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Padme's Legacy
by: padmeskywalker77
date posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:33 AM  | 
updated: Jun 02, 2007 10:48 PM
Your Presence Is Soothing
Don't go. Anakin to Padme', AOTC

I don't want to disturb you. Padme' to Anakin, AOTC

Your presence is soothing. Anakin

Ok...if you do not know when these lines were said, then I am disappointed in you ;) No, seriously...these were said the morning after Anakin had his nightmare about his mother, when Padme' checks on Anakin on the balcony of the Lake Retreat house. But...when Anakin said these words to Padme', did he just mean *soothing* at that moment or *soothing* every time she was near? I like to believe that he meant every time she was near him. However, there is a time when this soothing effect does not work...but I will discuss that in a moment.

Anakin always appears to be so much more calm when Padme' is around that it seems that she produces, for lack of a better word, a sedative effect on him. Whatever was troubling him moments before has less of an impact the moment she appears to him. Although he cannot always forget his troubles or the troubling visions (i.e. his nightmares about his mother and, later, Padme'), he gains a sense of comfort from her selflessness. He does not want to let this feeling go, so he confesses his love for her and later marries her. However, things are not always what they may seem :(

Fast forward approximately three years...to the end of the Clone Wars. Anakin comes home, excited to see his wife, his angel, once more. This time, however, she has "news" for him...she is pregnant with his child(ren) and worried about what this means. However, he soon expresses his joy at this wonderful event, and somewhat places her nerves at ease. However, because of his visions of her dying in childbirth, Anakin looks for the power to prevent these visions from coming true. This time, Padme' is not always *soothing,* as evident by Anakin's "shortness" with her during some of their discussions. He finds the power he needs to save her...but that means turning his back on the Jedi and joining the Sith. When it looks like all hope is lost, he pledges himself to Palps/Sidious' teachings...but under the condition of saving Padme's life because *I can't live without her.* By the time Padme' confronts Anakin on Mustafar, he was too far down the Dark path to be saved, even by his angel, his one source of comfort. When Vader/Anakin realizes that Padme' is gone, he eventually completely gives in to his anger and buries the feelings he once had.

Now, jump ahead twenty or so years when Anakin's son, Luke enters his life...a son he had thought died years before along with his wife. Now, the tables are turning, and the Darkness is beginnning to break in to Light. Because Luke was selfless like Padme' and carried with him her dying words of *there is good in him*, his presence allowed the "man" who was Vader to begin losing the battle with the "man" who was Anakin. Padme's presence in Luke more than likely brought back those comforting, soothing feelings Anakin once felt around his one *True Love." I also have a feeling that Leia exuded an aura of comfort around Vader...maybe that is why he could not allow her to be executed ?:| Anyway...the love Anakin and Padme' shared all those years before came flooding back to Anakin through the presence and love of his children. So, essentially in the end, Padme's *soothing* presence reappeared to bring Anakin back to the Light, allowing him to join her once more :x

As always...comments are welcome. May the Force Be With You All...Always :)

  darth maul517
Darth Jedi Maul Secura
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:40 AM
Great picture;I agree he did seem to be calm around her,and it also possible he felt that soothing eeling aroung his around his children.Great Blog,and hey first comment.
  Kenobi-fan
The Jundland Wastes Journal
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:46 AM
Yes, I think Anakin found Padme's presence soothing at all times. I'm quite sure it was the same sense of comfort he got from his mother - the sense of being truly loved. He would do anything to maintain that feeling of peace. His dreams about his mother caused him great distress - so much so he felt compelled to act despite his orders from the Council (there's that arrogance again). His mother had been in this position for years; why did he choose to act at this time? Because his sense of calm was disturbed. He acted to save himself and his feelings more than any other reason. He would do the same thing again when Padme became pregnant - a condition that inherently puts the mother at risk, whether it's dreamed about or not.
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:57 AM
Great picture

I know...I've been wanting to use it since I first saw it :x . Thanks for the comments...and congrats on the first comment :D

Looooove the new avatar, K-fan!!!!

