Editing Qui-Gon Jinn

{{Short description|Fictional character in the Star Wars universe}}
{{Infobox character
| image = Qui-Gon Jinn.png
| caption = Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn{{efn|''The Phantom Menace'' (1999)}}
| name = Qui-Gon Jinn
| series = [[Star Wars]]
| first = ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|The Phantom Menace]]''
| creator = [[George Lucas]]
| occupation = Jedi Master
| lbl21 = Master
| data21 = [[Count Dooku]]
| affiliation = {{Plainlist|
* [[Jedi Order]]
* [[Galactic Republic]]
}}
| portrayer = [[Liam Neeson]]{{efn|''[[The Phantom Menace]]''<br>''[[Obi-Wan Kenobi (miniseries)|Obi-Wan Kenobi]]''}}
| voice = {{Plainlist|
* Liam Neeson{{efn|''[[The Rise of Skywalker]]''<br>''[[Attack of the Clones]]''<br>''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|The Clone Wars]]'' (series)<br>''[[Tales of the Jedi (TV series)|Tales of the Jedi]]''<br>[[Star Wars Rebels|''Rebels'']] (archival audio)}}
* [[Tom Kane]]{{efn|''[[Lego Star Wars: The Yoda Chronicles]]''<br>''[[Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales]]''<br>''[[The Lego Star Wars Holiday Special]]''<br>''[[Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga]]''}}
* [[Micheál Richardson]]{{efn|''Tales of the Jedi''}}
* [[Fred Tatasciore]]{{efn|[[Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003 TV series)|''Clone Wars'']]}}
* [[James Warwick (actor)|James Warwick]]{{efn|''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (video game)|The Phantom Menace (video game)]]''<br>''[[Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles|Jedi Power Battles]]''<br>''[[Star Wars: Obi-Wan]]''<br>''[[Star Wars: Galactic Battlegrounds|Galactic Battlegrounds]]''}}
}}
| lbl22 = Apprentices
| data22 = [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]]<br>
Others in '''''Legends'''''{{efn|Qui-Gon's apprentice in the ''[[Star Wars Legends]]'' narrative universe is [[List of Star Wars Legends characters#Xanatos|Xanatos]].{{Sfn|Hidalgo|Sansweet|2008|p=164}}}}
}}
'''Qui-Gon Jinn''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|k|w|aɪ|ɡ|ɒ|n}}) is a fictional character in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' franchise. He was introduced as a [[Jedi Master]] in the [[Star Wars prequel trilogy|prequel]] film ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|The Phantom Menace]]'' (1999), and is portrayed by [[Liam Neeson]]. He appears in the series ''[[Tales of the Jedi (TV series)|Tales of the Jedi]]'', and is featured as a [[Force spirit]] in the animated series ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|The Clone Wars]]'' (2008) and the live-action miniseries ''[[Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV series)|Obi-Wan Kenobi]]'' (2022). Qui-Gon also appears in novels, comics and video games.

In ''The Phantom Menace'', Qui-Gon and his apprentice [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] are tasked with protecting [[Padmé Amidala]], the queen of Naboo. On the planet Tatooine, they encounter a young slave named [[Anakin Skywalker]], whom Qui-Gon believes is the "[[Chosen One (Star Wars)|Chosen One]]" destined to bring balance to [[the Force]]. When Qui-Gon is fatally wounded in a [[lightsaber]] duel against [[Darth Maul]], he asks Obi-Wan to train Anakin. The 2005 film ''[[Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]'' reveals that Qui-Gon learned how to become a Force spirit after death, an ability which he later taught to Obi-Wan and [[Yoda]].

