Luke Skywalker: Obi-Wan. Why didn’t you tell me? You told me Vader betrayed and murdered my father.
Ben Kenobi: Your father was seduced by the dark side of the Force. He ceased to be Anakin Skywalker and became Darth Vader. When that happened, the good man who was your father was destroyed. So what I told you was true, from a certain point of view.
Where does this quote come from? (Source)
This quote is from Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983), also known as Episode VI. Produced by Lucasfilm, the film is a part of the Star Wars universe.
- Movie: Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (1983)
- Movie Number: Episode VI
- Production: Lucasfilm
Why we collected this quote
Obi-Wan’s explanation of “a certain point of view” is one of the most philosophically rich and memorable exchanges in the saga – a dramatic and thought-provoking moment that asks the audience to reconsider how truth works. It’s a pivotal conversation that deepens the mythology of the whole trilogy.
What does this quote mean? (Meaning & Context)
Luke confronts the ghost of Obi-Wan after learning the truth about Vader, furious at being misled. Obi-Wan’s defence – that Anakin Skywalker was destroyed when he became Vader, so saying Vader “killed” his father was technically true – is both clever and unsatisfying. It’s a rare moment where a hero figure is clearly rationalising, and Luke’s frustration is entirely earned.
Fun facts & Trivia
“From a certain point of view” became a beloved ironic catchphrase in Star Wars fandom – used to gently mock any piece of lore that requires creative reinterpretation. The prequels later showed Obi-Wan’s full version of events, making his defence here feel even more complicated.