I'm quite sure it was the same sense of comfort he got from his mother - the sense of being truly loved

Great point...I had not considered that. It makes a lot of sense, though :) Had he listened to Yoda's advice of training himself to let go, then maybe things would have been different. His habit of acting on impulse, because of his sense of "disturbed calm," just may have caused him to lose the two women most important to him...Shmi and Padme' :(
hansgirl3
Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 12:02 PM
Great blog, PS77!

I agree that her soothing presence was such a calming influence on him that she had the effect of controling some of his more rash actions until her pregnancy. Then, her pregnancy just did away with all of that as it was a problem itself with his "visions".

Looooove the new avatar, K-fan!!!!

I agree!

Oh, and, PS77 you have inspired another blog for me!! Thanks! I'll be working on it! I'll probably post it tomorrow! Squeee! :D
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 12:33 PM
you have inspired another blog for me!! Thanks!

:8} Gee, thanks...glad to have been an inspiration ;) I'll be looking for it!!

she had the effect of controling some of his more rash actions until her pregnancy. Then, her pregnancy just did away with all of that as it was a problem itself with his "visions".

Another great point!! I agree...she was calming to him, until she became pregnant. Whatever it was about this caused Anakin more distress than calm...whether it was his subconscious fears or something else more menacing, he could not control his feelings here, and she could not help him the way she once did. :(
  Bai Ahzur
Bai Ahzur's usless, but hopefully entertaining, yet somewhat eneventful, however rewarding, blog.
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 2:57 PM
I think that it was Luke's girliness that made Vader feel soothed. Okay, jokes aside.

I agree with the idea of this blog. The soothing effect of pure selflesness must have been like a drug to the chosen one; after all, he must have been able to feel the effect of most any emotion. This may be why he fell to the darkness in the first place. Anakin was like a clean canvas, and could easily absorb anything. Hence, Palps was secretly soiling the canvas and subtly changing it until the desired fall was achieved. However, he did not count on another artist to come along and change the canvas again. I hope that my analogy was easy enough to follow. Great blog.
  miniforcex
The Star Wars Fan Wears Pink
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:12 PM
Wow. Great blog. At some parts in time, I think her presence was soothing. But then, in ROTS, he couldn't STAND to go to sleep and see the images of her dying (read novel?). I think maybe in AOTC her presnce was more SOOTHING then than in was in ROTS. Of course, I think the point you made of how he set ASIDE his worries and focussed (sp?) on the GOOD of Padme carrying his child. :x

That picture, I must add, has been my background for a year now! And I have it as my background on my skelly (my cell phone :)) and it's stored as a picture on my iPod! :D

Again, Great blog! :x MINIFORCE
jedilily1026
Years Matter Not (Gone Crazy...Be Back Soon)
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:28 PM
Yes she was soothing for him. HE FELT EVERYTHING WAS WELL WHEN HE WAS WITH HER. The pressures he felt with her pregnancy, his dreams and his wanting to save her is what made him lose it at first. Very nice. In that picture we finally see them together again. How nice.

:D
gold5
I lost Tiree, lost Dutch!..or How I learned to stop worrying and love the Death Star.
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:32 PM
That's good PS77. It is the best description of the feelings Luke was sensing within Vader. He was soothed within his presence. He felt comfort and whole once again that he was something more than the misery of his inner torments. He once again felt he had a purpose and was calm. I too loved that imag. I know we have disscussed this type of thing on the blogs before but I think something like that should be added to the end of ROTJ. Heck it makes more sense than some of the other changes:D
  confusedone
I have the fear of being afraid and I'm on strike against strikes
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:37 PM
Great entry. He always seems to be at ease when she is around (at least in AOTC). I know I find it soothing when Anakin is around.:x :x Great pic and thanks for sharing!;)
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:47 PM
Anakin was like a clean canvas, and could easily absorb anything.

