Could the return of the Emperor have been foretold centuries before he even lived? Claudia Gray’s remarkable prequel-era book Star Wars: Master & Apprentice gives us insight into Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi’s early years. Inside its pages you’ll also find ancient Jedi prophecies revealed not only to Qui-Gon for the first time, but to Star Wars fans in the real world as well. And like the steadfast Jedi Master, try as we might, we can’t stop thinking about them.
There are several thought-provoking prophecies Qui-Gon and his Master Dooku study over the course of his Padawan years, Gray skillfully reveals in the novel, but one in particular might stop a reader in their tracks:
“When the righteous lose the light, evil once dead shall return.”
With the first look at Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker fresh on readers’ minds, it’s impossible not to immediately think of Sheev Palpatine. The righteous, Han, Luke, and Leia, lost their light— young Ben. And evil once dead, you say?
The Jedi often warn not to dwell too much on prophecies; it often leads to the Dark Side, as we saw with Count Dooku. It’s still very intriguing nonetheless. The book also contains the complete prophecy of the Chosen One that forever dominated Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan’s destinies:
“A Chosen One shall come, born of no father, and through him will ultimate balance in the Force be restored.”
We know for certain this is Anakin Skywalker, confirmed by George Lucas himself years ago. If this ancient Jedi prophecy came true, couldn’t others as well? It’s easy to see why a Jedi even as unflappable as Qui-Gon Jinn could become endlessly fascinated thinking about the ramifications.
Another prophecy revealed in the pages of Master & Apprentice can get the mind spinning as well: “The danger of the past is not past, but sleeps in an egg. When the egg cracks, it will threaten the galaxy entire.” Could it be the Death Star? Starkiller Base? An actual egg? Or…? They’re not kidding about prophecies leading to the Dark Side.
Realistically, we know it’s unlikely that author Claudia Gray crafted her novel with direct input from J.J. Abrams and the Episode IX production team. But the Lucasfilm Story Group is heavily involved in both the books and films, so it’s possible. Could there be other hints of what’s to come from the ancient Jedi? Will the Emperor fully return, or will he be revealed as a Dark Side vision or Force ghost? December can’t get here fast enough for us to find out.
Star Wars: Master & Apprentice is now available in bookstores everywhere. Pick it up this month as the perfect way to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Episode I: The Phantom Menace.
Featured Image: Del Rey Books
Other Images: Disney/Lucasfilm
