The Defenders of the Dead
 | |
| Author | Jude Watson |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Cliff Nielsen |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series |
Jedi Apprentice Canon C |
| Subject | Star Wars |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Publisher | Scholastic |
Publication date | December 1, 1999 |
| Media type | Paperback |
| Pages | 144 |
| ISBN | 0-590-51956-5 |
| Preceded by | The Mark of the Crown |
| Followed by | The Uncertain Path |
The Defenders of the Dead by Jude Watson is the fifth in a series of young reader novels called Jedi Apprentice. The series explores the adventures of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi prior to Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.
Summary
Immediately after the Gala incident, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn are ordered to the planet of Melida/Daan, where they are to rescue the Jedi Knight Tahl.
There is a millennia-long war on Melida/Daan, with two bands fighting each other. Both bands have forgotten the Young, an organization made up of orphaned children and teenagers who fight for peace. Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are not supposed to get involved, but the young apprentice feels that he must fight alongside the Young, against his master's wishes.
After the Jedi successfully rescue Tahl with the help of the Young, Obi-Wan decides to stay behind and help the Young bring peace between the Melida and Daan factions. Consequently, Qui-Gon quietly leaves with Tahl, having lost another apprentice.