🥇 ESSAY CONTEST WINNER

Mual was seemingly created to be a one time Villain, yet George Lucas had the idea and even the desire to bring Darth Maul back to life. This would, as we all know, come to be. It was in the clone wars when we all came to love Maul especially while he was In his prime and in his element: chaos. Its an obvious theme that follows him. That, in fact, is the core of his character.

What is the very first thing we saw of Maul in Star Wars the Clone Wars? He had eight legs, which he could barely hold himself up with. His movements were unpredictable, he yells and writhes like he can’t control his actions. It is only when Mother Talzin heals Mual that he is in control, and It is then when the chaos is truly unleashed. Its all still inside, just controlled by actions. Further adding to this, I saw a poll on Youtube by just an every day youtuber, and it asked if you had ever imagined killing someone. I fail to recollect the exact results, but I remember the majority said that they had. I, unfortunately and remorsefully have done accordingly, of course not seriously considering doing it by any means. Perhaps you have had similar thoughts as well. However, none of us have killed anyone, and hopefully never will. This is to say, we have control over our actions. Our body and mind are thankfully separate, and what we think will not actually happen. Going off topic briefly, if I had one wish I would quite seriously consider not asking for riches, knowledge, or even force powers, but the ability to not think evil thoughts. It is a great guilt I beare at times which I think things that I can’t stop myself from thinking. Back on topic, It is evident to me that even though Maul can control more of himself, he can’t help himself. He has to cause destruction. You can’t imagine him meditating, or sipping tea on a front porch while waching the sun set on a grateful universe… where have I heard that from? (lol). You imagine him with fire around reflecting off of his yellow eyes.

But you know what is even more interesting? That he deals destruction, but not without purpose. And for all of the clone wars episodes, he has only had one. He wants to kill Obi-Wan. If Maul’s core is chaos, his nucleus in Kenobi.

Maul, after all the years on the Lotho Minor, has ever ceased to think about Obi-Wan and creating suffering and pain for him. He is fixated on him. It is impossible for him to think about anything else. After all, this what kept him alive, his malice for Kenobi. On the complete other spectrum, you have Obi-Wan. He has not given a thought to Maul for years. I am sure after the death of his master he would give a great deal of thought in regards to Maul. However, Obi-Wan has, very admirably, put it behind him. He is incredibly surprised to find that Maul survived. Maul gains power, alliances, armies, and crafts brilliantly thought out conflicts for Kenobi. To me, the most devastating blow ever dealt to Obi-Wan was without question to me, when Maul killed Satine. Maul had orchestrated a masterful trap for Kenobi. Maul could have murdered the duchess whenever he pleased, but he was only going to do it for Kenobi to watch for him to crumble under. But the most Jedi thing I have ever witnessed came from it. Obi-Wan Kenobi neither crumbled nor had any emotion after the initial incident. He gathered himself completely. It is so heartbreaking because Obi-Wan does not show sadness after the event.

He can’t. It's the love of his life, and he is not permitted to be sad about it. Coming back to the focal point of this essay, Maul is overjoyed to observe Obi-Wan lifeless for the brief moment that I believe we did see him that way. But after he is imprisoned by the separatists. He breaks free, but then gets back to business once more. He makes a plan to lure Kenobi yet again. This time to simultaneously end his old master’s plan. Then, as it comes to be, his plan fails again. All of that effort was wasted on Obi-Wan. But even after all of that, he still searches. He scours the galaxy for a way to find him. He has to deceive a padawan to aid him in order to continue his quest. The duel is twin suns will conclude this paper.

Firstly, this scene is done beautifully. "Perhaps you are protecting something... no, protecting someone!" is one of the best lines anyone could have written. And when Obi-Wan doesn’t reply it says more than words ever could. Then the briefest duel happens. And Maul falls to be caught in the arms of Obi-Wan Kenobi. Maul is looking up at the night sky, being held up by the one he wants to kill the most.

I believe Kenobi pitied Maul in that moment. He didn’t care about him didn’t feel remorse, but pitied him. Its a very beautiful picture. Its also very devastating. All the war, the bloodshed, the destruction for one man. The entirety of his whole storyline just for him to never accomplish his life goal. Some people live for happiness, some live for their religion, and some for work. But Maul lived to see Obi-Wan suffer. That is the only thing that he truly cared about. Its the only only times we saw him smile. It’s like its the only thing that brings him joy. Its what you, the reader, can conclude. Maul lived a meaningless, miserable life. Its sad, and I feel for the guy. He got taken away from his home to be tortured by palpatine, but none to the effect of what he inflicted on Obi-Wan or anyone else. His greatest pain, his greatest joy: his obsession with Kenobi. Its was his first waking thought, his last thought before bed, it's what he dreamed about. Its a tragedy.

WIth that, these closing conclusions will end this paper. I feel like there is no real moral or takeaway from this, only to realize that obsessing over something to where its all you think about is not good. As well as forgiving your enemies and those you have wronged you. Although Maul killed Qui-Gon so he had it coming. I have actually had times where one thing was all I thought about. It was a prison and a curse, which only falls with time. I hope you were entertained, enlightened, but most importantly, I hope this paper was worth your time. How we spend our time and thoughts is one of the most important things in life. Goodbye my friend. May the force be forever with you.