Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace occupies a unique place in the Star Wars zeitgeist. It was a modern re-imagining of a beloved franchise, bringing lots of new technologies and ideas to the storytelling that we all knew and loved. Some of it worked extremely well and others...well. We all remember Jar Jar Binks.
One of the most exciting parts of the prequel trilogy was getting the opportunity to glimpse the Jedi order at the height of its influence. In Episode I, we see everything from the council to the academy, witnessing the order as it was meant to be - not as a shattered, hunted number of individuals with mysterious powers like Yoda in Episode V.
We also got to see the origins of many of our favourite characters as they grow into who they were in the OT. Obi-Wan Kenobi (this author's personal favourite) begins as a brash young Padawan - but it's his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, that many people remember most fondly from Episode I.
Who was Qui-Gon Jinn?
Qui-Gon Jinn, played by Liam Neeson, is a Jedi Master who was at the height of his renown during the end of the Republic Era. He was, like many of the series' protagonists, somewhat of a rebel: he rejected a seat on the high council in favour of following his own path through the Living Force.
What made Qui-Gon so compelling was his warrior-monk persona, enhanced on screen by Neeson's strong performance. You can forget, as you watch the film, that the actor is the same man from many modern action thrillers - he simply is the Jedi Master in charge of Obi-Wan Kenobi's tuition.
One pivotal point to make about Qui-Gon is that without him, Obi-Wan Kenobi would never have become who he is. Not only does he take on the responsibility of being his teacher, but Qui-Gon also demonstrates a level of calm and control that the brash young Kenobi learns to follow. Even in his calm nature, Qui-gon's self-possession is what really stands his out from the crowd - he's a man unafraid to go after what he believes is correct and is willing to disobey the council to do it.
But sadly, as all younglings who watched Episode I in their childhoods remember, Qui-Gon's short time on screen comes to a grisly end at the hands of Darth Maul.
In light of that loss, we don't actually get to see much of Qui-Gon Jinn's combat style. We see glimpses, however, of the warrior monk that he truly is when he chooses to calmly meditate during a break in the battle - which perfectly contrasts against Maul's impatient pacing.
While we may all have hoped for a different outcome, Qui-Gon's battle with Maul is not everything we know about his lightsaber prowess. It may surprise you to learn that the old master had some tricks up his sleeve: especially when you consider that his master was Count Dooku - one of the best 1v1 duellists in all of Star Wars history.
What Lightsaber Form Does Qui-Gon Jinn Use?
You might not expect it from his calm demenour, but when you consider Qui-Gon's backstory, you'll understand his chosen form: that of Form IV, Ataru, or 'The Aggression Form'.
Qui-gon is a rebel, constantly going against the wishes of the council in order to carve out his own path. As the pupil of Dooku, he must have learned that often the best defence is a good offence, so he wields his saber in the Ataru style like other greats such as Yoda.
Ataru is the most acrobatic of the Jedi lightsaber forms - but it's this very ability that made it so suitable for Qui-Gon. Due to the demands of the acrobatics, Ataru users typically used their connection to the force to suplement their physical skill. Here, the mystical warrior was in his element - bringing his balance and calm to a style renowned for ferocity.
In his battle against the dual-blade wielding Darth Maul, Qui-Gon's ability to use Form IV's best attributes was hindered by the tight environment. Maul himself knew the style and knew how to counter it, leading to his victory. The tragedy of losing Qui-gon and the failings of Form IV in turn led to Obi-Wan Kenobi choosing to forgo the form and begin practicing Soresu.
What lightsaber colour did Qui Gonn Jinn have?
Qui-Gon's green lightsaber is a bit of an icon - let's be honest. Not only does it serve him well throughout his own life, but in his death it also helps Obi-Wan save himself and dispatch Darth Maul.
Qui-Gon's lightsaber is green, which makes it thematic to his character. Green, a combination of Sentinel Yellow and Guardian Blue, implies a wielder who is skilled in the Force and uses it regularly in combat.
But what happened to Qui-Gon's saber? Find out in this video by YouTube channel 'The Scoundrel's Cantina':
If you'd like a green lightsaber of your own so you can either teach an unruly apprentice or go your own way against the Jedi council, try one of our duelling sabers - all of them have colour changing blades so you can select Qui-Gon's colour with ease.