditation and strict discipline. Becoming a true Jedi who sacrificed himself for the greater good. However, Darth Maul had remained stuck in his defeat at the hands of Obi Wan Kenobi decades ago. Leaving his rage simmering and unable to let go of it.
This moment is also where Obi Wan Kenobi drives home his last lesson: "If you define yourself by your desire to dominate, to possess, then you have nothing." However, Darth Maul wants nothing to do with it and pays no attention to it. He was too consumed by his obsession and rage.
Once Darth Maul knows that Obi Wan is protecting someone important on Tatooine, the most efficient lightsaber duel takes place. Though Ezra tries to intervene, Obi Wan stops him, making Ezra witness the duel from a distance.
The Three Strike Duel
This lightsaber combat is not like the others. It is not exaggerated or complicated, and flashy in its fighting style. This lightsaber duel between Obi Wan Kenobi is a psychological one. Dave Filoni was the executive producer who wanted this duel to be exactly like this. Purposeful and efficient. Dave said, "These two know each other so well that there's no need for a long fight. Obi Wan already knows what Maul is going to do before he does it."
The duel starts with Obi Wan Kenobi immiating qui gon jinn his master. Playing with Darth Maul and using his past against him. This stance made Darth Maul lower his guard and become overconfident enough that he thought Obi Wan would be defeated using the same combination of moves he had used against Qui Gon Jinn. Obi Wan Kenobi uses his former aggressive stance before switching to form III, his blue kyber crystal blade meeting Maul's crimson one in a final clash. .
Darth Maul, who was driven by rage and obsession, let his past dictate his moves and took the bait. He used the same combination he had used against Qui Gon Jinn three decades ago. Obi Wan had known this was a possibility, most likely, and responded in fashion. Obi Wan used three exact moves to deliver a lethal blow to him.
"He will avenge us"
After the lethal blow Obi Wan stops Darth Maul from falling. And Darth Maul speaks, and Obi Wan kenobi exchange words.
Maul: "Is it the Chosen One?"
Obi Wan: "He is."
Maul: "He will avenge us."
Obi Wan: (nods silently, then says) “Yes”
This exchange shows us another side of Darth Maul, where he is not a Sith who is obsessed. But rather a victim of the scheme by Emperor Palpatine, just like Obi Wan Kenobi. They both were able to sit in a moment of peace where they shared an understanding of the greater scheme of plans and how their animosity towards each other was them being played like pawns. And that Luke Skywalker was the galaxy’s final hope.
Darth Maul, when taking his last breath, had a very peaceful smile on his face. This is probably the only time he felt content and at peace. Maul’s voice action Sam Wilter said, "This guy has been living in death for quite some time and not been able to move on from it. So for his last moments to be embraced by what is essentially a new life... that's about as good as it could get for this guy." The episode ends with the twin suns of Tatooine setting behind Obi Wan Kenobi and Darth Maul. An iconic scene showing a younger Luke Skywalker looking off into the horizon from A New Hope. Enhancing the significance of the shot.
The Aftermath
After Darth Maul dies and the duel ends, Obi Wan Kenobi holds a funeral for his arch enemy with whom he had found a moment of content and understanding. He builds a funeral pyre and burns Darth Maul’s body. This act was one of compassion and reflects on Obi Wan Kenobi’s journey of becoming a true Jedi. A Jedi who knew of forgiveness beyond hatred. This scene is also important as it is a parallel to when Obi Wan Kenobi burns Luke Skywalker’s aunt and uncle to honor them.
Ezra, the witness to the entire duel, comes to Obi Wan Kenobi, who tells him that he couldn't help him find his path. He must do it by himself. And goes back to keeping a watch over him. Highlighting the fact that Obi Wan Kenobi has always been laser focused. After which Ezra buries Darth Maul’s lightsaber on Tatooine.
FAQs
Why is the Maul vs Obi Wan duel considered the most efficient lightsaber duel in Star Wars canon?
This lightsaber combat is the most efficient duel because it only lasted for 3 seconds. In addition, it only had three strikes. This combat was not dragged out or exaggerated in movements. This was not by accident but by purpose. Dave Filoni wanted it this way, as he said, "These two know each other so well that there's no need for a long fight. Obi Wan already knows what Maul is going to do before he does it." This duel was a psychological match instead of purely physical.
What are the "three words" spoken during the duel, and what do they mean?
"He will avenge us?" These are his 3 dying words. For which Obi Wan replies in the affirmative. This interaction finally lets Darth Maul let go of his hatred. It makes Darth Maul realise how Obi Wan and he had been victims of the grand plan of Emperor Palpatine. "He will avenge us" is the phrase that tells the audience that Darth Maul has accepted that Luke Skywalker will be the chosen one and the one to defeat the Sith. The final moments of Maul were moments of peace.
How does this Tatooine duel connect to the events of The Phantom Menace?
To gain the upper hand, Obi Wan used a psychological tactic when facing Darth Maul. He chose to use the stance of his master qui gon jinn. This made Maul become overly confident as he assumed that Obi Wan would use the same movements. This is why Obi Wan was able to deploy one exact and very strategic move against Darth Maul. Allowing him to gain revenge for his master while also correcting past failures.
What role does Ezra Bridger play in this duel, and why is he there?
His role in this fight is to be bait. To find Obi Wan, Maul used his holocron to provoke Ezra to come to Tatooine. Which is why he becomes a witness to the three-second duel. When he tried to stop the fight, Obi Wan said, "Stay back. This is my fight." And after the duel ends with Darth Maul dying at the hands of Obi Wan, he says to Ezra, "I can't help you on your path, Ezra. That is something you must find on your own." After which Ezra finds his closure, buries Maul's saber on Tatooine.
