Why Did Obi-Wan Call Luke the 'Last Hope'? The Complexities of the Force and Leadership in 'The Empire Strikes Back'

Obi-Wan Kenobi's statement that 'Luke is their last hope' in The Empire Strikes Back is a pivotal moment in the narrative, often misunderstood or questioned. To truly grasp this line, one must consider the broader context of the Star Wars saga, the specific roles of Jedi and leaders, and the unique connection that Luke has to the Force.

Crucial for the Fight Against the Sith and the Empire

At the time of his initial training, Luke is destined to become a Jedi. This training is crucial in the fight against the Sith and the Empire. Obi-Wan, as a previous Jedi Master, likely sees Luke as the one capable of ultimately confronting Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. This is because the Jedi's role is fundamentally tied to the restoration of balance to the Force.

The Burden of Knowledge

Obi-Wan may not have fully communicated Leia's potential to the Rebel Alliance or to Luke himself. Leia, while strong-willed and capable, has been trained from birth to be a leader, a role that is fundamentally different from the Jedi mantle. This unique focus on leadership means that while Leia is a pivotal figure, she might not be the best candidate for the specific training that Luke is undergoing. Obi-Wan, along with Yoda, likely sees Luke's unique connection to the Force as crucial for restoring the Jedi Order and defeating the Sith.

The line serves to highlight Luke's journey as the central narrative of the original trilogy. By framing Luke as the last hope, Obi-Wan underscores his importance in the larger story arc and sets up critical character development.

Connecting to the Force

Obi-Wan may believe that Luke, being Anakin's son, has a unique connection to the Force. This connection might enable him to complete what Anakin started, which is to redeem his father and bring about a new era for the Jedi. The legacy of the Sith and the need for balance in the Force are central themes in the narrative, making this statement all the more poignant.

Out-of-Universe Context

It's worth noting that when George Lucas originally wrote The Empire Strikes Back, he hadn't yet decided that Leia was Luke's sister. The foreshadowing of their sibling relationship was merely a vague reference that Lucas planned to clarify later.

In-Universe Realities

Luke had been almost too old when he started his training, and he wasn't trained to be anything else. Leia, on the other hand, who is older than Luke was when he began his training, was already an established leader. She had been trained from birth to lead, not to become a Jedi. This fundamental difference in their training and roles made Luke the primary focus for restoring the Jedi Order and defeating the Sith.

Besides, they had previously agreed that Leia was doing the most good for the cause where she was as a Rebel leader, princess, and senator, and not as a Jedi. Only in the last and most desperate of circumstances would they consider revealing the truth about their connection.

Therefore, Obi-Wan's comment about Luke being the 'last hope' reflects his deep understanding of the complex power dynamics between the Force, leadership, and the role of the Jedi. It highlights the unique role that Luke plays in the saga, characterizing him as not just a hero, but as one who holds the key to the future of the Force.