Matching 50 Star Wars characters with each of the 50 states
By Kara Hedash
43. Owen Lars – Iowa
Despite having a diverse economy, Iowa is often viewed as a farming state. Agriculture is certainly important to the state and its history in farming dates back centuries. For many generations of families, farming is a vital way to live and prosper. Owen Lars felt the same way about his homestead on Tatooine.
Owen Lars was the stepbrother of Anakin Skywalker and later got custody of his son, Luke. Owen was a moisture farmer, taking over the family business. He was a kind-hearted soul who looked out for his nephew while allowing the young boy to help out on the farm. Owen never knew the full truth about his extended family’s participation with the Galactic Civil War, but he still tried to keep Luke away from the drama.
As a farmer, Owen and his wife tried to live quiet lives. Owen unknowingly purchased R2-D2 from Jawas and the droid contained stolen plans for the Death Star. The Imperial stormtroopers then tracked the droid to Owen’s farm where they are interrogated and killed. It was the death of Owen and his wife that motivated young Luke in joining the Rebels. Luke even went back to farming on Ahch-To after going into hiding later in life, something he never would have learned if it wasn’t for his uncle.