Force Ghost

Definition

A Force ghost is the conscious continuation of a Jedi after death, enabled by a specific light-side technique.

Discovery

Qui-Gon Jinn is the first Jedi in the saga to learn this technique (via the Whills). He passes it to Yoda and Obi-Wan — which is the only reason both can return as ghosts after Order 66.

Known Force ghosts

• Obi-Wan Kenobi — counsels Luke
• Yoda — burns away Luke’s clinging to the past
• Anakin Skywalker — after redemption in Episode VI
• Luke Skywalker — counsels Rey

Why they matter

Force ghosts let Star Wars make generations talk to each other. They are the narrative tool by which old heroes hand inheritance to new ones.