==Creation==
[[George Lucas]] created the ''Star Wars'' franchise, and wrote and directed ''[[The Phantom Menace]]''. He created the character Qui-Gon Jinn for the film. Although Qui-Gon is the master of Obi-Wan Kenobi and is older than him, Lucas had considered making Qui-Gon the younger Jedi.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Bresman |first=Jonathan |title=The Art of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace |publisher=Ebury |year=1999 |isbn=9780091868703 |location=United Kingdom}}</ref> Lucas described the character as independent and "always testing the rules". He said Qui-Gon refuses to "go along with the program".{{Sfn|Bouzereau|Duncan|1999|p=9}}

Lucas originally envisioned an American actor in the role of Qui-Gon, but ultimately cast the Northern Irish actor Liam Neeson. He described Neeson as a "master actor, who the other actors will look up to, who has got the qualities of strength that the character demands".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2004-10-23 |title=Star Wars: Episode I Production Notes |url=http://www.starwars.com/episode-i/bts/production/f19990501/indexp4.html |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=Internet Archive |archive-date=2004-10-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041023023458/http://www.starwars.com/episode-i/bts/production/f19990501/indexp4.html |url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref> Neeson described Qui-Gon as wise, confident, philosophical and very skilled in martial arts. He said the Jedi Master has "a magical quality that enables him to see into the future. He's not really a rebel, but he has his own code."{{Sfn|Bouzereau|Duncan|1999|p=44}}

Qui-Gon Jinn's name is derived from the Chinese word ''[[qigong]]'' ([[Simplified Chinese characters|simplified Chinese]]: 气功; [[Traditional Chinese characters|traditional Chinese]]: 氣功), and the Arabic word ''[[jinn]]'' (جِنّ). Qigong is a system of breathing and exercise designed to support physical and mental health, while a jinn is a type of spirit found in Arabian mythology.<ref>[https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/qigong "Qigong"]. ''[[Collins English Dictionary]]''.</ref><ref>[https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/jinn "Jinn"]. ''[[Collins English Dictionary]]''.</ref> "Qui-Gon Jinn" can be translated as "Guardian Spirit of the Living Force."<ref>{{cite book |last1=McDonald |first1=Paul F. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Wf4CAQAAQBAJ&q=qui-gon+jinn+chinese+qigong+genie&pg=PA165 |title=The Star Wars Heresies: Interpreting the Themes, Symbols and Philosophies of Episodes I, II and III |date=Sep 3, 2013 |publisher=McFarland |isbn=978-0-7864-7181-2 |location=Jefferson, NC |page=165 |access-date=23 October 2016}}</ref> "Jinn" also resembles the Chinese word for power, ''jin'' (勁), and the martial arts concept ''[[fa jin]]'', which is the explosive release of internal strength or power.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Voigt |first1=John |date=5 Jan 2016 |title=Qi as Entertainment: The Force in Star Wars |url=http://qi-encyclopedia.com/?article=Qi%20as%20Entertainment:%20The%20Force%20in%20Star%20Wars |access-date=23 October 2016 |website=Qi Encyclopedia |publisher=Qi Journal}}</ref>

==Appearances==
===Prequel trilogy===
{{Main article|Star Wars prequel trilogy}}
Qui-Gon is introduced in the first film of the [[prequel trilogy]], ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace|The Phantom Menace]]'' (1999). He is portrayed by Liam Neeson. Qui-Gon and his Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi are sent to [[Naboo]] to resolve a conflict involving the Trade Federation, a business conglomerate that has blockaded the planet for political leverage. When the two Jedi arrive, the Federation attempts to assassinate them. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan retreat to Naboo, rescue its besieged queen, Padmé Amidala, then leave for [[Coruscant]], the galactic capital. During the journey, they land on [[Tatooine]] to repair their ship. Qui-Gon encounters a nine-year-old slave boy named Anakin Skywalker, whose potential with the Force is the highest ever detected. The Jedi Master becomes intrigued when Anakin's mother tells him that the boy had no father. Believing that Anakin could be the "Chosen One" of Jedi prophecy destined to bring balance to the Force, Qui-Gon secures the boy's freedom and decides to bring him before the Jedi Council on Coruscant. Before leaving Tatooine, Qui-Gon duels with a mysterious warrior dressed in black.

