Melinda’s Brew : The Path Less Travelled

Melinda’s Brew : The Path Less Travelled

Have you ever gone for a leisurely stroll on a warm summer’s day (which sounds heavenly right about now!), and as you’re striding along, you let your mind wander as the sun kisses your skin? No earbuds relaying your favorite tunes to your ears. No ever-lengthening “to do” list encumbering your brainwaves. Just you, the birds and the open road – the one in front of you down which your feet will take you, and the one inside your head down which your thoughts can meander.

I like to do just this whenever I have the time … and when I do, it isn’t long before I start thinking about Star Wars. (It isn’t as if Star Wars consumes my life. It doesn’t. But there are so many correlations between the Star Wars Saga and real life that the major themes pop up – naturally.)

As I was strolling along one particular morning a few years ago, I started contemplating Anakin and whether he truly was “The Chosen One”. Qui-Gon Jinn comes upon this 9-year-old waif, recognizes that he has a propensity for the Force, requests a midi-chlorian count be conducted, and when the reading indicates Anakin’s count is “off the chart,” he is dubbed “The Chosen One”. Qui-Gon convinces the Jedi Council Anakin must be The One the prophesy foretold would bring balance to the Force.

But is he really? Really? When mulling over the answer to this query, I cannot get one particular exchange out of my mind. To lay the foundation for my different point of view, I cite the conversation about the supposed Chosen One between Obi-Wan, Mace Windu and Yoda aboard the transport in “Revenge of the Sith”:

Obi-Wan: “…Master, is he not the Chosen One? Is he not to destroy the Sith and bring balance to the Force?”

Mace: “So the prophecy says.”

Yoda: “A prophecy…that misread could have been.”

Examine the scene. Look at the facial features of Yoda and Mace Windu, in particular. The looks on both of their faces say more than their words – they have their doubts regarding their interpretation of the prophecy, including whether it really is Anakin who truly is The One. Yoda’s pensive visage, too, connotes the danger of falling into the trap of drawing conclusions on limited criteria, implying that a mistake may have occurred.

I offer an alternative way of thinking – it is not Anakin who is destined to bring balance to the Force, but rather his son, Luke, who truly is The Chosen One.

Blasphemy? An outrage? Where is my head? Going down a path less travelled, I know, but please hear me out.

Luke is the Chosen One. Luke is the one who saves Anakin. Luke is the one who exemplifies what it means to be a Jedi. It is Luke’s actions that bring balance to the Force. He forces the issue by sacrificing himself to the Emperor’s wrath.

We all know what happens next – Darth Vader rises after being beaten by his much stronger son, and keeps the Emperor from letting loose the last bolts of Force lightning that surely will kill Luke. Yes, Anakin comes back to the Light. Yes, he is redeemed (at least to a certain extent). That does not mean he is The Chosen One.

When it comes to the Skywalker Clan and being a Jedi, it is Luke who knows what it means to be a Jedi. Sure, a Jedi can wield all kinds of special powers, but that isn’t what it really means to be a Jedi. It means to be selfless, willing to lay down one’s life for the good of others, stand for right and justice no matter what, to control one’s emotions so one can carry out one’s mission. Anakin never could grasp that. Like I said in my last blog here at CWK, as a youngster and young man, I believe Anakin was, for the most part, altruistic, but he never could get past his anger and selfishness – to see the bigger picture. Where father failed, the son succeeded. That is why I am of the opinion that it was Luke who ultimately is The Chosen One. I can’t say – definitively – that George Lucas ever intended Luke to be the Chosen One. I’m just proposing that, through writings and rewritings and reworkings of the entire story over the course of many years – without consciously knowing – George Lucas was setting up Luke to be the Chosen One. Through his love for his father, Luke was able to save Anakin – and it was that act that finally brought balance to the Force.

I know I’m in the minority in this line of thinking. However, I know I am not alone. Earlier this month, the www.starwars.com Top Ten Jedi was posted, and in that list, Luke garnered top honors as the most powerful Jedi, that his self-sacrificing act at the end of “Return of the Jedi” is what ultimately brings balance to the Force. (You may or may not agree with the website’s Top 10 Jedi list. I do … and it isn’t because I’m a Luke junkie. 😉 ) After so many years of standing alone, it is pretty nice to have others voice an opinion much like my own.

