Intriguing Star Wars Theory Reveals Why Padmé Stood By Anakin After the Tusken Massacre

Among the diverse characters of the Star Wars saga, Padmé Amidala stands out for her profound moral compass. However, her willingness to forgive Anakin Skywalker for the brutal murder of the Tuskens in Star Wars: Episode II – Attack of the Clones raises eyebrows. Padmé has long been an ardent advocate for her beliefs, wielding significant influence since her youth. As the queen of Naboo, she championed crucial issues and took action to address them.

Yet, in the aftermath of Anakin’s shocking confession about his violent actions, Padmé demonstrates a surprising lack of hesitation. Even after he divulges his targeting of women and children in his rage against those who harmed his mother, her reaction is notably subdued. She merely states, “To be angry is to be human”, a response that seemingly glosses over the horrific weight of Anakin’s actions. This situation prompts speculation: could Padmé’s rapid forgiveness be linked to her own formative experiences?

Padmé’s Upbringing in a Racially Divided World

The Naboo and the Gungans

Padmé exists within a complex societal framework on Naboo, where a history of racial superiority underpins interactions with other species. This dynamic is notably evident in her efforts to ally with the Gungans in The Phantom Menace. While Padmé actively sought to bridge the divide, the entrenched prejudices of her society persisted long after her efforts.

During her tenure as queen, the relationship between the Naboo and Gungans remained strained until external pressures, such as the threat from the Trade Federation, necessitated collaboration. This begs the question: why did Padmé wait until then to strive for unity if she believed it was a moral imperative? The prevailing sentiment among the Naboo suggested a perceived superiority over the Gungans, contributing to their difficulties. Padmé could have initiated peace efforts sooner, yet chose not to act until circumstances forced her hand. This raises the notion that prejudice may have been an intrinsic part of her upbringing.

Palpatine and the Weaponization of Prejudice

Desensitizing Influences Preceding His Dark Transformation

Sheev Palpatine, hailing from Naboo, astutely harnessed prejudice as he ascended to power, catalyzing the formation of his Galactic Empire. He adeptly manipulated societal divisions to eliminate obstacles in his pursuit of dominion. A particularly striking aspect of his rule was the exclusion of non-human species from ranks of power, save for the notable Grand Admiral Thrawn.

This systemic discrimination permeated his administration, suggesting that Palpatine’s prejudiced worldview may have roots deep within his Naboo upbringing, predating his embrace of the dark side. Raised amid the rivalry between the Naboo and Gungans, he likely became accustomed to employing such biases towards his advantage.

Padmé’s Inherited Prejudices

Unintentional Bias Against the Tuskens

Padmé Amidala reflects on Anakin's actions in disbelief — Image via Disney+

While Padmé epitomizes empathy and noble intentions, it is important to consider that she may have unconsciously mirrored the prejudiced attitudes prevalent in her culture. She actively denounces injustice, yet her upbringing could render her blindsided by biases regarding other races. This could explain her surprising lack of hesitation in forgiving Anakin following his violent outburst against the Tuskens.

It is plausible that Padmé viewed the Tuskens through a lens similar to how Naboo residents regarded the Gungans—as a people deemed less “superior.”This perspective aligns with the historically marginalized depiction of Tuskens in the Star Wars universe, culminating in efforts in later media like The Mandalorian to humanize them. Regrettably, Padmé might have overlooked their complexities due to an ingrained viewpoint she had yet to confront. Despite her significance as a compassionate leader, Padmé Amidala illustrates that even the most principled individuals possess flaws and blind spots.

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