Welcome to Day 28 of my NaBloPoMo Challenge, where I randomly pick a card from the Star Wars Chat Pack.
Today’s question is: You’re nine years old, like Anakin Skywalker, and a Jedi offers to take you away from home for training. Would you go?
No. As much as I love the idea of the Jedi, and think it would be cool to be one, at nine years old, I never would have left my family. It would have worked much better if I’d been taken at birth. That’s why the Jedi do it, of course. Less traumatic for the kids, and the Jedi can shape their young minds from the very beginning.
I was much too close to my family, as well as shy and reserved, and would not have done well in a new, strange place like that. Besides, my mother would never have allowed it. No one takes her babies, lol. Best to just let whatever powers I had fade away.
This didn’t work out well.
Besides, look what happened to Anakin. It didn’t end well, obviously. It began a chain of events that led to tragedy and the galaxy falling into darkness. Not that that would happen anytime they took an older child–there is precedent in the Order for taking in older Force-sensitive kids (Zeen in the High Republic, for example), but not to be trained as Jedi Knights. They can find a place of belonging, and fulfill other roles in the Temple. But Qui Gon was adamant that Anakin was the Chosen One and needed to be trained as a Knight, and I think this was what Yoda and the Council objected to. They were right, of course; but so was Qui Gon, from a certain point of view.
So, not me. What about you? Would you give up your family at nine to train as a Jedi? Let me know in the comments and we’ll talk about it!
Today’s question is: Do you think Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One who brought balance to the Force? Why or why not?
Oh, boy. If ever there was a contentious subject in Star Wars, this is one of them.
“You were the Chosen One!” I think we can all hear this conversation.
So the Jedi prophecy states, basically, that there will be one (“The Chosen One”) who brings “balance” to the Force. Qui Gon Jinn, who had studied the Jedi prophecies, believed that young Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One, and that’s why he brought him back to Coruscant and to the Jedi Council.
The Council, especially Yoda, does not agree that Anakin should be trained, never mind that he’s the Chosen One. And later, Yoda expresses doubt about Anakin, believing that they could have “misread” the prophecy.
Once Anakin turns to the dark side and becomes Darth Vader, Obi-Wan gives up the notion that Anakin is the Chosen One. When Maul asks if the one he’s protecting on Tatooine is the Chosen One (Luke), Obi-Wan replies yes. He’s simply making the assumption here, believing Anakin’s turn disqualifies him from that honor.
Who we talking about here?
But later, in Return of the Jedi, we see that when Vader/Anakin kills the Emperor, he’s destroyed the Dark and brought Light back to the Force, and therefore, in a roundabout way, he is indeed the Chosen One. If that’s how you want to look at it, and I do.
The problem is the word “balance.” There are those who believe that “bringing balance to the Force” means the dark and the light have equal influence. And while that’s true in a Cosmic Force kind of way (as in there is always dark as well as light), I think people interpret it to mean that there is evil in the galaxy in proportion to the good, and therefore there should be as many Sith as there are Jedi.
But some, like myself, don’t see it that way; and I don’t believe George Lucas himself saw it that way, either, at least when it comes to this prophecy. I think what Lucas intended was that “balance” means Anakin destroyed evil, and now the Force is back in balance. As if the darkness unbalanced it, tainted it. That makes sense to me. So in this sense, yes, Anakin is the Chosen One.
Now, there are those who feel that the sequel trilogy, in particular the fact that Palpatine somehow “returned,” negates Anakin’s sacrifice. I don’t believe this is true. For one thing, Anakin didn’t kill the Emperor to specifically “bring balance to the Force.” I don’t think that’s what was going through his mind. He killed him to save his son. Period. It was personal, not cosmic, although the results were cosmic in nature–he did, indeed, bring balance with his actions. Prophecies are funny that way. But he sacrificed himself for his son; obviously Luke would have died if Vader/Anakin hadn’t intervened. How can that be negated?
This is why the Emperor ended up going down that shaft.
“But Palpatine (evil) came back!” the critics will argue. “How can that be if Anakin brought balance?”
