Why Obi-Wan Telling Anakin About the High Ground was a HUGE Insult (Maul) - Star Wars Explained

[@Defconitsover9000]

I'm a simple man. I see holocron. I click on holocron.

[@SkinnyEatWorld95]

Same, I see Star Wars. I click Star Wars.

[@N7Fred]

😂

[@lathenhertel8564]

This is the way.

[@kwaynelovejoy8543]

Beware Sith clickbait

[@danwybrow7226]

Obi-Wan: chops Maul in half Anakin: Hold my blue milk

[@teaandwinewithmira3301]

Rey: hold my green milk

[@RT42069]

The high ground is a pathway to many abilities some consider to be unnatural

[@bobbilly6520]

GOATED

[@NilsJacobsson]

Have you ever heard the tale of Obi-Wan and the High Ground? I thought so, it’s a story the Jedi would tell you.

[@SUNSETAVENUE-vs5io]

Is it possible to learn this power😅

[@GuyChooo]

Nah it's because hes closer to lava

[@MentalMachine]

ObiWan said, "I know I did it but that doesn't mean you can too." Anakin says, "Watch this."

[@MOYO_NAFSI]

And the world watched with baited breath!!!! Lol I knew Anakin was gonna get bodied when obi wan said that but I never put the 2 together like this!!!!

[@MentalMachine]

@@MOYO_NAFSI lmao it's simply circumstantial. At that moment, Anakin had no chance. But when ObiWan did it to Maul. It was the perfect moment

[@MOYO_NAFSI]

@@MentalMachine heck yeah that's the coldest part anikin really got mind flayed into losing lmao that's crazy AF 🏆

[@MentalMachine]

@@MOYO_NAFSI the same way Sidious kept a Trump card over Vader even Obi-Wan knew how to get Anakin with a very subtle cheap shot.

[@McCallahanIndustries]

I love that it's pure Kenobi. It's like how he knows Darth Maul will use the same move he did on Qui Gon on him, so he just counters it and defeats him later on in life. Or how he uses the blaster on Grievous. Obi-Wan always does the unexpected.

[@jonnovember2136]

Obi Wan Kenobi was a #TDBank💳 card holder and Anakin wasn't... Anakin was also gullible and arrogant morons too! 🌎💘💰

[@Thefilmgurusoriginal]

@@jonnovember2136obi was a Mastercard holder and anakin was denied a mastercard

[@nocturne311]

​@@ThefilmgurusoriginalAnakin was allowed to be a MasterCard holder, but MasterCard did not bestow upon him a high credit limit.

[@Thefilmgurusoriginal]

@@nocturne311 😂

[@johncraftenworth7847]

chess grandmaster

[@NoFreeNapkinz614]

High ground in a sword fight is an immediate advantage. Just look at how old castles were designed where the defender had a narrower bending and elevated corridor to defender from thus giving them striking advantage on the weakest points of an enemy’s armor or shields.

[@Intellectually_Inclined]

"She looked pretty dead to me, from up here, on the high ground!" - Obi Wan Kenobi

[@august6281]

you mean Padme? You're sick. No wonder Anakin turn Dark with this line.

[@yamahakid450f]

"It's over Anakin, I have the high ground" *Anakin jumps to the side and walks up* Obi-Wan: "oh...."

[@kristheobserver]

Totality of circumstances. Kenobi is the best defensive fighter among the Jedi period. He has he high ground. Anakin is on the low ground on a pad floating on lava. Anakin has to get off to continue the fight. If he jumps behind Kenobi he gets sliced. If he jumps in front of Kenobi he gets sliced. If he jumps low Kenobi is on top of him with lava to his back. Kenobi wins. So Kenobi was giving him a warning and a plea. Anakin didn't listen and tried to win from an impossible position. Kenobi is like Beethoven. Low level of natural talent, but very very disciplined. His discipline elevated him far beyond where talent would have taken him alone. Anakin is Mozart. Tremendous talent but very undisciplined. His talent takes him very far but eventually his lack of discipline will get him into trouble. There is no way Anakin can get off that pad and successfully engage Kenobi. Had he been in a normal state of mind he would have known that. The same way when he dueled Kenobi all those years earlier he knew it was over when Kenobi tricked him into losing his light saber. He knew Kenobi would not let him pull it back or let him find Kenobi's. He conceded the battle. Anakin would have conceded to Kenobi once Kenobi made it clear he had the high ground and all the tactical advantages it offered. Vader on the other hand would not.