On Coruscant, Qui-Gon asks the Council to allow Anakin to be trained as a Jedi. Master Yoda senses fear in the boy, and the Council denies the request. Undaunted, Qui-Gon vows that he will train Anakin himself. Padmé, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan return to Naboo, where they once again encounter the dark warrior, who reveals himself to be the Sith Lord Darth Maul. During a ferocious lightsaber battle, Maul fatally wounds Qui-Gon. After defeating Maul, Obi-Wan promises to train Anakin for Qui-Gon before he dies.  

In the second film, ''[[Attack of the Clones]]'' (2002), Neeson provides the voice of Qui-Gon. When Anakin is slaughtering the [[Tusken Raiders]] on Tatooine, the Jedi Master's voice can be heard. Near the end of the third film, ''[[Revenge of the Sith]]'' (2005), Yoda reveals to Obi-Wan that he has been communicating with the spirit of Qui-Gon.

===''The Rise of Skywalker''===
Neeson provides the voice of Qui-Gon in ''[[The Rise of Skywalker]]'' (2019). After [[Rey (Star Wars)|Rey]] collapses during her confrontation with the somehow resurrected [[Palpatine|Darth Sidious]], she hears the voices of various deceased Jedi, including Qui-Gon. The Jedi give her the strength to continue the battle.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Breznican |first1=Anthony |last2=Robinson |first2=Joanna |date=December 20, 2019 |title=25 Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker Cameos You Might Have Missed |url=https://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/2019/12/star-wars-the-rise-of-skywalker-cameos-who-were-the-jedi-voices-jodie-comer-reys-mom |access-date=April 23, 2020 |magazine=Vanity Fair |publisher=}}</ref>

===Television===
Qui-Gon is voiced by Neeson in the animated series ''[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008 TV series)|The Clone Wars]]'' (2008–2014; 2020). In season three, he informs Obi-Wan and Anakin about three beings who share his belief that Anakin is the Chosen One. These beings are known as the Father (the unifying Force manifestation), the Daughter (the light side incarnation) and the Son (the dark side embodiment).<ref>''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' season 3, episodes 15 & 17</ref> In the sixth season of the series, Qui-Gon's disembodied voice instructs Yoda to learn the secret of Force immortality.<ref>''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' season 6, episode 11</ref>

Qui-Gon returns in the 2022 miniseries ''[[Tales of the Jedi (TV series)|Tales of the Jedi]]''. An older version of the character is voiced by Liam Neeson, while a younger version is voiced by Neeson's son, Micheál Richardson.<ref>{{cite web |last=Carter |first=Justin |date=May 28, 2022 |title=Ahsoka, Qui-Gon & Count Dooku Return in New Anthology Series, Tales of the Jedi |url=https://gizmodo.com/star-wars-tales-of-the-jedi-lucasfilm-anthology-series-1848974981 |access-date=May 29, 2022 |website=Deadline Hollywood}}</ref> In the second episode, the young Qui-Gon serves as [[Padawan (Star Wars)|Padawan]] to [[Count Dooku]], and helps to investigate a mysterious kidnapping on an [[Cycle of poverty|impoverished]] planet. When Qui-Gon stops Dooku from losing his temper and killing a corrupt senator, Dooku commends him for his wisdom. In the fourth episode of the series, Jedi Master Qui-Gon and Dooku discuss the Jedi Council's refusal to believe that Darth Maul is a Sith Lord. After Qui-Gon's death, a grieving Dooku remembers how, as a boy, Qui-Gon was fascinated with the tree in the Jedi Temple.

Throughout the 2022 miniseries ''[[Obi-Wan Kenobi (TV series)|Obi-Wan Kenobi]]'', Kenobi tries unsuccessfully to reach out to Qui-Gon's Force spirit. In the final episode, Qui-Gon, played by Neeson, finally appears to Obi-Wan.

