Originally posted by LanceWindu
If it is Anakin that discover's the disappearing, then why would Vader look surprised when Obi-Wan does it?So I think it will be discovered by someone other than Anakin...
Yup, it absolutely cannot be anything to do with fulfilling your destiny, your purpose, or being prepared to death, which is what a lot of fans all over the neet seem to want to think. This would imply it is simply a matter of doing something right which is NOT so. Disappearing and ghost form are not normal for a Jedi or anyone, it is a specific plot point tied into the Prequel films and therefore almost certainly has something cirectly to do with Anakin/the Prophecy. And indeed, regardless of that, Anakin himself cannot possibly know about it.
I don't think disappearing and being a ghost has much to do with one another. But, i do believe you have to be prepared to disappear, since the only ones who have have had prep time, which doesn't mean everyone can do it. Somebody, and its gotta be Yoda and if not him then Obi-wan, will either find out or learn it from someone or something. I personally think it has been done before (explained below). I somewhat agree that it might have something to do with the prophecy, but in a much more general way. I think Jedi can come back when they have some sort of job to finish. This would explain why none of the current Jedi know how, because there has been peace for a thousand years. So no one has had a reason too. This would account for Yoda possibly knowing how to do it, like maybe one Jedi is allowed to know it and pass it on BUT they are only allowed to pass it on in emergency situations (such as the Jedi Purge). So maybe Yoda knows how and teaches Obi-wan how before they part ways. Of all the theories though, I have a feeling Yoda knows how, or at least where to find out. Although, in the book he did seem surprised to hear Qui-gon's voice, but I don't know if maybe he was surprised Qui-gon had done it or what. The whole thing is very up in the air right now. All my theories involve things from eastern religions and mythology since thats what Jedi are based on, but who knows what Lucas will come up with.
Sorry but GL specifies on the AOTC DVD, and other places, that this is a new thing. It is certain that Yoda had no idea of how that happened.
It is also very likely that disappearing and ghost form are linked because GL said in interview that QGJ not disappearing is all linked into Obi-Wan's "Strike me down and I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagaine"- clearly, by any logic, referring to his return in ghost form.
Of course QGJ himself then becomes the complicating factor in that link.
er... same as the previous comment:
if they have to finish a job, than it's still common knowledge which it isn't
and it has certainly not been peace for a thousand years! the last 30 minutes of AOTC is about the Clone Wars!!
and why should it be known to only one? how can Vader do it than if no one thaught it to him?