[@abundancetribe2.03]

He could have jumped to the side, and then jumped again to regain the high ground

[@qahirmakhani348]

Jumping means he's airborne and not in balance. Obi Wan could swipe to the side and Anakin is gone

[@GlenWolf-c4s]

Agreed. This idea that he baited him sounds nice, but its a flawed fan theory. The highground is always a superior position in combat. Guns, swords, or fist. Ypu ever hear of a Samuri slicing at the legs? To do so leaves your head fully extended and exposed. Its king of the hill. Especially with lava at your back and having to leap off the ground. The fight was done. Anakin was just too blind with ego to see it.

[@GlenWolf-c4s]

Anybody doubting this try this simple exercise. Im on a riverbank up a short hill with a bat and you are on a floating log about to go off a waterfall with your bat. Who has the advantage? Now, change that bat to a lightsaber and change that river to lava. Does it get any better for ya? The fight was over by positioning and not direct combat. That was the strategy used to win, not paychological manipulation. Simply humble clear mindfulness

[@ComeAlongKay]

@@GlenWolf-c4scouldn’t he have tried to use the force to throw something at him and then jump up after distracting him? Or just use a force push on him?

[@josephdial387]

Obi-Wan never stops impressing me. So happy I found your channel.

[@robertg8565]

Most adaptive Jedi is Kenobi. Watch the Clone wars & the episode Twin Suns of Rebels. You'll see every time he fights someone he changes it up. Average M count Jedi who trains harder & is wiser than those with higher M counts.

[@LetholdusKaspyr]

High ground in a sword fight affects the footwork and balance in a significant way. There are pros and cons, but most fighters who don't practice exclusively on flat ground or floors will have an advantage. Makashi is an interesting example of a style that actually doesn't benefit from the high ground, because of the footwork and technique selection. It benefits more from mobility than power, so it wants lots of flat, open ground. If Anakin had held the high ground, and was concerned about needing an advantage, Djem So is an example of a style that would do very well with the high ground. Obi Wan's Soresu is another that works well with a high ground advantage, because the opponent will have a harder time battering through the defenses.

[@jonnovember2136]

Obi Wan Kenobi was a #TDBank💳 card holder and Anakin wasn't... Anakin was also gullible and arrogant morons too! 🌎💘💰

[@hallarious506]

True. And Djem so is the natural enemy of Makashi, while Soresu is very weak against it.

[@gregory57481]

The High ground is mentioned in sun tsu's art of war. Even when an army without guns had to fight another it made more work for the lower army, even in martial arts the Guy that's taller has the advantage, they can keep their distance better as well

[@hugovedovato]

Exactly, having the high ground is apparently indeed a real world advantage in pretty much any kinda battle - which doesnt mean Obi couldnt have also thought of all that the video conjectures, but again, it is a real advantage.

[@Psycho-go5yr]

That's not true in a 1v1 duel though. As he mentioned, being on the higher elevation in a sword fight exposes your legs, which is a more awkward area to guard. In turn, the person on the high ground can only strike at his opponents hands, torso, and maybe head, areas that are much easier to defend. In a 1v1 duel, it's actually a disadvantage. Also being taller is only an advantage because of the longer limbs that come with it, not the higher vantage point.

[@MB-tc7tw]

⁠@@Psycho-go5yrIn a fight with trained sword fighters it’s a big problem. Going for the legs would expose his hands, arms, and head. An untrained fighter would go for the legs because it’s right in front of their eyes. A trained fighter wouldn’t succumb to the temptation because they know taking an opponent’s legs won’t matter if they take your head. This would be doubly true if your opponent is your opponent is likely the one who has been bonking you on the head during training since you were a child. Trained swordsmen prioritize their own survival over scoring hits. Additionally any jump to the sides of obiwan exposes his flank to a counter. Any jump in front puts him on unstable ground with his back to the lava. Any jump over him would take focus with the force which would distract him when passing precariously close to obi wan and/or ataru forms which Anikan did not train in (but obiwan was trained in by Quigon). A vertical jump leaves his legs exposed, so his only option is to flip and as Anikan focused on D’jem so which focuses on footwork and power such a flip negates all his advantages.

[@gregory57481]

@@Psycho-go5yr I'll take my 20 years of martial arts experience. What your saying would apply if you do something like that uses a short blade, an actual sword can easily cover your legs with its length. someone below you would be dealing with way heavier strikes than someone on the same level as you because there is more momentum.

