Anakin wasn’t someone who kept his feelings to himself – You would think that because Anakin and Obi-Wan were close, they would’ve told each other everything, right? Nope. Kenobi was in the dark about his former padawan’s secret life away from the endless battlefields, wasn’t he? The Negotiator wasn’t as stupid as he looked and knew what was going on between the Chosen One and Padmé Amidala. Unfortunately, though, Anakin’s awareness of what his master knew was sketchy.
Obi-Wan was aware that something was going on. However, it is unclear how much he knew. Anakin’s affection for the former Queen of Naboo wasn’t a secret to his mentor. Throughout the Clone Wars, the Jedi Knight’s persona would shift whenever Padmé was involved with a mission. More often than not, this caught Obi-Wan’s attention.
At times, Anakin’s brash behaviour often caused Obi-Wan to question why his best friend was suddenly so protective of the senator. Skywalker using the same excuse that Padmé was a friend, started to wear thin, even for Kenobi. However, there was too much mutual respect between the trio for any further questioning.
Obi-Wan’s awareness that something was going on didn’t make him want to expose them. He respected them too much to do such a thing. If Anakin wanted to talk about it with him, he would. However, he was too prideful to talk about his feelings with anyone, especially his former master and brother. Also, Anakin felt that Kenobi held him back. Whether the Jedi master knew this was a different story.
Would Obi-Wan Have Told The Jedi Council?
The first point we need to consider is whether Obi-Wan would’ve reported the relationship to the Council. If he had to choose between his career and his friend, we’re pretty sure he’d choose his friendship. But instead, he gave up being with Satine Kryze for the Jedi, which was a mistake.
Obi-Wan valued Anakin’s friendship too much to write him off. If Palpatine were arrested or killed, Kenobi could’ve advocated for his friend to keep his place on the Council. Though, it would’ve been Anakin’s choice of what he wanted to do.
If the Council had confronted Anakin about his marriage and threatened to expel him, Obi-Wan could’ve jumped in and defended him. However, there is the other scenario where he could’ve remained quiet. Again, though, that is not why we’re here. Instead, we’re talking about Kenobi’s awareness of the situation. Not what could’ve been.
Loyalty meant everything to Anakin, and Obi-Wan mostly sided with him. That is unless he had to talk him out of something deadly.
Obi-Wan could also put his own career on the line by mentioning his feelings for Satine. Sure, it would be a shock for the Council. But, it wasn’t about them. They shouldn’t be controlling their members in the first place.
How Large Was Obi-Wan’s Awareness?
As mentioned above, Obi-Wan’s awareness of what was going on between Anakin and Padmé wasn’t limited. He had seen hints of it during the war. Moreover, Anakin was open about his fondness for the senator before they were reunited before the war started.
Anakin being open with his feelings toward Padmé occurred during the first battle of Geonosis when she was thrown from the gunship. Obi-Wan warns him “not to let his personal feelings get in the way” and asks him what she’d do in his boots.
Another thought is when Padmé and Ahsoka were infected with the Blue Shadow Virus. Anakin’s panicked state would’ve triggered alarm bells. Also, let’s not forget that hilarious moment towards the end of the war when Obi-Wan busts Anakin coming out of a private conversation with his wife while Rex guards the call.
Finally, Obi-Wan wouldn’t have gone to Padmé about Anakin’s fall to the dark side or questioned her child’s paternity if he didn’t know.