===Novels===
The 2019 novel ''Master and Apprentice'' features Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Liptak |first1=Andrew |title=The next Star Wars novels will flesh out the prequel era |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/20/17596512/star-wars-novels-padme-obi-wan-qui-gon-claudia-gray-ek-johnston-san-diego-comic-con-2018 |website=The Verge |access-date=25 July 2018 |date=20 July 2018}}</ref>

==''Star Wars Legends''==
{{See also|Star Wars in other media}}Following the acquisition of [[Lucasfilm]] by [[The Walt Disney Company]] in 2012, most of the licensed ''Star Wars'' novels and comics produced between 1977 and 2014 were rebranded as ''Star Wars Legends'' and declared non-canon to the franchise. The ''Legends'' works comprise a separate narrative universe.{{efn|Attributed to multiple references:<br><ref name="THR Legends2">{{cite news |last=McMilian |first=Graeme |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Lucasfilm Unveils New Plans for ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe |url=https://hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160429022447/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/lucasfilm-unveils-new-plans-star-698973 |archive-date=April 29, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter}}</ref><ref name="SW Legends2">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=The Legendary ''Star Wars'' Expanded Universe Turns a New Page |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160910044317/http://www.starwars.com/news/the-legendary-star-wars-expanded-universe-turns-a-new-page |archive-date=September 10, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |website=[[StarWars.com]]}}</ref><ref name="SW Adult2">{{cite web |date=April 25, 2014 |title=Disney and Random House announce relaunch of ''Star Wars'' Adult Fiction line |url=https://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160514073722/http://www.starwars.com/news/disney-publishing-worldwide-and-random-house-announce-relaunch-of-star-wars-adult-fiction-line |archive-date=May 14, 2016 |access-date=May 26, 2016 |publisher=StarWars.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Dinsdale |first=Ryan |date=2023-05-04 |title=The Star Wars Canon: The Definitive Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-star-wars-canon-the-definitive-guide |access-date=2024-05-31 |website=IGN |language=en}}</ref>}}

===Novels===
Qui-Gon's life prior to ''The Phantom Menace'' is detailed in the ''[[Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice|Jedi Apprentice]]'' series. In ''[[The Rising Force]]'', Yoda encourages the Jedi Knight to take a new Padawan learner. Qui-Gon's previous apprentice, Xanatos, had turned to the dark side of the Force. Qui-Gon observes a lightsaber tournament among a group of the Temple's older students, which includes the twelve-year-old Obi-Wan. He takes note of Obi-Wan's skills, but refuses to train him due to his uncontrolled anger. On a mission to Bandomeer, Qui-Gon again encounters Obi-Wan, who is being sent to the planet to begin life as an agricultural laborer. During the journey, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan defend a group of Arcona from the criminal organization Offworld Corporation. When they arrive on Bandomeer, Qui-Gon receives a letter from Xanatos.

In ''[[The Dark Rival]]'', it is revealed that Xanatos is now the leader of Offworld. Qui-Gon meets his former apprentice to negotiate an agreement between Offworld and Bandomeer, but ends up dueling with Xanatos instead. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan end Offworld's business on Bandomeer, but Xanatos escapes. During the encounter with Xanatos, Qui-Gon realizes Obi-Wan's potential and accepts him as his Padawan. In ''[[The Captive Temple]]'', Xanatos nearly assassinates Yoda, but Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan thwart his plans. When they chase Xanatos back to his homeworld in ''[[The Day of Reckoning (novel)|The Day of Reckoning]]'', the fallen Jedi refuses to surrender and commits suicide.

In ''[[Legacy of the Jedi]]'', an apprentice Qui-Gon accompanies his master Dooku on a diplomatic assignment. Their ship is infiltrated by space pirates led by the rogue Jedi Lorian Nod, a former friend of Dooku's. The two battle and Dooku is overcome by anger, but Qui-Gon prevents his master from violating the Jedi Code by committing cold-blooded murder. Years later, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan encounter Nod again and imprison him for his crimes. In ''[[Secrets of the Jedi]]'', Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan embark on a mission with the Jedi Master [[List of Star Wars characters#Adi Gallia|Adi Gallia]] and her Padawan [[List of Star Wars characters#Siri Tachi|Siri Tachi]]. Qui-Gon and Adi become separated from Obi-Wan and Siri, which leads to the discovery of romantic feelings between the two apprentices. Sensing these feelings in Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon shares the story of his relationship with [[List of Star Wars characters#Tahl|Tahl]], a female Jedi whose murder nearly pushed Qui-Gon to the dark side.