[@Psycho-go5yr]

@gregory57481 then I question how many times your actually sparred on a slope. Don't put words in my mouth, I'm not saying you can't block attacks aimed at your legs with a longsword. I'm saying it's more difficult, especially when they are right at your opponents torso level. The most effective way to defend your legs is to simply step back and get them out of range when able, and that becomes much more difficult on a slope. A good enough sword fighter can overcome that 100%. But a less skilled one will almost always be better off in the lower position. Now, it's an entirely different story if shields or spears are involved. Now in the interests of honesty, I'm personally trained in Taekwondo and am much more familiar with weapons like the staff and single stick then the longsword but I have 2 friends who do HEMA and I'm much more inclined to believe them then some random person on the internet.

[@EAWanderer]

A choice Vader would regret for the rest of his life His arrogance resulting in his severed limbs and severe burning

[@elmermedina1713]

I think cutting off Mace's hand was his greatest regret

[@actuary33]

Couldve jumped to another part of the land n continued.

[@sullenmadmaxxx9354]

@@actuary33I doubt Obi-Wan was going to let that happen since he could just move along solid ground, and Anakin wasn't exactly being patient about things so I doubt he was in the right headspace to disengage and then fight him at a later time.

[@ZxaleJackson]

I love how this movie has been out for almost 20 years now and the content stays coming and interesting! Keep this up please 🙏🏽

[@theguvnor3880]

Nobody goes through life without tasting a few defeats. The high ground is the exception.

[@motharchenemy8549]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z6DZqnttn5eJoNksi=NtIErWw3EBnAgjBv the high ground can be sidestepped.

[@robertagu5533]

Thought that was John Wick, Bruce Lee an Chuck Norris

[@windghost2]

And you can come back through those defeats even stronger than before.

[@silentalliance3269]

Also Obi-Wan had a sabre fully lit and ready where as his fight against Darth Maul where Maul looks confused he couldn’t figure out what obi one could do or would do…. Obi-Wan did something many Jedi‘s just can’t do … and that’s force leap over mauls head in a somersault activate A light saber Force activate it & cut Maul in half !!!!!????? That’s legendary forever

[@jahleercarlos9151]

I think “I have the high ground” is a double entendre for physically having the high ground but also morally having the high ground

[@johncraftenworth7847]

Indeed. Force Karma was allowing Obi Wan match the greater "power" of Anakin and his wits, strategy and skill with a blade were really unequaled, that's why Anakin was trying to beat him at his greatest strength, pure lightsaber dueling.

[@cherrytonshawty9120]

Man, I feel like Old Ben could've beat Vader if he had really wanted to. The mind games he plays with Sith Lords and Stormtroopers alike is just amazing to me. Fricking love Obi-Wan Kenobi. Loved his show too. ❤️

[@frankdees507]

He was a match, but he wouldn’t have beat the suit Vader. By that point, Obiwan was 20 years out of using the force, for fear of being discovered by the emperor and the empire. Vader by then was beyond jedi mind tricks, and was the most savage jedi killer in galactic history. Jedi mind tricks never even worked on Grevious. Vader outright killed opposing force users by that time, no psychological warfare involved.

[@zephyr_koryami]

Proof that Obi-wan lives up to his legend as the Master Jedi of Galactical Trolling

[@ArthurCallahan389]

I like this! This explanation makes perfect sense to me & changes the way I saw that scene, makes it more meaningful imo.

[@TheMAZZTer]

When it was first explained to me that the end of Vader/Kenobi's duel mirrored the end of the Kenobi/Maul duel, it blew my mind and gave me a deeper appreciation of the PT.

[@Ariapeithes_]

The soundtrack always gets me hyped...

[@YamiTaicho385]

Best thing about the movies is the ost. The laser sword fights are cool too

[@timwhite5562]

There are quite a few variables that aren't being addressed in this analysis. Firstly If you're standing on the high-ground you can bring a lot more force and speed bringing your blade down onto someone. Fighting up means you have to hold the sword above shoulder level, which reduces your strength considerably. You don't need to take my word for it, just hold a broomstick upwards at a 45⁰ angle and push something with it that has some weight to it, then put it down and do the same with a 45⁰ angle facing down. Beyond that, while the one on the bottom has the opponent's legs, the high ground opens up the head, neck, and shoulders too attack. If the person on high brings their sword down, the other person will block it. However once the strike is blocked, their head is open and all the other person has to do is bring their blade up to the neck or head and there would be no way the person on low could block it since their blade is below it. Seeing as with a light saber the entire blade is essentially the edge, you wouldn't even need to adjust your grip to get the edge up because the entire thing is the edge. Every time I see clips of this fight I'm reminded of just how much of badass Hayden Christensen is with the light saber.