I’m not trying to convince anyone around to my way of thinking. I’d like to think that I at least got your mind swirling around a different way of looking at the Saga. As a very wise Jedi once said: “…many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” In the end, it’s just a matter of interpretation. I thought it would be fun to share with you my interpretation so you could consider strolling down that path less travelled. Leave me a comment or drop me a message at melindaw@coffeewithkenobi.com. I’d love to hear what you have to say on the subject.

As always, MTFBWY 🙂

____________________

Those of you who know me best know I love holidays, and I love spreading joy wherever and whenever I can. With Valentine’s Day just around the corner – and considering how much we all love a very specific film saga – I thought it would be fun to hold my second CWK Raffle in conjunction with the upcoming February 14 celebration. Join in the fun by leaving me a comment here that states “Throw My Name Into The Hat”! The deadline to do so is Monday, February 10. On the 11th, one lucky winner’s name will be pulled out of my Star Wars cap, and that individual’s name will be announced when my next blog is posted – on February 15. Past winners are eligible to enter. All individuals wanting to be part of the raffle must be willing to provide me with their mailing addresses (I will ask for only the winner’s, and I will do so privately). The prize is to be determined – but I promise it will be Star Wars-related. Good luck to all! (If you believe in that sort of thing. 😉 )

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36 Comments

  1. Jason Ward (@MakingStarWars)
    January 30, 2014 at 22:30 Reply

    It is an interesting topic and one you can certainly entertain. But there is more evidence to the contrary. Anakin is supposed to “destroy the Sith, not join them!” So we know the language as interpreted by Obi-Wan Kenobi is that the chosen one was to “destroy” the Sith, as it kill them.

    My issue with the theory above is it negates what Luke Skywalker actually did. Luke Skywalker took himself out of the fight. He refused to fight and continue the strife. Luke takes a passive path, a path of nonviolence. He’s the superior man and that inspires Anakin to follow through with his destiny.

    The interesting part for me pertains to Anakin’s lineage though. Because you can still marry both concepts when you get down to it. Anakin is able to adhere to his destiny’s path because of his son, an extension of himself in all ways.

    Anakin could never have destroyed the Sith without his son. He needed that symbol of purity, righteous and deep morality to remind him of the man he used to be and that there things worth dying for. So Anakin atoned with his destiny because of his son.

    I don’t think we can put it all on Luke or all on Anakin. In many ways, they’re linked together in that struggle against good and evil. The irony is that Luke and Leia were probably born because the Sith manipulated Anakin into following his passions over his young life. That bought the Sith some more time to rule the galaxy but ultimately destroyed them because the connection between Luke and Anakin was far stronger than his domination under Darth Sidious.

    All of this has made me wonder about the future of Star Wars though and if the Sith return and if the prophecy is to continue into the sequel trilogy. If that should be the case, Anakin’s lineage is probably to credit and therefore, Anakin is still the one that will bring balance to the Force, either way you slice it.

    Darth Plagueis was written in accordance with George Lucas and the novel makes a lot of the prophecy clear and even Anakin’s birth via divine intervention and the Force. That mixed with the Revenge of the Sith DVD commentary lets us know Anakin is indeed the chosen one.

    That said, I think this theory was a fun read.

  2. Becca
    January 31, 2014 at 01:15 Reply

    Ah, the path less travelled or the broken road. Definitely NOT the noted “quick and easy” path of the Sith 😉

    Melinda, I truly do enjoy your ideals/insights/musings. Thought provoking as always. Luke, “The prodigal son” who redeems the “son of suns” to the light, illuminating the force to balance.

    While I totally see some validation in your POV(S), I have to align myself with Jason Ward on this one. Although, I do see where you’re coming from with this. Luke was definitely more aptly attuned with his emotions, well….most of the time 😉 Before I elaborate on that nugget, let me start off with circumstance(s)….

    Luke’s upbringing was a lot less complicated than his fathers, besides the harsh environment/habitat. He was a “free” abiding citizen of Tatooine and had both, a maternal and paternal role models during his maturation. He was not beaten or mentally abused by an “owner” or a being of higher stature(well, not that we are aware of). As of viewer of ANH, one could say he had a “Typical” teenage lifestyle or nothing out of the ordinary. Quite the complete opposite of his father, who had walked the sands of Tatooine some 20 years prior.

    Those lifestyles, if reversed, may have impacted the storyline in a totally different angle. We, as a people or an individual, are the product of those who have influenced us the most during our most pivotal years of development. With that said, Luke’s mentors were very few, but more influential and less confusing to identify with. Heck, he actually had “one on one” time with Yoda! May I also add, Yoda was a lot more “free spirited” and empathic with Luke than he ever was with Anakin, or any other padawan for that matter.