Yes, of course he did. For a time. For that specific time in history. But if you look at our own history (and the history of the SW galaxy, for that matter), evil always returns. Always. You fight it and defeat it, and enjoy your victory for a time, and then it rises again. And again, and again, and again. It is the way of the world, of the galaxy, of the universe. The fight never ends. Even if it wasn’t Palpatine, it would have been some damn evil entity. Snoke himself said, “Darkness rises, and the Light to meet it,” to Rey and Kylo in the throne room. Anakin did his part; now it’s their turn.
Finally, Palps is gone! But just wait. Someone else will come along to ruin the galaxy.
Anyway, all of this to say, yes, I believe Anakin was the Chosen One, and he brought (temporary) balance to the Force.
What do you think? The Chosen One prophecy is kind of a clunky concept in Star Wars, rife for misinterpretation, and personally, I think the saga could have done without it. But it’s there, and this is what I make of it, anyway. Let me know what you think in the comments and we’ll talk about it!
The question that I pulled randomly for today is: Which Star Wars character would you want to appear and give you advice as a spirit?
So I’m going to make a few assumptions with this one. First, that the “spirit” referred to is a Force ghost of a former Jedi, and not just some random spirit (although I suppose it could be that; the question isn’t crystal clear. In which case, I’d want Padme’s ghost to come back and give me fashion advice–I’m hopeless–and just have some girl talk, lol).
Secondly, I’m going to assume that I’m training to be a Jedi as well. I suppose Jedi Force ghosts can appear to anyone they want and give random advice, but it just makes more sense they’d appear to those who need Jedi advice. I guess that’s what a Master is for, but let’s just say I need a bit of extracurricular insight.
Okay, so I’m training to be a Jedi and I need advice. Who do I want to appear? There are so many great possibilities here. But let’s get a few out of the way:
“You lack conviction!” Cue crying.
Not Anakin Skywalker. He was an amazing Jedi, but based on his appearance in Ahsoka, I don’t think his methods would work well with me. It’s perfect for his Padawan, Ahsoka, but I’d probably just cry, lol.
Are they, though?
Not Mace Windu. I don’t like him. Again, it’s a matter of method and personality. Plus, there was a bit of darkness running through him (like Anakin, but in a different way), which he utilized in his lightsaber combat method, Vaapad. That makes me nervous. He’s not for me.
Other than those two, it could be any number of Jedi:
So true, Yoda. I ought to be a genius by now.
Yoda was a Master Jedi who lived for hundreds of years and had a vast amount of knowledge to impart. Of course, that left plenty of time to make mistakes too, but he owned up to them and learned from them. He can be a mischievous imp, so that would be fun. But there are others I’d like to consider.
That was a total burn on Maul, but the statement stands on its own.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of my favorite Jedi. He’s kind and wise, selfless and compassionate. He practiced Form 3 (“Soresu”) lightsaber combat, which is primarily defensive in nature. I like that. But he’s different than Yoda in that he loved deeply (Anakin, Satine) and had to learn to let go of his attachment to both. Or at least learn to live with it while he went about the business of being a Jedi. But he’s similar to Yoda in that he is very much a man of the Order. And that’s fine, but dogma can make one a bit inflexible. (Plus, I’m a little bit in love with Obi-Wan, so that would be a distraction).
Good advice, Qui Gon. I’m learning.
Which brings me to Qui Gon Jinn, the Jedi Force ghost I would choose to get advice from. I think Qui Gon is the ideal Jedi. Not perfect by any means, but one who follows his intuition. He often questions the Council and their motivations. He’s seen as a bit of a maverick in the Order, but he’s more concerned with the Force than politics. With doing what is right, rather than what is expected. If he had lived–well, a lot of things might have been different–but I don’t think he would have become a Jedi general in the Clone Wars. I think he would have left the Order rather than take part in it. He would have been more of a Wayseeker (a Jedi working independently of the Order), as we see in the High Republic. He’s a man of principle, and he’s brave for standing by his principles, and standing up to the Council.
What would I ask him? Well, obviously I’m not really training as a Jedi, but short of a specific question I guess I’d ask him to talk about the Living Force versus the Cosmic Force. I’d ask him about the Jedi prophecies in the Archives, which he’d studied when he was younger and what he thought they meant. I’d ask him about his relationships with his Master, Dooku, and his Padawan, Obi-Wan, and what he’d learned from each. Stuff like that.
But whatever advice I sought, I know I’d get a thoughtful, honest response. Maybe a bit cryptic, sometimes, but he likes to make you think. And he’s just a nice guy.