[@Psycho-go5yr]

That's actually not true. If you try to swing down with full force all your going to do is over balance and fall forward, at least if you lean forward at all...and if you don't all your opponent has to do is step back to be out of your reach. In turn, blindly stepping backwards uphill is more difficult then down. Slopes are all sorts of nasty when it comes to messing with your balance.

[@VanillaSunrise]

having the highground in melee combat is important because it causes your opponent to tire faster and strike up. they may have access to your legs but you have access to their neck

[@Spades340]

In support of this, I could see how fighting from a lower position could cause you to rely on yours shoulders (smaller, weaker muscles) more to keep your weapon high.

[@scottgauthier4157]

An excellent breakdown and explanation of the duel.

[@silver831cali3]

The high ground wasn't about fighting but the jump. He wasn't able to walk on lava but the jump

[@AsreiMurasame]

This is what I always thought but the way they portrayed the bank obi wan was standing on didn't make it look that way. I always figured it meant Anakin couldn't walk up or approach Obi Wan without jumping to him which would leave him wide open regardless of how the jump was approached. The only real way to achieve would be to try and jump behind your opponent which is what he attempted to do, and at the same time Anakin craved to shame/defeat his master with Obi Wans own technique. Obi Wan knew all of this.

[@ragnarshadow]

high ground in a close distance fight and Obi-Won's tactical advantage at that moment are different. Plus "It's over Angstyteen, I have the high ground" sounds better than "It's over Anakin, I have the tactical advantage due to distance height and the lava.

[@reginaldinoenchillada3513]

"I will cut you up. I already said i will do what i must." "Don't underestimate my power! Aahhh, he butchered me!"

[@joezink881]

Honestly, Obi Wan is so goated. Perfect balance of brains and brawn.

[@chadflanaganCFC]

A better example of the high ground doing nothing in a lightsaber duel is look at every single duel Yoda was in, he never has the high ground and he dismantles everyone.

[@imnotinsanebisquit]

2:25 Padme goes from "ani, i'm pregnant" to dadbod-heavy-drinker-size belly in a few days apparently ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@ravenrise320]

In a sword fight or gun fight. If an attacker has to fight uphill, they are immediately at a disadvantage. They will burn energy faster and expose larger amounts of their body, especially their head and upper torso, while having less chance to engage in any kind of effective flanking maneuvers. And for the defende? Them having the high ground puts their attacker furthur away and allows their movements to be seen and prepared for in advance. So having the high ground in any kind of REAl combat is always advantageous. So long as the defender is fully prepared and willing to exploit that advantage.

[@kingshadow8782]

High Ground.

[@Phoenixoflife56]

The thing is that according to the expert on swordplay that Mythbusters consulted holding the high ground does grant a slight advantage however can be negated by skilled enough swordsmen. This explains why it is rarely capitalized on because in most cases opponents are beyond the skill threshold for there to be a advantage

[@Smiff33]

As far as the Dooku/Anakin instance, I would surmise that Dooku and Anakin were both too arrogant to consider these things. I don't think dooku realized he was being bluffed by Anakin/Kenobi Saber Form until after this instance at the stairs. Please correct me if I'm not making sense 😁

[@SHARKVADERS]

THIS IS OUTRAGEOUS

[@slowdownex]

The art of war. Written by, shi tsu.

[@MatthewFronsoe]

You can get anything you like at Obi-Wan's restaurant: "The High Ground".

[@ozmozis6073]

Damn! This was very good. Thanks!!!

[@wheeljack1227]

Its also the 2nd time Obi-Wan took a left arm. He disarmed Savage Oppress the same way a year ago.

[@tetra8157]

i think he has a thing with taking left arms he disarms the guy in the cantina in episode 4 like decades after lmao

[@nightmaremaster7731]

The fight between Obi-Wan and Darth Maul from what I’ve seen Obi-Wan caught Darth Maul by surprise

[@ciscoak9074]

The fucked up part is obiwan was warning anakin that he knew what he was thinking n about to try (anakin was thinking about obiwan defeating maul), but the difference was that obiwan was trying to warn anakin that he sees it coming!! Pretty much saying "i know whats coming, what u wanna try wont work if ur opponant sees it coming! so just DONT!!" He told him he was gonna cut him in half without saying as much!

[@DaveP1979]

Obiwan warns him don't try, but what he was really doing is negging the shit out of him to try it. Obiwan needed the new Darth Vader to jump so Obiwan could slice the Slith Lord. Well played.

