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star wars - Did Vader actually kill Obi-Wan?


So I was looking at this question: Did Obi-Wan need to sacrifice himself to Vader?


And it occurred to me... did Vader actually kill Obi-Wan?


At the end of the fight, Obi-Wan lifts his lightsaber and closes his eyes, clearly preparing himself to become one with the Force. Then Vader swings his lightsaber, and it passes through Obi-Wan's suddenly empty clothing.


Watching closely, it looks very much like Obi-Wan gives himself to the Force just before Vader strikes. Because of this, and with the visuals of Yoda's death, it looks like Vader never actually killed Obi-Wan.


Here's the fight:





Has this been discussed officially? Has Lucas or another source said that Obi-Wan did not die as a direct result of Vader's strike?



Answers from canon, legends, or Lucas preferred please.



Answer



Ben appears to have ascended into the Force before the fatal blow struck. In short, there simply wasn't time for him to have died (as a result of Vader's stroke) before his body disappeared.



Ben looked over, the troopers’ approach catching his attention. Then he looked past them. To where Luke was standing, dumbstruck. To Han. Han couldn’t be sure—the old man was just too far away—but he thought Ben might have given him a nod just before he turned back to face Darth Vader. Ben drew his blade in and made no effort to stop Vader’s lightsaber from slashing through him.


But instead of his body falling to pieces, an empty cloak fell to the ground. It was like the old man had just…disappeared. One last magic trick.


Star Wars: A New Hope the Princess, the Scoundrel, and the Farm Boy



This is confirmed in the film's "Classic" adaptation.




Just then Obi-Wan Kenobi turned his head. He seemed to be looking straight at Luke. A smile was on his face. This was Vader’s chance. With the speed of light he slashed at Ben. The blow should have cut the old man in half. It sliced right through his robe. But the Jedi was gone. There was nothing left of him. Just two pieces of cloth lying on the floor.


A New Hope (Classic Star Wars)



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