Who would you choose for advice? Interpret the question any way you want. Let me know in the comments and we’ll talk about it!
I didn’t have a subject planned for my Wednesday post, so I had to throw together something quick but fun, which usually turns out to be fan art. I was going to focus on Obi-Wan considering the latest series, but found some really neat Anakin/Vader stuff instead, which still applies. Enjoy!
I like this portrait of Anakin because it’s fuzzy and vague, kind of muddled, like Anakin’s mindset just before he turns to the dark side. He’s a hot mess, lol.
InkdDesigns on DevientArt
I like to include fan art that’s different, something I’ve never seen before, but something that speaks to me in some way, too. This one of Anakin looking at a hologram of Padme is kind of strange, but unique. She’s looking at him with compassion and love, despite the wreck he seems to be here.
starsofnorway on tumblr.com
This one shows another link to Padme, as a helmetless Vader looks at the necklace he made for her when he was a boy. I’m not sure how he got hold of it, since it was buried with Padme on Naboo, but it’s still an emotional scene.
Artstation
I just thought this one looked really cool. There’s also the fact that Vader is a shattered man, and this image projects that.
iartbilly on Devientart
And you can’t have a Vader fan art collection without Vader having tea in a meadow. I love this artist’s images of Star Wars characters in whimsical situations. And how does he sip through that thing, anyway?
Kylesgallery on etsy.com
I hope you enjoyed this group of Anakin/Vader fan art. What do you think of them? What’s your favorite? Let me know in the comments and we’ll talk about it!
Week eight of myInner Jedi Notebook journey. This week continues the exploration of meditation.
The question:
Having practiced meditating for a few minutes every day this past week, reflect on your experience of it. What are some challenges you faced? Have you experienced any positive outcomes?
My answer:
“After initially struggling with it, I find I look forward to my few minutes of quiet stillness every day. It’s downtime, yes, but also a time when I don’t have to do or be anything–just be. To just be conscious in the world, and of the world. To examine your own mind. Although sometimes I worry I’m just daydreaming, lol. But I do consciously try to let thoughts go and refocus on the present moment. It’s amazing how we’ve trained ourselves to be everywhere except the present moment, and it’s a struggle to unlearn that (“You must unlearn what you have learned,” as Yoda said to Luke). It comes naturally to babies and animals, and it’s fascinating to watch them. They are effortlessly in the now, and are unaware of anything else. It’s delightful.
One thing that surprised me about meditation is that you’re having a relationship with your mind–it’s not a boring, static thing–it’s dynamic. You get to see how your mind works, what it focuses on, how one thing leads to the next–it’s fascinating, in a way. You have to get to know it, in order to calm it.
As far as positives–I’ve always been a calm, collected sort of person, and not necessarily reactive (although sometimes I am). But it’s helpful to fall back onto the memory of quiet time, to be able to retrieve that sense of calm during stressful situations. If it’s busy at work and I’m feeling stressed, with a thousand things going on, I can find my center and power on. I’ll think, these moments will pass, and later it will be just me and the candle and the (meditation) music and the thoughts, and the letting go. There will be peace.
Meditating is the act of practicing peace. So during stressful times, you can automatically reach for that peace.”
Anakin is interesting, as there are two sides to him: the Jedi hero, and the conflicted human being tempted by the Dark Side. I wanted to feature mostly Anakin images here, and maybe do a Darth Vader post later, but I think these images contain one or the other aspect of himself (or both).
I love, love, love Jake Bartok’s Medieval Star Wars series, and his Anakin is no exception. I love how his sword shines blue here, as well as the inclusion of the metal hand wrapped in a bandage. He’s clearly heroic Anakin here, but there’s also something in his eyes that looks menacing and intense.
Jake Bartok on twitter.com
This image of Clone Wars Anakin is wonderful. We only ever saw an animated version of Anakin fight with the Clones in the war, so this one with Hayden Christensen seems to fulfill a deep need, lol.
Andreas Bazylewski on etsy.com
I thought this one was really interesting, as it portrays Anakin had he won the battle with Obi-Wan, destroyed Palpatine, and became Emperor himself. He cuts a regal figure.