[@kaidorade1317]

Anakin …this is NOT like the simulation. Don’t try it!

[@gaztendu5268]

Obi-Wan master of trolling

[@fatboy_jarred6925]

2:25 days earlier? youre telling me in a few days padme grows 2 whole children in her body. It's been several months at least if luke and lei are premies

[@tootall4u750]

Good episode and I really like/appreciate when you break down Star Wars canon/movie/series stuff. Overall though, your episodes are super interesting and I like checking them out to learn more. Keep up the good work.

[@jaythor70]

I love these videos, and enjoy them even more than watching Episode 1....gives clarity to muddled movies.

[@jameslauder3984]

Destroyed by his own hubris

[@schaddalton]

To the point about Obi-Wan dismembering Anakin and how no Sith would expect a Jedi to perform that move, Obi-Wan had also warned him about such things at the start of the fight. After all, the last thing he said to Vader before the fuel began was, "I will do what I must." And he did.

[@soupsalad2468]

I interpreted the purpose of the line as "it's over Anakin" = "I can't save you from this path" "I have the high ground" = "but, you're still wrong, the Jedi still have the moral high ground" I'm sure the line serves multiple purposes because the writing in these movies was pretty clever at times

[@SirWhig-esq.]

Eternalised Legends

[@MrGogether3000]

Dooku was only testing young skywalker as ordered by Sidious.

[@ArcheonW]

It was foreshadowed that anakin thought he was better with a lightsaber than he actually was.

[@PrettyboyAshtun]

1. Death 2. Taxes 3. The High Ground

[@ShadesApeDJansu]

【Shades Finnish Pirates】Way i see this scene is that high ground is based since you have shorther reach to decapitate your opponent, so really having high ground / shorter access to your opponents head is a advantage and also swinging a sword even if lightsabers do not weight that much still at that stage on the fight with the fatique levels considered it's much easier to pull of a succesful move downwards. There is the obvious time to re-adjust that Ani had to take after the jump to even ground also which mainly gave Obi the time to perform his move, i see Obi's declaration as a way for Obi to try to stop the fight and if Ani won't listen the consequences will be terrible that Ani too was aware of as a seasoned strategist & duelist but he was blinded by the power of the Dark side & the rage. I see no desire to insult in Obi's eyes, just love for his former Padawan and Ani seems not to be insulted as he is confident in his new powers so i must be against the video title or the deductions you drew about the high ground statement from Obi

[@kevinhansen8211]

A brilliant move by the negotiator. Though, I always thought the high ground comment, meant that he knew Anakin could not leap high enough to avoid his blade. That is what not simply a trick, but a fact, but again, that just proves your point. Had Anakin not been so drunk on dark side power, he would not have accepted that challenge. It was foolish, and a mistake, and Obi wan made him pay for it. It worked for Obi-Wan on Maul because he had also been too arrogant, he thought the fight was over, and couldn't even imagine the young Jedi had anything left. Good analysis here, thanks.

[@johnwebb4499]

Do the Jedi ever notice that every light saber battle they have... the background colors fit perfectly to make their light saber colors pop?

[@jarnMod]

Now the "I hate you" had a new meaning. Imagine boxing with your bro, and he said "You can't miss this!". You asked "miss what?". "Deez nuts!" He replied. In a spur of moment, you jab at his face and he kicked your nuts. You crawled and screamed "I hate you!". That's how I'd feel seeing that scene again. How can you do this to your bro, Obiwan?

[@ClassicalSquaresoft]

0:05 Anakin jumps to his left, lands on the ground a few feet away from Kenobi and continues his fight. Not try to jump over Kenobi like an idiot.

[@aidanrandall7438]

I think you are wrong. First I don't think high ground was a last ditch plan. Also I do think it does give you a slight advantage.

[@VitaminCee_38]

Not only stupendous but BRILLIANT analysis!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 bravo!

[@Nickuh88]

Wouldn't it just be the fact that he's surrounded by lava and has no other path of action than to follow TO the high...but also less room to maneuver since he's on a tiny platform. The jump when Kenobi did it was to overcome the same situation, nowhere to run to, no way to fight back, but a surprise maneuver thought impossible. Anakin would never admit defeat and knew full well he could make the same move. But it's not a surprise anymore. Kenobi didn't underestimate him at all and meant what he said -- it's over, there's no other way than to forfeit or burn. And burn he did.

