What happens when you pit Qui-Gon Jinn, a Jedi Master, against Darth Maul, a Dathomirian Zabrak Sith lord? You end up with a spectacular fight scene that sets the stage for Obi-Wan’s victory and subsequent growth in the series. While Star Wars: The Phantom Menace was released in 1999, the fight scenes between Qui-Gon and Darth Maul still hold up to this day.

Keep reading to find out more about the iconic battle between Qui-Gon and Darth Maul and maybe invest in a Qui-Gon lightsaber replica to reenact it yourself!!

The Duel on Tatooine

The duel between Qui-Gon and Darth Maul takes place during the Invasion of Naboo. Darth Maul was sent to Tatooine by Darth Sidious in order to capture Queen Amidala as she had escaped the Trade Federation’s Sith blockade of Naboo. Queen Amidala was under the temporary protection of Qui-Gon when Darth Maul found her.

Darth Maul ambushed Qui-Gon just as they were ready to depart Tatooine. This first duel between the two skilled force wielders was brief but fierce. Darth Maul showcased a terrifying combination of agility, anger, and ferocity that Qui-Gon couldn’t meet. Darth Maul’s double bladed lightsaber was one of the factors that put Maul ahead in the fight, as Qui-Gon’s lightsaber just couldn’t compete with it.

In the end, Qui-Gon managed to fend Darth Maul off long enough for his ship to launch. The Jedi had thought the Sith to be extinct, leaving Qui-Gon to ask who is Darth Maul?

Qui-Gon vs. Darth Maul: The Final Battle

Qui-Gon and Darth Maul faced off for a second time on Naboo during the retaking of Theed Royal Palace. It is clear that Darth Maul learned from the duel on Tatooine and was an even fiercer opponent than before. The light side managed to give Darth Maul a run for his money while Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan fought together, but when Obi-Wan got separated from the fight, things took a turn for the worse.

Qui-Gon and Darth Maul seemed to be evenly matched as Obi-Wan waited to rejoin the fight; Darth Maul managed to land a well-timed strike from his lightsaber hilt that caused Qui-Gon’s guard to lower. This led to Darth Maul fatally stabbing Qui-Gon. 

At this point, Obi-Wan rejoined the fight and managed to avenge his Master when he sliced Darth Maul in half. Qui-Gon managed to stay alive long enough to make Obi-Wan promise him to train young Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi.

The Light Side Prevails

When you consider the battle between Qui-Gon and Darth Maul, it isn’t simply a fight between good and evil. It shows the viewer that while evil may win sometimes, good will always prevail. The light side may have lost Qui-Gon in this fight, but it is the catalyst for Obi-Wan’s growth and mindset as a future Jedi Master.

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