You don't have to be from a long time ago or live in a galaxy far, far away to know that mentors have their place in storytelling. They come in many varieties, but few make as lasting an impression as this "Wan!"
The typical nature of this trope is that the character is older, calm, and about to kick the bucket anyway. They can die as soon as Act 2 in the first film or book 6 of a lengthy series - most often with dramatic effect.
"I never got that toffee every-flavor bean ..."
Not every mentor under this definition has to die. We might be led to believe that they're dead, only to make us freak out when they make their reappearance.
"Fly, you fools!"
"Psych, you fools!"
For the record, Obi-Wans don't have to be wizards or wield special powers. They can be ordinary folks or brilliant scientists with super (soldier) ideas.
"I just know zhe value of strength ..."
And not every Obi-Wan is a good guy, so you know.
"I've played an Obi-Wan twice!"
Kelsier from Mistborn.
The Third Hokage from Naruto.
Rufus in Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.
Chubbs from Happy Gilmore (comedic example).
"Hot Ice" Hilda from Outlaw Star (female example).
Merlin the Wizard to King Arthur (legend example).
Can you tell which books these Obi-Wans are from?
10 points if you know their names
Examples of this trope are endless. And yet, it never gets old. Perhaps this is due to the natural order of life. We learn stuff, we pass it on to the younger generation, and then keel over. Rinse. Lather. Repeat.
Have you written an Obi-Wan? What other examples can you think of? Would you like some toast?
I'm David, and ... "Remember Who You Are ..."
"Mufasa! Mufasa! Mufasa!"
Now that one I've used! Hated killing him off though.
ReplyDeleteAccording to my son, who is the Obi-Wan of all things Redwall, that is the grave of Martin the Warrior.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting take on the Obi-Wan is the faux Obi-Wan like Lady Russell in Jane Austen's Persuasion. The older "wise" character who gives out bad advice. (Can you call a Jane Austen character a "faux Obi-Wan?" :)
I'm trying to think if I have, lol. I've used a ton of actual Obi-Wan references in my contemporary, but that's it, lol.
ReplyDeleteIn the Bible, Samuel was the Obi-Wan to King Saul and King David. That's how far back these things go. Can't remember if he died spectacularly though.
ReplyDeleteYou've mentioned so many. I would have to say...Shifu from Kunfu Panda.
ReplyDeleteYes, I love some cinnamon toast please.
The other thing I was going to mention is that's the kind of role Sean Connery played for pretty much the last 20 years of career: Highlander, Indiana Jones 3, Finding Forrester, League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, etc.
ReplyDeleteI'm intrigued by the evil mentor. It's a fascinating twist, and could be the most dangerous villain ever.
ReplyDeleteCan I just say that I love that you brought up rufus from Bill and TEds. ha ha.
ReplyDeleteI hated it when Alex killed his off, too! lol
ReplyDeleteI didn't think at first that I had, but now that I think about it I have--in my current WIP.
And about your question above, I have no idea about the picture on the left with the mice, but that's Brom on the right, isn't it, from Eragon?
I like The Obi-Wan. I will be using a character like that in my Trilogy.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love an Obi-Wan character. I agree with Erin, Rufus? Hehe. I didn't put an Obi-Wan character in the 1st TGT but I have one in mind for #2.
ReplyDeleteI've written an Obi-Wan. It's a great trope. Can't think of any off the top of my head. And why yes, toast would be lovely. :)
ReplyDeleteDavid, I've been asked to be an Obi-Wan. And the person actually wanted to write a book about it and kill me off in the end. I turned down the offer. :)
ReplyDeleteI do have an Obi-Wan! He's a crusty old man and yes, he'll probably die.
ReplyDeleteHmm, I don't think I've used a mentor. Though if I ever went back and finished that first book there would be one there.
ReplyDeleteI love your reasons why this trope doesn't get old.
I'm using Bassa to Byron from Alex Cavanaugh's sci-fi epic CassaStar! Great example of "an Obi-Wan".
ReplyDeleteOdd that you posted about this topic when you did. Seems I wrote such a soul and then unexpectedly wrote his death over the weekend. I actually asked fellow writers if I could "Obi-Wanify" him. :-) In fantasy, pretty much anything is possible, but sometimes the dead need to stay dead.
ReplyDeleteThere is an Obi-Wan in Fraction. Two actually :)
ReplyDeleteWise words about the "wise old man/woman" archetype. I enjoy looking for these characters in books and movies and you named many of my favorites. I think these characters work so well because learning from an older, trusted, experienced mentor resonates with people. Most of us look for someone to be the wise mentor in our own pursuits. Then, we hope they steer us in the right direction with the right motives!
