Star Wars Rebels delivered the galaxy’s most epic showdown in just TWO seconds

Star Wars has had many epic lightsaber fights. That unmistakable whooshing sound, sparks flying as energy swords bash against each other. Who doesn’t love a great lightsaber duel? From Obi Wan and Anakin’s showdown on Mustafar to Rey and Kylo Ren’s infamous fight, these long, iconic duels have mesmerized us.

Lightsaber fights have always been one of the most exciting parts of Star Wars. But in my eyes, the greatest lightsaber duel of all time takes place in Star Wars: Rebels, and if you had blinked, then you missed it.

In Rebels season 3, we saw the final battle between Obi-Wan Kenobi and Maul. Here’s why I think it’s the best duel in Star Wars.

We all remember the double-bladed lightsaber-wielding Sith and the Jedi’s first fight. Obi-Wan came out on top, defeating Maul in one of Star Wars most memorable scenes. I was on the edge of my seat watching Maul handle two Jedi, eventually killing one and falling to the other. We thought that that was the end of Maul, but he survived.

He reappeared in the Clone Wars animated series. He’s found in pretty bad shape by his brother, Savage Oppress. It’s revealed that he survived his bisection by sheer force of will and his hatred of Obi-Wan.

He made his second appearance in live action when he appeared briefly in Solo. Eventually, he ended up in “Star Wars Rebels,” where he tries to make Ezra his apprentice. It’s in Rebels that Maul finds out that Obi-Wan survived Order 66.

Still carrying his hatred of the Jedi who defeated him, using Ezra Bridger, Maul lures Kenobi out of hiding for a final confrontation. This encounter is where, in my opinion, the greatest lightsaber duel in Star Wars took place—Rebels season 3, episode 20, “Twin Suns.”

The episode begins with Ezra getting a message from the holocron. Convinced he is meant to find and help Obi-Wan Kenobi, he defies Hera’s orders and sets off for Tatooine.

On Tatooine, he survives an attack by Tusken Raiders. Eventually, he succumbs to the harsh Tatooine desert, collapsing from exhaustion and dehydration. Luckily, Obi-Wan finds him and helps him. After Ezra regains consciousness, Obi-Wan explains that Maul used him as bait, knowing that his search would draw the old Jedi out of hiding.

While Obi-Wan is admonishing Ezra for being where he shouldn’t be, Maul shows up. Ezra, feeling responsible for Maul finding Obi-Wan, begs to stay and make it right, but Kenobi reassures him and tells him it’s not his responsibility; he’ll take care of Maul. Obi-Wan gives Ezra his Dewback and tells him to continue on his own path rather than getting involved in others destiny.

As Ezra rides away, the two old foes face off, exchanging a few insults. Obi-Wan criticized Maul’s Sith philosophy, saying, “If you define yourself by your power to take life, to dominate, to possess, then you have nothing.” This angers Maul, causing him to ignite his saber.

Maul questioned Obi-Wan’s presence on the desolate planet, suspecting it wasn’t merely to hide but to protect someone significant. Without responding, Obi-Wan ignites his own saber and assumes his now iconic battle stance. After a tense moment of silence, Maul attacks.

Kenobi blocks his attack; with a single swift stroke, he slices Maul’s lightsaber in half and delivers a fatal blow. As Maul collapses, Obi-Wan catches him.

Laying mortally wounded in Obi-Wan’s arm, Maul asked Kenobi if the one he’d been protecting was the chosen one. Obi-Wan comforted him with an assuring “he is,” indicating that Luke Skywalker is indeed the new hope for the galaxy. With his final breath, Maul uttered, “He will avenge us.” In a final gesture of respect, Obi-Wan closes his old enemy’s eyes.

This wasn’t just a duel for Maul but a release from a long aggregation of his suffering. He didn’t just seek out Obi-Wan for a fight, but for the Jedi to finish what he started all those years ago. He wasn’t just driven by an obsession for revenge. He was also driven by his desire for redemption.

In his own way, Maul was seeking salvation. He knew only Obi-Wan could liberate him from the pain and suffering he had caused and would continue to cause.

The fight wasn’t a flashy, acrobatic battle with twirling lightsabers and Force powers flying left and right. The greatness of this short duel was how simple it was. It reminded me of the first ever lightsaber battle in Star Wars—the last encounter between Vader, and Obi-Wan in A New Hope. Like the final battle, it was a fitting end to the long and complicated relationship between Kenobi and Maul.

It may not have been the longest or most action-packed duel in the Star Wars, but it is definitely one of the most memorable. And it proves that sometimes less is more when it comes to action. This is why I think it’s the greatest duel in Star Wars.