The Hidden Significance of Palpatine’s Words: How Midi-Chlorians Played a Role in Anakin’s Origin

Upon reviewing the dialogue during Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith, an intriguing statement by Palpatine catches the attention of many fans: “Darth Plagueis… was so powerful and wise he could use the force to influence the midi-chlorians to create life.” This sentence is not just a throwaway line but holds profound implications regarding the character of Anakin Skywalker. These midi-chlorians, the microscopic life-forms within living beings, were mentioned only once since The Phantom Menace, and their last reference was to Anakin's miraculous conception.

A Secret Subplot

Interestingly, in earlier drafts of the film, this was a part of a subplot suggesting that Anakin was created by Plagueis or Sidious. While this storyline was dropped during the editing process, it ties into the movie in two significant ways: Anakin’s conception by the Force and the Force’s connection to life through midi-chlorians. This subplot better explains the complexity of Anakin’s lineage and offers a satisfying resolution to the question of his origin.

Legends and Canon Collide

In both Legends and current canon, the storyline shifted to suggest that Plagueis and Sidious were attempting to achieve a similar feat, but the Force created Anakin on its own, surprising the duo. However, they were clearly aware of the potential to use Anakin and made plans to exploit him later. This narrative change makes the plot more concise but lacks the intrigue of the original subplot.

Deeper Implications

The inference draws a strong parallel to the real-world biological processes, suggesting that Plagueis had a system to control midi-chlorians to manipulate life. This raises several questions. Did Plagueis use the Force to create life within Shmi, leading to Anakin's conception? Perhaps a revisit to Episode I - The Phantom Menace can provide clues. Questions like how Qui-Gon Jinn happened across Anakin, his relationship with Shmi, and why he was a vision without a body can point us in the right direction.

The Sith’s Deception

Palpatine’s words are not just a casual remark. They serve as a tool for deception, particularly in his lies to Anakin about the Dark Side being capable of saving Padme. For Anakin, who felt helpless in the face of multiple deaths, the statement, “Death is not a problem for the Sith!” is particularly tempting. It offers a false hope that the Dark Side could solve his problems. Interestingly, there is a subtext suggesting that Sidious is also dangling the answer to the mystery of Anakin’s origin, making the Sith more enigmatic and intriguing.

Conclusion

The hidden significance of Palpatine's words lies in their dual nature. They serve both as a deceptive lure and a tantalizing hint at the true origins of Anakin Skywalker. This deeper exploration not only enriches the Star Wars universe but also makes it more engaging for fans to explore and debate. The legend of Darth Plagueis serves as a reminder of the complex, often murky, and fascinating world of the Force, adding layers to a beloved story.