Expert: Alex Marquez - 1/1/2006

Question
Why do Obi-won and Yoda disappear when they die and no other jedi does? My friend has been trying to find the answer for years so I want to help him.

Thank you,
Rob

Answer
There has always been speculation regarding the Jedi "vanishing" at death. In the movies, the ones that vanish are: Yoda and Obi Wan. A theory has it that a Jedi must be at peace, meditating on the Force to dissappear after death. That is why Obi Wan and Yoda vanished at death. The same as Master Arca in the Tales of the Jedi comic books: he was struck down, but was able to be at peace with his apprentice right before he died; which permited him to become one with the Force.
Qui Gon, you may recall, was killed during battle by Darth Maul. However, Yoda reveals later on that Qui Gon knew the technique to be inmortal. Actually, George Lucas had a scene planned for Revenge of the Sith in which Qui Gon was to appear as a ghost to Yoda. However, right before the filming of the scene, actor Liam Neeson broke his leg and the whole scene was discarded.
Remember too, that the sith also posseses that ability; and it was used by Dark Lord of the Sith Exar Kun and Freedon Nadd; to be able to return after death.

I hope you find the information useful. If you have any more doubts regarding this or any other question, feel free to ask!