''[[Cloak of Deception]]'' is set a year before ''The Phantom Menace''. Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fight a terrorist organization called the Nebula Front, which is secretly following the orders of Darth Sidious. At the Trade Federation conference on Eriadu, the two Jedi successfully defend Chancellor Valorum but cannot prevent the Neimoidian takeover of the Federation.

===Comics===
In the comic series ''[[Star Wars: Republic]]'', Qui-Gon and other Jedi fight in the Stark Hyperspace War. Qui-Gon saves the life of Nute Gunray, the future Trade Federation viceroy.

===''Clone Wars''===
The animated television series ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars (2003 TV series)|Clone Wars]]'' (2003–2005) was removed from canon in 2014 and placed in the ''Legends'' universe. Qui-Gon makes a [[cameo appearance]] in "Chapter 21". During Yoda's Force dream, Qui-Gon tells Anakin to enter a cave on [[Dagobah]] where he will see a vision of his future.<ref>''Star Wars: Clone Wars'' episodes 20-21</ref>

==Other appearances==
Qui-Gon appears in the video games ''[[Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (video game)|Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace]]'', ''[[Star Wars: Jedi Power Battles]]'', ''[[Star Wars: Obi-Wan]]'', ''[[Star Wars Episode I: Racer]]'', multiple ''[[Lego Star Wars]]'' games, and ''[[Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (video game)|Star Wars: The Force Unleashed]]'' via [[downloadable content]]. A bird version of Qui-Gon, called "Quail-Gon", is playable in ''[[Angry Birds Star Wars II]]''.

==Reception==
In his review of ''The Phantom Menace'', Colin Kennedy of [[Empire Online|''Empire'']] said that Neeson "manfully carrie[s] the action on his shoulders" throughout the film. He felt that Qui-Gon's final words to Obi-Wan—"Promise me you will train the boy"—provide the film with its only emotional weight.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Kennedy |first1=Colin |date=January 1, 2000 |title=Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Review |url=https://www.empireonline.com/movies/star-wars-episode-phantom-menace/review/ |access-date=December 15, 2017 |website=Empire}}</ref> [[Owen Gleiberman]] of ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' wrote that Neeson "holds ''The Phantom Menace'' together". He said that Qui-Gon is "commanding", and gives the film "its only hints of emotional dynamism".<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Gleiberman|first1=Owen|title=Star Wars: Episode I -- The Phantom Menace|url=http://ew.com/article/1999/05/21/star-wars-episode-i-phantom-menace-2/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|access-date=15 December 2017}}</ref> For his portrayal of Qui-Gon, Neeson was nominated for the 2000 [[Saturn Award for Best Actor]].{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

==See also==
* [[List of Star Wars books|''Star Wars'' books]]
* [[List of Star Wars comic books|''Star Wars'' comics]]
* [[Star Wars video games|''Star Wars'' video games]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Works cited===
* {{Cite book |last1=Bouzereau |first1=Laurent |title=Star Wars: The Making of Episode I—The Phantom Menace |last2=Duncan |first2=Jody |publisher=Del Rey |year=1999 |isbn=0345431111 |location=New York}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Hidalgo |first1=Pablo |title=The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia |last2=Sansweet |first2=Stephen |publisher=Del Rey |year=2008 |isbn=9780345477637 |edition=First |volume=II |location=New York}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Star Wars Databank|subject=qui-gon-jinn|text=Qui-Gon Jinn}}

{{Star Wars universe}}
{{Star Wars prequel trilogy}}
{{Star Wars: The Clone Wars}}
{{Obi-Wan Kenobi (miniseries)}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Jinn, Qui-Gon}}
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