[@austindeese6467]

Obi Wan didn’t bait him, he didn’t want to fight any more. He said it’s over! He couldn’t fight his brother any more and warned him not to try jumping over him.

[@connorgibson5224]

Once again obi wan is the supreme master of trolling in Star Wars 😂

[@D_To_The_J]

The high ground gives you an advantage as you have gravity on your side making your strikes stronger and theirs weaker since they have to swing upwards at an awkward angle while you swing downwards. Anakin also had a pool of lava behind him so he would not be able to retreat as he was pressured downward. Aiming for the legs would be a fatal mistake as yes you may take my leg but then I take your head since it is now fully exposed. A staircase is different since it is not a smooth/level surface. You dont have as big of an advantage because you can't move freely. Obi-Wan was also baiting Anakins arrogance since instead of simply retreating to fight another day or approach from a different angle, he forced a bad move and we know how that ended.

[@brandonc3956]

I always saw it from the standpoint of he couldn’t attack as well. From the angel of the jump it wasn’t smart to jump into an attack. He could land lower on the slope the heat was too much and the platform he was on was protecting him, he needed to land on the top of the bank to avoid being burned but the arch of his jump was going to put him in a hard to defend striking position. I think the movie should of made the jump look farther, in my opinion it looks as if he could force jump past obi wan, if you think about the bank of a river and where the “high ground would be that could be a 30 or 40 foot jump. And after that intense battle he probably didn’t have the strength to jump farther than where obi won landed.

[@faizfuad8361]

Obi-Wan the Gaslighting Expert lol

[@Gor85]

Obi-Wan perfectly analyzed the duel. He knew Anakin too well. So he did what he had to do. Anakin learned his lesson on Mustafar. He see this in their next duel. May the Force be with you too

[@JayBChannel-q3x]

SW, the high ground tactic does apply to a lightsaber duel as well. Yes, the legs are exposed more to the combatant on the high ground. But, the combatant climbing up the ground is off-balance and not centered in their attack stance, they are multitasking when the person on the hilltop is firmly planted and balanced. Anakin was trying to even the uneven footing quickly and Obi-Wan exploited it by baiting Anakin into attacking. Obi-Wan had a golden opportunity to defeat Anakin long before the "high ground" scene. This is the part to my knowledge no Star Wars KZbinr or fan has made reference to: Obi-Wan could have decapitated Anakin in the conference area where Anakin had killed all of the CIS leadership but Obi-wan hesitated because of his love for Anakin. Flashback to the battle on Grievous's ship during the siege on Coruscant. After Ob-Wan and Anakin escaped their capture and reclaimed their sabers from Grievous, a duel began between the two Jedi and the droids utilizing the electrically charged staffs. During this fight, Obi-wan's droid opponent attacked him and. he parried and forced down the droid's weapon towards the ground exposing the droid's upper body to attack. Once this occurred, Ob-Wan spun with lightning speed and decapitated the droid, but the droid continued to fight. Flash forward to Mustafar: back to the tragic duel between brothers. In the conference area after being pushed back through the narrow corridor with sparks flying from the lightsabers scraping the walls. Once in the open conference room, Anakin pushes Ob-Wan back and then attacks forward on Obi-Wan aggressively once again. When Obi-Wan uses Soresu to use Anakin's momentum against Anakin by maneuvering himself in a fashion and slammed Anakin's blade against a control panned that triggered the massive metallic structures that lowered into the lava river. At this part is where all Star Wars fans may have overlooked, (and shows that George Lucas did not want to deviate from the established history and ensure the antagonist survives until the original trilogy). Once Obi-Wan slammed Darth Vader's saber onto the control panel, Anakin's upper body was completely left open and vulnerable as the droid was Obi-Wan fought on Grievous's ship. On the ship, Obi-Wan capitalized on the moment and decapitated the droid in a spinning move after lowering the opponent's defense. Obi-Wan had Anakin in the same position on Mustafar. Obi-Wan had the golden opportunity to decapitate Anakin in the same fashion in a reverse spinning strike. Obi-wan missed it. Once the Anakin's blade was slammed onto the control panel by Ob-Wan, the scene flashed to the metallic structures being lowered by Anakin's blade hitting that panel. I believe this was done intentionally by Lucas. Lucas could have ended Anakin's fight right at that moment as he demonstrated how ultra-fast Obi-wan can be with his spinning attacks but refused his character to do that again with Anakin on Mustafar. Showing that Obi-Wan could not bring himself to kill Anakin. Also, this ensure's story continuity for Vader's inevitable survival to a New Hope and his fate in the black armor. For any fan who doubts this theory, please retwatch these scenes in Ep. 3 and see for yourself. I understand that it would have been a very short fight if Ob-Wan followed his instincts. But, this is a movie and Lucas wanted a very long and climactic battle and to ensure continuity of canon.