    Now, going back to that “emotion” point. Yes, Luke did have a better handle on his “raw” emotions or feelings. Still, I wouldn’t go as far as to say he had total control. Key point, in ROTJ when Vader brings up “sister” to Luke, he tends to spiral in an almost identical rage to that of his father’s. If you look at Luke’s violent attack at that precise moment, to the one of Anakin’s on Mustafar with Obi-wan in ROTS….it’s equally matched; it’s a “territorial attack”. Luke’s is for Leia, while Anakin’s is for Padme (You will not take her from me!). Fortunately for Vader, Luke only retracts after he has disturbingly beaten and severed his father’s hand. In a sense, he has faced the “mirror”. More importantly, he succeeds in his mission and confronted Vader. While doing so, he defies both his mentors by NOT killing the Sith. Instead, he does the unthinkable, and remarkably returns an astray back to the light.

    As Anakin emerges, he also becomes one with the force as his physical form leaves the materialistic world. Such an emotional moment, a father and son finally reunite after decades of lost time and in an instant, it is doused. Still, what’s so prominent in this scene is that both, father and son complete a “Jedi Trial”; they have learned to “let go” ….
    Think about it, Luke wants to SAVE his father, but Anakin assures him that nothing can stop the inevitable; he is dying. Anakin has wanted nothing else his entire life, but an unconditional love and he has found that through Luke. finally attaining that, he selflessly lets it go as he looks into his sons eyes, for the first and last time.

    Love your blogs, Melinda!!!
    You totally inspire, purely amazing 🙂
    MTFBWY…always

  3. jaymo2yp
    January 31, 2014 at 01:23 Reply

    Much to ponder here!

    I just watched “Oz: The Great and Powerful” last night with Padawan #2. Your discussion here reminds me a lot of that movie in many ways. If you haven’t seen the movie, I’ll try not to spoil it too much here, but suffice it to say that in the story there was a prophecy which foretold that a wizard of the same name as the land would fall from the sky and free the people of Oz. Oscar (Oz), was a two-bit circus magician. He got himself in pretty deep because he was lured by the riches offered to him, but wasn’t actually a “wizard” by any stretch of the imagination. However, the people of Oz wanted SO MUCH to believe he was “the one.”

    What you’re proposing here sort of mirrors this tale insomuch as when Qui-Gon found Anakin and saw how high his midichlorians were, he was convinced he was The Chosen One. He made Obi-Wan believe it, and promise that he would go forth with that belief. Even though Yoda and Mace were nay-sayers at first, I do think they also wanted so badly to believe that Anakin was “the one,” that they found reasons to support it.

    That being said, I personally believe Anakin was The Chosen One, simply because the saga was meant for it to be the case. Period.

    Now, if the argument is asking which is the better Jedi – Luke or Anakin – I still have very deep-seeded thoughts on this matter which could support each man. They grew up SO differently, which contributed significantly to the type of Jedi each became…but that’s another story!

    I LOVE what Jason points out concerning Anakin’s lineage, and being able to atone with his legacy and destiny through his son. Excellent point!

    Wow – this is why I crave these blogs – it constantly makes me revisit ideas I thought I knew, understood, believed and had laid to rest! I also find that my opinions on issues change as my own life changes. Have you found that to be true as well?

    Love it, love it, love it!! Great job as always!

    ~Jay

  4. Melinda
    January 31, 2014 at 02:10 Reply

    Thank you so much, Jason. 🙂 I understand from where you are coming, and I know that is the general way of thinking. I’m not even saying George Lucas necessarily had Luke in mind when he penned the Chosen One. (It is his story, after all, and I am not trying to rewrite his intentions. I’m just proposing a different interpretation. It’s like any work of art — the “public” oftentimes can see something that the writer, artist, filmmaker didn’t necessarily see during the creation.)
    The point I was trying to make was — that scene in ROTS says SO MUCH in the nonverbal communication. I think that was intentional. Throughout the Saga, characters convey all kinds of messages through body language. Body language can say so much more than words. And there is the real danger of jumping on the bandwagon to believe something is “true” … when in fact it was false all along.
    Also, Luke was NOT acting in a passive way. By throwing away his lightsaber, and standing tall — as a Jedi — to the Emperor, he was doing the OPPOSITE of what Palpatine wanted Luke to do. It was Palpatine’s intention all along to have Luke replace Vader.
    I cannot dispute what you have said — it really was a team effort (on Luke’s and Vader’s/Anakin’s part) to defeat Palpatine. 🙂
    (I don’t know if you’re an EU fan. I am. The Sith are still around. Can there be good without evil? Mull that over.)