I love this analogy, Bai Ahzur!! Anakin's canvas changed depending on what was going on in his life...and many "painters" had their "hands" in this. He had a lot to work through in his life, and, over time, he did not truly know who or what he could trust any more...even his love for Padme'. Luke did help to change this canvas, and helped to make things clear for Anakin. Thanks for your comments :)
anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:49 PM
That picture! Love it, love it, love it!:x

Your blog has got me thinking! Bear with me here. You know how when sometimes you say something that hits too close to the truth how it can make an angry person furious? Vader just explodes when Luke starts talking about the conflict within him. That selfless, soothing quality that Luke has sets of anger in the Vader side of the Chosen One because the Anakin side is awakened by love. Not only that the Vader side knows that it must "die" in a sense for the Anakin side to rise again - you can feel the ego in him fighting for its life while the clarity of Anakin begins to emerge.

I don't know if that makes sense?:| Very thought provoking entry!


anakinside1
Echoes from the Asteroid Field
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:49 PM
I think something like that should be added to the end of ROTJ.

Amen to that!
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:49 PM
But then, in ROTS, he couldn't STAND to go to sleep and see the images of her dying

It's been a while since I read that novel, but there I do remember this. Every time he went to sleep, visions of Padme's death haunted him, so he essentially "forced" himself to stay awake. The events of his past scarred him, and this is one thing he did not want to come to pass...causing more scarring. Had he just "savored" the idea of fatherhood and living his life with Pamde', maybe he would have realized that not all visions are destined to come true.
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:51 PM
That picture, I must add, has been my background for a year now...

I just "found" it a few weeks ago, and have been in love with it ever since. Thanks for your comments, as always, Mini :)

HE FELT EVERYTHING WAS WELL WHEN HE WAS WITH HER

Amen to that, jedilily!!!! He truly was "at peace" when he was with her...she truly understood him and he understood her. Too bad his fears got in the way :(
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:57 PM
He felt comfort and whole once again that he was something more than the misery of his inner torments. He once again felt he had a purpose and was calm.

Well-said, gold5!! To me, this was the turning point for him...he (Anakin/Vader) knew what he had to do, and he came through in the end!! As Ami once wrote, Padme' was present with Luke on that Bridge on Endor...possibly through either her own spirit or through the presence of Luke himself. She was there, nonetheless, watching over the two most important men in her life...Anakin and Luke :x Thanks for commenting!! :)
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 3:58 PM
I think something like that should be added to the end of ROTJ

You've got no arguments from me here ;) . This would be the ultimate addition to that film, to the saga as a whole!!

I know I find it soothing when Anakin is around.

Same here, confusedone :x . Thanks for stopping :D
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 4:12 PM
You know how when sometimes you say something that hits too close to the truth how it can make an angry person furious? Vader just explodes when Luke starts talking about the conflict within him

OOOoooo...I think you've got something here :D . I agree with you here. When Luke spoke of the conflict within, Vader began to realize that Anakin was beginning to resurface after all of those years of being buried. He began to realize that an inner conflict woud come, and that only one persona would prevail...and the "good side" (Anakin) would more than likely prevail over the "bad/evil side" (Vader). :x

I don't know if that makes sense

Of course it does :D
  Jedi Arwen Skywalker
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 5:08 PM
This is a great blog. Because Luke loved Anakin like his mother did, his (luke's) presence was soothing. Perhaps that is why Leia goes undetected, she has no such love for him!

I want a padme/ani reuniting on screen-who's with me???

I've said this B4, if Anakin had just sat back with Padme for a minute during ROTS, I believe his fall would have been prevented. If she could've gotten to Naboo, and made him chill for a moment in her SOOTHING presence, all would've been well. Sadly, that did not happen.