ReplyDeleteLosing the "guide" is a key device in an epic and dates back to the days of Homer, but still holds true today. Also, I love the "Psych" part with Gandalf...Lol:)
ReplyDeleteThe Obi-Wans completely follow Joseph Campbell's The Hero's Journey. You can't go wrong using an Obi-Wan. I don't think. Makes me wonder why I've never used one myself.
ReplyDeleteThink I have one in Derik, who teaches Roi to use his esper abilities in Homecoming, and has a strong part to play in Tourist Trap (Best Fiction book of the year in the Reader Views contest.) I don't kill him off, though--he has an important part to play (as a trusted adviser who gives well-meaning but bad advice) in the trilogy I'm polishing right now. And he's far from being all good.
ReplyDeleteOh the Mentor. Why must they always die? And what is with fiction that we can't let people who die just freakin' stay dead. That's one thing I liked about Obi-Wan: dude stayed dead. I could just strangle Gandalf. But that's another rant.
ReplyDeleteGood trope for today, David. I'm glad you included a female example: I couldn't think of any!
Thank you for mentioning Rufus. Greatest character ever.
ReplyDeleteand yoda...
ReplyDeleteand ned stark! i was so bummed!
LOL.
ReplyDeleteYour little quip from Dumbledore is killing me. You think of everything.
I love the Obi-Wan although I think my book 2 will have more of this than book 1.
I love all your examples. I love that type of character. The trick is making ours unique since the character has already been done so well.
ReplyDeleteMartin the Warrior!
ReplyDeleteI say Oogway from Kung Fu Panda. He wise and funny, a good combination. Plus he's not afraid of saying he doesn't know.
I don't think I've done the mentor before, but I'd love to write one.
Nice post! I know those photos but I forget the first one. The second one is the movie with the boy and the Dragon and he learns to use the dragon to defeat the bad guy. Forgot the movie title :P As for my novel, I do have an obi-won. In my novel it's Azibo Bakari who is the Chief Lector in the House of Life (egyptology stuff). Azibo Bakari does sound like an obi-won kind of name so I think thats pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteOver all, amazing post!
Cheers!
Mufasa Mufasa Mufasa ;)
This is a clever trope! I've written some Wans and killed them.
ReplyDeleteI have an Obi-Wan in my story. Haven't decided yet if I am going to kill him off or not.
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing that the mouse guys with the lanterns are from Redwall (which I haven't read) and I definitely know that the other one is Brom from Eragon.
mattswritinglair.blogspot.com
-Matt
I love this post! I actually wrote an Obi-Wan in one of my first pb stories. He was a honeybee who helps a scarecrow find a friend. He dies too! So sad!! :-) It all works out in the end though!
ReplyDeleteI have one of those. Sadly, he is slated to die in the 2nd book.
ReplyDeleteI recognized both pics, but am horrible with names. Great post, David.
I think my ObiWan in my book may already be dead, but then as I'm still working on things in the novel, who knows if he really is dead or not yet. I'm just waiting to see what happens. :D
ReplyDeleteGandalf is my favorite Obi-Wan, no doubt about it! I do have a wise mentor in my book, except she isn't a wizard and doesn't have a beard.
ReplyDeleteI think you've listed all the good ones. ;)
ReplyDeleteI love the Gandalf quotes. lol! So good.
What a clever post. :D
ReplyDeleteGotta love the mentor character. I usually always write one in, because someone's gotta tell the MC how to solve the world's problems ;)
And I love Stanley Tucci and Liam Neeson! (two of my fav actors ever)
Hello David!
ReplyDeleteI gave you an award on my blog. You can retrieve it at http://yadinbromberg.blogspot.com/2012/03/versatile-blogger-award.html
Thanks!
-Yadin
I love "The Obi-Wan." So wise.
ReplyDeleteDon't forget that teenagers are Obi-Wans, too! ;)
-Jackson
I love that you give a shout out to Kelsier! He is one of my recent faves for this trope. :)
ReplyDeleteI have a female "Obi-Wan" in one of my WIPs.
Ooh can I be an Obi-Wan please?? If not, I'll just go for the toast! I've given you the Sunshine Award over on my blog :)
ReplyDeleteYay for the Obi-Wan! I love Yentsin in Iron Man as the mentor. I have a mentor in my current WIP, though she doesn't die. :)
ReplyDeleteThis is so funny! I love the Gandalf and Dumbledoor captions :D I never realized just how often Obi Wans show up! Thanks for the reminder.
ReplyDeletePS, according to my blog I think you're full of sunshine.
What a great trope. I don't recall any Obi's in my writing, though. Now I'm wondering how I can write one in my YA contemporary manuscripts.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tough time I've had commenting tonight. Where'd my comment go? Anyway, to recap, Kelsier didn't die, you can't kill hope.
ReplyDeleteMickey from Rocky III though, he's really dead. And I bet Joseph Campbell is mad he didn't think of calling it the Obi Wan.