Alvaro Fernandez, 9gag.com
This is the one in the bunch that I can’t find an artist for, but I wanted to include it. It’s a kind of flip on when Anakin was using the Force to float a ball above his hand when he was with Padme in AOTC. But here he’s gone Dark Side and the ball is the Death Star. Very cool.
There are many images of a split Anakin/Vader, but I like this one the most. I like the realism, the suggestion of dark energy around him, and the red shadows suggesting blood. It’s a very vivid, arresting image.
Anakin Skywalker by TwoFacedHero on etsy.com
Do you have any favorite images of Anakin? Let me know in the comments and we’ll talk about it!
I’m continuing my series on my five favorite things about the Star Wars movies with Revenge of the Sith. Take a look at my previous posts on The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones.
Favorite Scene
The Opera Scene. To me, this is the most pivotal scene in the film, when Palpatine tells Anakin about Darth Plagueis and his ability to stop people from dying. It plays right into Anakin’s darkest fears and desires, luring him into Palpy’s hands. In a movie full of battles, duels, and chases, this quiet scene of dialogue is the key that opens the door to Anakin’s fall. It’s brilliantly sinister, and the weird Mon Calamari opera “music” only adds to the dread one feels in this scene, reminding us that we ourselves are watching a tragic opera play out before us.
Favorite Duel
Battle of the Heroes. Is there really any question on this one? This movie is chock-full of lightsaber duels: Obi-Wan and Anakin vs. Dooku, Obi-Wan vs. Grievous, Yoda vs. Darth Sidious. They’re all fantastic, impressive and exciting as any lightsaber duel, but this one is special–it’s between two individuals who were once friends, and are now enemies. It’s heartbreaking to watch, and the fact that we know the inevitable outcome makes it worse.
Favorite Line
Funniest Moment
A coughing cyborg. Revenge of the Sith isn’t exactly a laugh-fest, but I’ve always gotten a kick out of General Grievous, the cyborg who has a pesky cough. On first viewing, I thought he was a robot and didn’t understand how he could cough. Once I figured out he actually has some lungs in there, it made more sense. It was only recently that I learned Grievous was once a man, and in the book Labyrinth ofEvil it explains how he came to be the cyborg we all know and love. I’m still not sure where the cough comes from, though. Does he stress-smoke death sticks?
Most Impactful Character
Palpatine/Darth Sidious. It was a close race between Palpy and Anakin here, but I had to concede to the Dark Lord of the Sith. The whole Skywalker saga hinges on his machinations. The man is an evil genius, bringing all his long-awaited plans into action and fruition in this climactic film. Kudos to the amount of patience required, the long planning, the brilliant acting job of being the mild-mannered Chancellor that this guy employed to play his Jedi-destroying, Galactic Empire-creating endgame. He’s crafty, he’s cagey, he’s powerful, and he absolutely loves being the evil bastard he is. He’s got the evil cackle to prove it. None of the conflict and pain evident in other “villains” such as Vader and Kylo. Nope, he’s the real deal, and he proves it in this best film of the prequels.
I love all the prequels, but ROTS is on a whole other level that is just spectacular, and picking all the favorite moments was difficult. Order 66 gutted me, Padme’s pain choked me up (no pun intended), Obi-Wan is, as always, wonderful. And Hayden Christensen’s performance of the tortured Anakin was incredible. His turn really does break one’s heart.
What are your favorite moments in Revenge of the Sith? Comment below and we’ll talk about it!
The best starfighter in the galaxy…He destroyed the First Death StarHe made the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecsLike father like sonAce fighter pilot of the Resistance
I like Han Solo. Not only did he make that Kessel Run, but he got out of that asteroid field in Empire. But for someone who can barely drive a car, it’s hard to choose. They’re all great.
If there’s someone not on the list, put them in the comments below!
Like any Star Wars fan, I love a good lightsaber duel, and there’s plenty to choose from over the course of nine films. The ones I like the best have the most emotional heft where the stakes are high, rather than flash and dazzle (though that’s fun, too). Here are my top five faves:
5. Kylo and Rey on the Death Star Wreckage (TROS)
This duel is visually stunning, with the waves of water pouring down on them as they battle it out. I like how the water may be seen to symbolize a sort of baptism for Kylo/Ben, as at the end of the battle, Kylo is washed away so Ben can emerge. The lack of score through a lot of this fight also intensifies the battle, as if any kind of music would be too distracting to the physical and psychic battle going on.