I love blogs like these.
viagoangel2
Were Anakin and Padme' really one?
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 5:57 PM
Sorry I'm late coming into this wonderful entry PS77, forgive me, please?
Anakin always appears to be so much more calm when Padme' is around that it seems that she produces, for lack of a better word, a sedative effect on him Oh how I love this! In fact this touched upon in both novels of AOTC and ROTS. It described in a physical sense of the "soothing". It's mentioned how all she has to do is place the palm of her hand against his cheek, and his undisciplined demeanor is immiedately tamed or set at ease. She really did have away with him....she was his escape his serenity;) Awesome job darling! :x
MissPadme
Miss Padme's Naboo Love Nest
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 6:31 PM
Great entry!
ewanandhaydenfan5
I Have You Now!
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 8:01 PM
Wow...great job of connecting Padme's comforting spirit back to Luke and Leia! I never would have thought of that.

K-fan, I LOVE the new look!
jkelly
There Is No Conflict
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 9:48 PM
I really hadn't made the interrogation connection before. Good point.

I was watching that scene in Bellagio (or Naboo, or whatever) the other night and thought about something. When I was really little, I kind of believe in the Force in that you can "sense" the presence of others. In that way, though, it's real. I am soothed when my loved ones come into the room. I've been told that my wife and I are different when we're together than when we're apart (the way we interact with others, or something).

I think she did provide him with some soothing comfort, but I still don't think it was true love. My position is well-documented on this in my prior entries, though.

I do like the images you evoke in this entry.
Michelle1968
M68- Star Wars Kid at Heart
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 10:29 PM
Nice girly :) Very nice :D

I've always loved the comment, your presence is soothing. When he said it he was fully in the Force. His eyes were closed yet he knew she was there. He felt her and the by the look on his face, he was soothed. (If he only knew how soothing I could be- LOL)

Seriously, what I found interesting was your point about how that changed during the stressful times they faced. It's so true and that's what makes it such a tragedy to me. That he drifted away from and hurt the person he loved most.

Anyway, love this pic and thought it was fitting...

Great blog PS77 :x

Jedi Master Mina
Jedi blogging, go back to your drinks!
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:07 PM
I think that it was Luke's girliness that made Vader feel soothed. Okay, jokes aside.

Don't make me hurt you...X-(

I kind of believe in the Force in that you can "sense" the presence of others. In that way, though, it's real. I am soothed when my loved ones come into the room.

I agree. You don't have to be married to sense a loved one's presence though. I'm soothed around my mother, until she agitates me. Than I wanna swing my saber at her. :D

Good blog my friend. This by no means is linked to LILWA now, is it?
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:16 PM
Because Luke loved Anakin like his mother did, his (luke's) presence was soothing. Perhaps that is why Leia goes undetected, she has no such love for him

Great point, JAS...I had not considered this before. True, she had no love for Vader...but, perhaps she exuded a little of Padme', which made him think twice about executing/torturing her.

If she could've gotten to Naboo, and made him chill for a moment in her SOOTHING presence, all would've been well.

Ahhh...the "what ifs." I love this one because it would have changed everything...at least for a time, but hopefully forever. :x

Thanks for your comments :)
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:19 PM
Sorry I'm late coming into this wonderful entry PS77, forgive me, please?

Not a problem, my dear ;)

It described in a physical sense of the "soothing". It's mentioned how all she has to do is place the palm of her hand against his cheek, and his undisciplined demeanor is immiedately tamed or set at ease.

Ahhh...to be able to have that way with him :x . Great point about the "physical" soothing she could do. She must have had an aura of some kind to be able to do that.
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:23 PM
Great entry!

Thanks, MissPamde :)

great job of connecting Padme's comforting spirit back to Luke and Leia! I never would have thought of that.

Thanks E&HF5!! It just sort of came to me as I thought about this entry. :D

This by no means is linked to LILWA now, is it?

No, not really Mina, but I guess it could be ;) .
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:26 PM
I kind of believe in the Force in that you can "sense" the presence of others. In that way, though, it's real. I am soothed when my loved ones come into the room.

