The Chosen One to Bring Balance to the Force

Last month we looked at the moral conflict and differences between the Sith and Jedi, specifically during the days of the Old Republic. We visited a few of the dogmatic, shortsighted, and arrogant views of the old Jedi Order and alternately the Sith’s lust for power and dominance. The two sides met with a fury and vengeance, ending with the ultimate decimation of the Jedi and rise to power of the Sith. The culmination of the events were brought on by the downfall of the chosen one, Anakin Skywalker, which prompted the anguished cry of Obi Wan Kenobi: “You were the chosen one! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them. You were to bring balance to the force, not leave it in darkness!”

The declaration that Anakin was the chosen one has always intrigued me, in part due to my shortsightedness, but also my constant philosophizing. I found myself conflicted. Why would the chosen one betray the very order he swore to defend and become the galaxy’s most fearsome villain? Could it be that the prophesy was a farce? Perhaps it was, as Yoda put it, “A prophecy that misread could have been.”

Balance: noun  1. a state of equilibrium or equipoise; equal distribution of weight,amount, etc.

By definition balance indicates an equilibrium or an equal condition existing between two opposing elements. Therefore the force could not exist in true balance without the darkness and the light co-existing, in peace and serenity. By destroying the Sith, did Anakin bring balance to the force?

“A family in balance, the light with the dark, day with night, destruction replaced by creation… Too much light or dark would be the undoing of life as you know it.” – The Father from Mortis

During the Clone Wars, Anakin alongside Ahsoka and Obi-Wan were drawn to a world or convergence in the force known as Mortis, a place where the two sides of the force meet in an intersection. Obi-Wan and Anakin recognize it right away. Three beings inhabit this ethereal world, the Father, the Daughter, and the Son. The children represent opposing sides of the force, dark and light. The Father acts as their caretaker and moderator, keeping them in their place in a subdued and controlled atmosphere. While there, Anakin learns of his destiny, one that we know too well – Darth Vader

The Father eventually removes the memories of the destiny shown to Anakin, after warning him that his destiny still remains within his power to choose.

The events that took place on Mortis are a collection of microcosms. Many aren’t to be realized until much later.

The Son murders his sister and betrays his father, giving in to his lust for power and the luring temptations of the dark side. Sound familiar? So exists the first microcosm. Anakin made the same choice when joining Palpatine and destroying the Jedi. The parallels continue as the Father, through betrayal, murders his son while sacrificing his own life for the greater good just as Anakin betrayed Palpatine to destroy the Sith. Additionally of note is what the Father says to his Son prior to his death. He tells him he always believed there is good in him. A symbolic reference of the belief a dying Padme held in regards to Anakin.

As the Father slips away into the force, he speaks of the balance that now exists – the light and the dark subdued. This is symbolic reminder of the balance that is to be restored to the force by the chosen one.

I continue to muse within myself. Is it really balance? Go back to the definition provided by the Father – destruction replaced by creation.

Herein lies perhaps the greatest truth, leading us to the newest chapter in the Star Wars Saga – The Force Awakens. Through the destruction of the Jedi and the Sith, balance was reached and the force lay dormant and suppressed, a destruction of sorts. What lies ahead is the reawakening or recreation of the Jedi Order and the force.

Then another rumination – I revisited the Mortis arc. Enter the genius of creator, Dave Filoni and the Lucasfilm story group.

While on Mortis, Ahsoka also experienced a vision placed upon her by the beings that resided. The vision, not to be taken literal, presented Ahsoka with the dilemma that she should leave her master. An event that took place toward the end of Clone Wars. We also witnessed Anakin, as an instrument of the Father giving life to her as a last great act of the life of his daughter. Could this be a symbol of the passing of the torch to Ahsoka and the rebellion?

We see in Star Wars Rebels that Ahsoka, with renewed life and purity, leads the early stages of the rebel cause to take down and destroy the Sith. Although she is not around to see the task through, she still plays a vital part. The chain of events puts into action the redemption of Skywalker.

Perhaps the most remarkable success that Anakin achieved as Chosen One, may be his son. Through Luke the force will be restored to innocence and purity. And the Jedi Order will be rebuilt.

It’s brilliant, all of it.

I will continue this next month as I take a look at Luke’s place in the discussion of the prophecy.

I would love to hear your thoughts and discussion.

 

The Cantina Cast

The wretched hive your Jedi Master warned you about!

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