Mother’s Day is here, and mothers everywhere need some proper gratitude. Not only would we be bereft of our favorite trilogies without the likes of Shmi Skywalker, but without our own mothers, we wouldn’t be around to enjoy them. Here’s to all the moms out there, this time centering on the woman who birthed A New Hope: Padme Amidala.
Padme Amidala certainly gives her children one incredible legacy to live up to. She was Naboo’s most popular Queen and one of its youngest. No wonder, given that she not only saved the planet from a robot invasion but also personally fought back against the invading corporations that made up the Trade Federation. She even reconciled with the indigenous Gungans to boot, something few leaders can manage.
As a Senator, she continues the legacy she established as Queen. She fights back against the war that the Separatists (including the Trade Federation) are so eager to instigate. As the war continues, she doesn’t give up hope for peace or democracy, even if it means a little (or a lot) of personal risk. She also gives far more than lip service to equality, splitting her power as Naboo’s representative fifty-fifty with a Gungan Senator.
Unfortunately, unlike her son, her mentor doesn’t make a heroic sacrifice for her. Much the opposite, former Senator and current Supreme Chancellor Palpatine has been manipulating her and everyone else to do exactly what he wants them to do...
...Almost. I doubt Darth Sidious was pleased that Padme was plotting a rebellion before his Empire even rose. Sadly, Padme Amidala passes away around the same time liberty does, leaving behind a terrific legacy and two children who have their own ways of finishing what she started.
Luke Skywalker, adopted and raised by the Lars family Beau and Owen who help instill in him the kindness of Shmi Skywalker, ultimately joins the rebellion his mother began. He even becomes it’s champion, destroying the Death Star and ensuring the defeat of his mother’s traitorous mentor.
Leia Organa, meanwhile, is adopted by Bail Organa and Breha Organa, who raise her into the amazing woman she becomes. She chooses to continue the legacy of all her parents as a rare Senator, using her power for the welfare of her constituents. Also like a chip off the old block, Leia becomes a leader of the Rebellion, continuing the other legacy of her family, biological and adopted, despite all their tragic deaths.
Though good parents seem fated to die young in fiction, their children end up succeeding in their places. Fittingly, Padme, who created a rebellion, also gave birth to the children who would become its future leaders and champions.