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Star Wars: The Force Awakens – Exploring The Skywalker Family Tree

The Star Wars universe is a beautiful thing. Audiences in 1977 recognised that fact in droves. Audiences in 1999 still recognised that fact – in spite of the obvious flaws in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace and its sequels. The franchise has a beauty that reaches far beyond science fiction fandom, and far beyond teeny-bopper crushes on rugged cinematic heroes. Its beauty reaches into every corner of society, uniting the entire spectrum of age, gender, culture and politics - as fans of this fantastical story, borne of the mind of George Lucas.

The Shmi Skywalker-Lars Generation

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shmi skywalker Star Wars

Shmi Skywalker is the mother of Anakin Skywalker, who would eventually grow to become Darth Vader. She and her son live in slavery on the planet of Tatooine, enslaved by a junk merchant named Watto. They are discovered there by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, who senses a great gift in the young Skywalker.

In conversation with Shmi, she explains that she has no partner, and Anakin has no father. She simply found herself to be pregnant. Convinced by Qui-Gon Jinn that Anakin is a prophesied figure, destined for greatness within the Jedi, she agrees to allow him to be taken into training, promising him a better life. Shmi is unable to accompany him, however, and the two are parted.

While Anakin is training, Shmi is purchased from Watto by a farmer named Cliegg Lars. He then frees her from slavery and marries her – making her the stepmother of his son, Owen Lars. Shmi lives for many years as part of the Lars family, until the farm is attacked by Tusken Raiders and she is abducted and tortured. It is at this point that Shmi is briefly reunited with her son, Anakin, when he feels her pain remotely and comes to her aid. Shmi dies in his arms, prompting his first embrace of the Dark Side.