I also agree with you on this one, jkelly. Like Mina said, you don't have to be married to someone to be able to sense their presence or be comforted/soothed by that presence. I find this to be true in those relationships that mean the most to me...my family and my closest friends.

My position is well-documented on this in my prior entries, though.

Yes, I know how you feel about this, and I respect your opinion :)

I do like the images you evoke in this entry

Thanks for the compliment

:D
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 07, 2006 11:30 PM
When he said it he was fully in the Force. His eyes were closed yet he knew she was there. He felt her and the by the look on his face, he was soothed

Great point, Michelle!! He truly was one with the Force at that moment, at peace, but yet knew that she was near. That just makes me swoon a little :x

what I found interesting was your point about how that changed during the stressful times they faced. It's so true and that's what makes it such a tragedy to me.

I agree that this is what makes this story so tragic...he was unable to see past these troubled visions and troubled times to realize that things could get better. His dark thoughts clouded the love between them.

Also...loved the pic!! Thanks :)
  anigirl3
date Posted: Sep 10, 2006 2:19 PM
I know I find it soothing when Anakin is around.

amen, and amen!

I want a padme/ani reuniting on screen-who's with me???

I live in the land of 'woulda-coulda-shoulda.'
JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Sep 12, 2006 1:08 PM
Oh wow, nice blog! One of my favorite images (not used in the movies, just in my mind) is that of Padme
being present at the end of ROTJ when Luke's battle with Vader is nearing the end. I certainly think that
it was her (soothing) precsence that helped Vader (Anakin) to "see" his son and to save him.

She helped Anakin fulfill his destiny.
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Sep 12, 2006 2:45 PM
I certainly think that it was her (soothing) precsence that helped Vader (Anakin) to "see" his son and to save him. She helped Anakin fulfill his destiny.

I certainly love that thought, JP1!! I truly believe that Padme' never "died" in the spiritual sense...she was there to protect Anakin all those years and came to him in his greatest hour. Ever since ami wrote about Padme's presence, I have viewed those scenes in a different lightl. Now with this, I truly see things differently...and thank you :x
JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Sep 13, 2006 9:17 PM
I truly see things differently...and thank you

No, no.... thank you! :)
MomOf2YoungPadawan
Mamadala's Lair
date Posted: May 07, 2007 8:19 AM
How the heck did I miss this one the first time around?!? :O Bad, Mamadala!! :p

Wow - this really mesmerized me. It is indeed interesting and wonderful that Padme's presence had such a soothing effect on Anakin.

It just goes to prove once again that the old JO needed to allow for such "attachments."

Although it is good to learn to stand on one's own feet emotionally (as the old JO encouraged the Knights to do), we all know how important it is to have people in our lives to act as our "pillars of strength..." friends, family members and even co-workers!!

Glad I finally caught this entry! :D

  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: May 07, 2007 10:22 AM
How the heck did I miss this one the first time around?!? Bad, Mamadala!!

That's ok...I had not even noticed that you did :8}

Although it is good to learn to stand on one's own feet emotionally...we all know how important it is to have people in our lives to act as our "pillars of strength..."

Exactly!! Great point :)

Glad I finally caught this entry!

Me too :x
  Darth Divette
Confusing muses of a teenage Star Wars Fangirl
date Posted: May 13, 2007 3:09 PM
Nice entry. I never really thought about that. Cool pic.B-)
SithLord0017
That's a name I've not heard in a long time... a long time.
date Posted: Jun 02, 2007 4:40 PM
I saw this when it was first created and wanted to comment on it, but had no time to. It is an interesting take on the situation. I had thought of the Luke part before, but never the part about Anakin releasing his full anger and hatred after realizing that not even Padme could not save him. I am glad this blog made it to the most popular list as I was able to find it and comment on it now that I have time.
SithLord0017
That's a name I've not heard in a long time... a long time.
date Posted: Jun 02, 2007 4:41 PM
It's also nice to see a "true blog" (no offense to anyone, it is not my intention to imply that other blogs are not blogs, I just call blogs about theories/interpretations such as this true blogs, and the others joke blogs, daily life blogs, ect.) make it on the most popular list. We don't get too many of these "theory" or "true" blogs these days as much of the cool theories have been discussed, people have stopped caring for them, and there are so many joke blogs that make it to the list.
  padmeskywalker77
Padme's Legacy
date Posted: Jun 02, 2007 10:53 PM
I'm glad that you had the chance to comment now. :)