[@michaelgarcia8602]

It does set something light. I do understand. Obi-Wan was always a much better Jedi in his own way. Obi-Wan does love his brother.

[@pezzetinosharkmeister9505]

brilliant interpretation/explanation! Obiwann tricking Maul to his death with à similar tacticien on Tattaoine years later!

[@TheCulturedMan34]

Kenobi needed the high ground to coax Anni to take the bait. Arrogance alone most likely wouldn't be enough

[@robertagu5533]

This worked the best against Anakin cuz Kenobi KNEW Anakin lacked the 2 things the most to negate his high ground advantages a massive skill advantage which while very skilled he didnt have THAT sort yet.. nor did Anakin have a ton of specialized experience in that kinda situation. So he wasnt prepared properly. An Anakin wasnt thinking clearly enough to take the hint even when Obi Wan LITERALLY spelled it out for him an how HE shoulda known better being literally reminded whom Anakin was dealing with.

[@RisitasKEKW]

Anakin: *most powerful Sith Lord ever* Obi wan: *stands on a very slightly elevated mound* Anakin: *fucking dies*

[@brittonnevans2208]

Sure, they have the legs, but you have the head.

[@SAVAG3RABB1T]

Anakin choosing the low ground is significant here. As we see him acrobatically jump towards the inferno... remember the pain and anger that's felt being too close to such heat... synonymous with the pain and anger that's present in his turn to the dark side... and again, it was Anakins' choice here. It can be argued that the Jedi Council, political stress, etc set him up to make that choice, sure, but remember... Anakin knew suffering, pain, loneliness, enslavement, and anger most of his life. Slavery, losing his mom, losing his wife, trading one enslavement for another... being told he is the chosen one, of great power, and special.. all he wanted to do was save those he loved and prevent them from dying... he wanted to avoid the pain and loss he felt... he believed he could achieve that power not as a Jedi but by using the other side of the force. If anything, Anakin is a product of his own unavoidable situation. His choice to leap to a floating pad in lava is a forecast of his choice to embrace the pain he knew was calling him so intently for most of his life. Inevitability.

[@tedbosquez19]

If you have to ask what the high ground is or why it mattered, you will never be worthy of being on the high ground …

[@CalebD3232]

If you swing at a person on high grounds legs in a swordfight, you lose cause you leave all of your vitals exposed.

[@warpdriveby]

High ground as an army is really important, in one on one one sword combat it isn't unusually helpful because it's very hard to move and strike downhill while your opponent can slowly back up, but Anakin couldn't. It wasn't the high ground it was that Anakin had to leap over Obi-wan and attack him at the same time and couldn't adjust once committed. The leap didn't work for Anakin for exactly the same reason it did work on Maul.

[@mattlowery1997]

Probably my favorite Star Wars quote lol I say it a lot playing call of duty 😂

[@ChancreSaurusRex]

Anakin had already lost before he ignited his lightsaber.

[@theworkingmanpodcast]

Masterful explanation!

[@shaunbauer78]

I'm assuming vadar was using the force to keep what he was standing on from floating down past Obi-Wan? Since you can see the flow of lava going past where he was stopped

[@anaias74]

I would love to see a full report on why Mace Windu and the other members of the council did not wait till the next morning. Why they went out to arrest him in pllace of letting the senate take away his power the day after.

[@haynesdevon0]

Yo I know exactly what you mean just by reading the title. That was mad disrespectful. He said "don't do it, you ain't me"

[@shaungonzales7918]

It's quite obvious The high ground referred to Anakin having to jump which would put him in a precarious situation

[@daelinmiller4437]

Actually behind the scenes (Hayden Christianson) had to film a scene up a hill and he told George Lucas he hated going up that hill and everybody on set knew he hated going up the hill so it became a running joke then it ended up being a last minute change on the script as a joke "I have the high ground!" It was truly Anikans weakness going up the hill 😂😂😂

[@johncraftenworth7847]

Yes, he's saying he knew he was fighting a no holds barred Sith, and he couldn't be surprised by his own move. The other meaning is the truth, that he had the moral high ground as the truest Jedi example. Both insults as Anakin viewed the Jedi as an evil at this point. Force karma was not going to let Anakin prevail in this battle. Further, Obi Wan was the most bulletproof duelist, Force contests were his only weakness, but Anakin didn't want to beat him that way, he wanted to best him at his greatest strength, tactical strategy and saber dueling. BIG mistake.