4. Throne Room battle with Kylo and Rey (TLJ)
This battle is emotionally satisfying because we see Kylo and Rey working together against a common enemy–Snoke’s personal guards. It’s a spectacularly choreographed fight scene (it took six months to train for and shoot), and has a bit of flash and dazzle that awes the viewer. We see in this battle what Kylo and Rey could be together and are left wanting more–which makes his refusal to help the Resistance Fleet and her refusal to join him all the more painful.
3. Anakin and Obi-Wan on Mustafar (ROTS)
The prequel series has a lot of great lightsaber duels–the Jedi at the height of their powers is a sight to see. They look like dancers flitting across the battlefield, graceful and nimble and fleet. But watching them fight the bad guys isn’t particularly interesting to me on an emotional level.
The exception to this prequel prejudice is the duel between Anakin and Obi-Wan on Mustafar. This is the battle we’ve been waiting for– Anakin’s final fall into his transformation into Darth Vader. The anguish in the two men is palpable: Anakin’s rage, and Obi-Wan’s sorrow at losing his friend to the Dark Side. To see the particulars of Anakin’s physical and emotional pain is disturbing.
2. Vader and Luke on the second Death Star (ROTJ)
Luke’s confrontation with his father, in the presence of the Emperor, is harrowing. The stakes, of course, are extremely high here; not only in the fate of the Rebellion, but Luke’s life and his very soul. There is a point where he gives in to his rage and hacks away at Vader, a glint of dark in his eyes. Looking down at his beaten father, he realizes the path he is treading, and throws down his lightsaber while standing up to the Emperor. This is where the strength of Luke’s character shines through. And of course this battle leads to Vader redeeming himself by saving his son from the Emperor. It’s satisfying in every way.
1. Luke and Vader on Cloud City (TESB)
I chose this battle as #1 for a few reasons. First, it leads to the greatest revelation in all of moviedom: Vader tells Luke he is his father. BAM what!?
Second, it’s the first time the untested Luke confronts Vader, wanting to take revenge on the man who he believes killed his father. But Luke, though capable with a lightsaber, is nowhere near ready for this battle. His innocence and naivete is quite literally chipped away until there’s nowhere left to turn: here we first get a glimpse of Luke’s commitment to the Light, as he chooses to fall to his death rather than join his father in the Dark Side. This is a critical turning point for Luke, leading to the sober, black-clad Jedi we see in Return of the Jedi. Here, Luke grows up.
Third, from a physical standpoint, this duel is a bit of cat and mouse, with Luke escaping and being found again, escaping and being found. It’s ominous, we’re on the edge of our seats on first viewing because we don’t know when the bad guy is gonna jump out at us. This is a great litmus test for battles and duels: what can surprise and startle us.
Honorable Mentions:
Kylo and Rey on Starkiller Base (TFA)
This is the first time the two have met in battle, and Rey is just beginning to understand what she is capable of. The moment Anakin’s lightsaber flies to her instead of to Kylo is an important moment. Kylo is injured and an emotional wreck, as he just killed his father and is dealing with the reality of that, and so Rey is able to best him here.
Ben Solo against the Knights of Ren on Exegol (TROS)
This is a fantastic short battle, with the newly emerged Ben Solo fighting off the Knights of Ren after Rey force-hands him Anakin’s lightsaber. It’s fascinating in that he fights in a completely different manner than Kylo Ren, who used brute strength and intimidation in his duels. Ben Solo seems to be lifted of a heavy burden here, and infused with Light; he fights more like a prequel Jedi Knight, with speed and agility. After demanding Anakin’s lightsaber throughout the series, here he finally earns it.
Luke and Kylo Ren on Crait (TLJ).
Though technically not a proper battle, as Luke isn’t even really there, this is an emotionally relevant confrontation between a master and his former fallen student. Luke is using it as a ruse to buy time for the Resistance to escape, but it also gives him some sort of closure on his failure of Ben Solo. It only enrages Kylo, but Luke can now fade into the Force knowing he did what he could and giving these last words of wisdom to Kylo: “See you around, kid.”
So what do you think? Do agree with my list? Or did I miss an obviously important and/or awesome duel? Post your thoughts in the comments below and we’ll talk about it!
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