I also like to read the "theory" entries. However, I do enjoy reading the other ones, too...especially the recent ones regarding others' experiences at CIV (since I was also there). I do appreciate your thoughts. Thanks again!!
  Amanda Skywalker40
date Posted: Jun 05, 2007 5:24 PM
ha ha ha I wish I was anakins soothing angel love the entry
  Shadow_JediX
date Posted: Jun 07, 2007 2:14 PM
perfect
jediileia
There is No Death; There is the Force
date Posted: Jun 08, 2007 4:43 PM
*sigh* true love!! Amazing blog :D
  jediholteh
date Posted: Jun 11, 2007 3:48 PM
Once again PS77, I believe you have captured the essence of Anakin. It's sad, really, that he couldn't find happiness or peace in anything else. Despite the fact that he's not the most optimistic fella on earth, I'm sure he had more to be happy about other than

....

Well, maybe not. Anyway, I think you're right about Anakin seeing the same selflessness in Luke as he did in Padmé. And I love the picture. :D
  Aurin_Starkiller
date Posted: Dec 28, 2007 5:34 AM
Hmm...

Great entry miss skywalker. Keep up the good work.

The presence of a loved one often does produce a sense of calm in an individual, and it is little surprise that this is true for Anakin as well. It takes away some of the burden that every being feels, and is especially vital during times of great mental and emotional stress. It can be addicting, however, and the lack of it can be just as miserable as withdrawal from a drug.

It was, after all, his fear of losing her that drove him over the edge.

God Bless,

May the Force grant us wisdom...
  Anakinloveslave
date Posted: Dec 29, 2007 3:44 PM
I love this! You captured the feelings and words beautifully.
  vadersgirl33
vadersgirl_reflections
date Posted: Jan 20, 2008 12:35 PM
Oh my!!!! Almost missed this blog!!!!:( . Glad I caught it.

I also agree that Anakin felt Padme to be very soothing to him at all times. Well, at least until Vader fully took control and Anakin was gone from existence (or so he thought) until Luke came into his life.

Great blog!!!

vadersgirl33
  WifeofVader
Tales from the Death Star
date Posted: Jan 24, 2008 1:51 PM
Now, I could have SWORN that I commented on this blog when you first posted it back when...

Obviously not! Glad I caught it this time around.

That sequence and dialogue is very moving ... for them and for me. I am in touch with that emotion and have actually had that said to me.

Padme balanced Anakin more than he knew ... or accepted. She was his every reason for living - and dying. Their love is something that I think each and everyone of us wishes to find in our relationships. Her presence certainly did sooth him ... and he did everything in his power to prevent losing it.

Great blog, hun!

xoxo
BlueX-WingPilot
The Starfighter Docking Bay
date Posted: Jan 31, 2008 7:40 AM
Well... I couldn't have missed it before, cuz I just got here :8}
oh well, better late than never...

I was amazed on how many points were brought up in this blog entry, like Luke getting to close to the truth and making Vader angry because of it.

Yes, its all very interesting...

Have a nice day :)
hakushakufujin
My Own Little Corner of the Jedi Temple
date Posted: Feb 04, 2008 10:01 PM
An interesting interpretation, and I applaud you for thinking it through. You made your point well enough that I can see it from your side, even though I view the relationship remarkably differently, as I see Anakin and Padme's relationship as rather unhealthy and a bit darker. I won't trouble you with those views, since I'm not sure what the policy on differing views is here, and I do not wish to offend. I still thank you for giving me different perspective to consider.
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