[@moorebounce]

Obi-Wan was trying to help his friend. It wasn't an insult. Anakin said "hold my beer". Then Obi-Wan proceeds to hit a triple. Then steals home plate.

[@rollingpingamers2785]

Is it terrible of me to think "mmmm crispy" every time I see Anakin get burned?

[@jabulinatheseal1406]

Idk if you guys have done this yet but an analysis on the dooku vs anakin, obi wan, and yoda on geonosis would be cool

[@cdog33ify]

Obi-Wan Kenobi pulled a general grievous when he is a cheap tactic to win the battle😂😂😂

[@pachalos6462]

I love this video and there is a lot of truth in it, but let me tell you, in a sword fight, having a high ground is truly beneficial. The enemy may can attack your legs but you can attack their head. As a historical reenacter on one festival had a fight on a slide. Every time those won who had the high ground. Its really hard to counter. Easier to defend from below than above.

[@Overlord367]

see I actually think it was planned as a trap as if he’s going to attack may as well tick him off and use his own ego to his advantage.although the sith kinda pull on that stuff so I’m like good move?maybe? 0:01

[@vortega472]

Oh for the love of Yoda! He was telling Anakin that he had the moral high ground. Geesh!! I use too many exclamation points don't I!!!

[@orionsimerl6539]

Mfers are star wars nerding me. I keep getting these videos in my feed and im learning much more about Stars Wars than I'd like to know.

[@landmaster10]

Had Anakin quadrupled his flip power, he could have avoided this tragedy.

[@BlairStOnge]

Holding the high ground, while being such a powerful defensive duelist, made Obi-Wan essentially untouchable by a direct attack. The high ground is a huge advantage, even in a lightsaber duel. The fact that other characters didn’t use it at every opportunity can be attributed to ego, arrogance, and neglectful writing. It doesn’t serve as evidence that the high ground holds little value.

[@lordnoodle2146]

I am not knowledgeable in light saber styles. Historically fighting up hill has always been seen as a disadvantage in melee combat as the combatant would be fighting against gravity amongst other things. Obi Wan would have a clear advantage especially when you consider that Obi Wan is over looking a lava beach with solid terrain behind him gave him plenty of room for mobility and even if he were to be pushed he would be safe. While Anakin had a sea of Lava behind him which pinned him between Obi Wan and certain death. Limiting his options to kill Obi Wan or push him back until his position was better. To make matters worse when you consider that Anakin isn't even on solid ground but on a floating rock. You have to consider not only does Anakin contend with all of the above but he also has to make a landing on the lava beach while keeping his guard up as a well timed force push would spell the end for anakin if he loses his composure. In this position Anakin's only option was force jump leaving him open. So his best option was to jump behind Obi Wan which would have put Obi Wan on the back foot instead of Anakin which was predictable. Honestly I do genuinely think it was over because of lack of options Anakin had to deal with the high ground. The leg defence doesn't work because he would only need to focus on defending his legs while all off Anakin's vitals and even his arms were within Obi Wan's striking range. Prior to this battle they seemed to be on an even footing with Anakin with a mild advantage. But I do think given the position Obi Wan was in was just tactically advantageous that turned the tide in his favour and Anakin was aware of this which enraged him because he knew right but couldn't accept it. So it forced his hand and in his hastle, Obi Wan spotted an openning. That is how I saw it and unlike with Darth Maul who generally thought he had won so he took the time to gloat. Obi Wan never let his guard down while his opponent could still fight. However the biggest difference between Obi Wan and Maul vs Anakin and Obi Wan is simple fact the when Obi Wan tried to kill Maul he took time to addess his surroundings, make a plan and wait for an opening despite being in a dire situation. Anakin rushed in without assessing his situation. Also they may have engaged in melee combat towards this point but there was no reason Obi couldn't start lifting and raining down all sorts of projectiles down on Anakin or even life the lava itself to throw at him. Giving a clear ranged advantage. In that case Obi Wan would be in a safer position. In short Obi Wan had a better view of his suroundings, had to expend less effort and had more options. The high ground did matter as specified. Sorry for the Essay hope it makes sense but I do think the high ground mattered in this battle. Especially considering it was in solid ground. I think the scene in return of the Jedi where luke is on a Balcony what I mean by that.

[@Rob.Ech1987]

I'd love to see an analysis of the duel between Luke and Vader on Bespin.