Star Wars Books on Facebook has released the latest in a series of preview annotations for Timothy Zahn's Star Wars: Heir to the Empire: 20th Anniversary Edition. Annotation #10 centers around Luke Skywalker and his journey as the hero.
"One of the parameters I wanted to set for the trilogy was that Luke would be entirely on his own as a Jedi, with no one he could call on for help or advice. And though I didn't know it at the time, the line about 'the first of the new Jedi' nicely sets up Kevin J. Anderson's Jedi Academy trilogy, as well as many other future books." --TZ
Zahn's choice to have Obi-Wan appear to Luke in a vision in Heir to the Empire, hen to depart the stage and allow Luke to find his own way in many ways represents not only the proper role of a mentor but also the proper role as a parent. Obi-Wan through his teachings and advice to Luke as well as his directing Luke for further teaching to Yoda gave Luke the tools he needed to make his own decisions and to control his own destiny.
It may seem unfair that Obi-Wan had so much knowledge that he did not impart, but the goal couldn't to be just to recreate the Old Republic's Jedi Order but for Luke to find a new way and form to resurrect the Jedi. The old Jedi Order as well intentioned as it was failed, perhaps some structural flaws were at the root of this problem and Obi-Wan worried that if he attempted to rebuild the older Order through Luke that these flaws would return.
There are both in-universe reasons and real world story telling reasons for Obi-Wan's Force Ghost to become one with the Force. The only downside is that Obi-Wan was a great character so it was sad to see his story end.
SOURCE: Star Wars Books on Facebok