  5. Chad Lauderbaugh
    January 31, 2014 at 02:18 Reply

    I agree with Jason.
    The sins of the father are atoned through the son. Anakin needed Luke’s presence and courage to remind him of what a real Jedi is supposed to do. “I’m not the Jedi I should be….I want more”. A young Anakin says these words but for Luke all he wanted was for his father to recognize the conflict within him and find the light. Luke may have put his life on the line as a sign of faith his father would do the right thing, much like Palaptine did with Anakin as he lay victim to his own lightning barrage. Great blog

  6. Lillian Torres
    January 31, 2014 at 03:40 Reply

    This is great. So many opinions. Hi mo2yp…long time huh,

    Melinda, I see where you are coming from and I know you adore Luke, but for me Anakin is “The Chosen One”. His job was to bring balance to The Force.. He took the long route and made a more perfect version of himself along the way, but in the end he did kill the Palpatine.

    And I remember that the Jedi were full of themselves at that point in ROTS. Maybe part of being “The Chosen One” was making a better Jedi????

    MTFBWY my friend Melinda!

  7. The Valley Vegan
    January 31, 2014 at 04:55 Reply

    Throw my name into the hat!!

    You know, I’ve often thought about the same thing BUT included Leia in the equation. Anakin’s good qualities, his humanity, was split into two parts: masculine and feminine. Was this split to ensure that his goodness would survive no matter what? They were tossed out into the universe, hidden away, so that the “bad” Anakin wouldn’t find them and destroy them. His goodness was hidden away so that his cruelty couldn’t overpower and destroy it.

    Luke & Leia, finally reunited, are able to influence and ultimately save their father. With the two children on one side, all that’s left is for Anakin to recognize and act on it. He can accept his goodness or deny it, and he took it back.

    If you’ve read The Golden Compass (and the other 2 books in the trilogy) you’d know that people’s souls “live” outside their bodies in the form of “daemons” that embody their deepest traits. In this case, Luke & Leia would be Anakin’s — his strength (Leia) and his spirit (Luke) developing outside his influence.

    Ok, I’ve had some wine, so I hope that makes sense!!

    xo Oboe-Wan

  8. Melinda
    January 31, 2014 at 05:11 Reply

    Becca, you make a good argument about Anakin, the differences (and likenesses) between Anakin and Luke, and I certainly can see your point of view. 🙂 Remember, I said I wasn’t trying to convince others to my way of thinking. Merely offering a different point of view to consider was I. 😉
    While it’s true Anakin lived as a slave when he was very young, he had a mother who adored and loved him. A lot. And while I know many fans feel the Jedi had shortcomings when it came to dealing with the younglings (including Anakin), Anakin really did have some pretty strong role models/mentors who — like most parents — did their best.
    … Can you imagine having one-on-one time with Yoda? Awesome! Times were different when Anakin was a padawan. Yoda was the leader of a large group of Jedi. Think of the parent who has two or more children — and having to divide one’s time and attention among them. Throw in the daily chores, one’s work schedule. Sadly, not everyone’s needs are met all the time or to the degree a parent would like. Multiply that how many fold (for Yoda during the days of the Old Republic)? Even when Yoda could concentrate on Luke and Luke alone, he (Yoda) was disappointed and exasperated with Luke at times. Like father, like son. (Yes, Luke did mirror Anakin at times. And there was rage, especially in ROTJ, when Vader found out about Luke’s sister. I just didn’t want to go into all that. 😉 )
    I don’t dismiss Anakin’s role in the final events in ROTJ. He did keep Palpatine from slaying Luke. I just don’t know if that act convinces me that it was Anakin who brought balance to the Force — and therefore is the Chosen One.
    I love to hear your thoughts. They always get me thinking!!! 🙂

  9. Melinda
    January 31, 2014 at 05:14 Reply

    I’ll be back tomorrow. 🙂 It’s getting late here, and I’m fading. I truly appreciate the insights everyone is adding. 🙂
    Doesn’t anyone want to throw her/his name into the hat? 😉

  10. Melinda
    January 31, 2014 at 15:29 Reply

    Jay, it’s so good to see you popping in! 🙂 I know what you mean about these CWK blogs — especially since we’ve added some great thinkers to the roll. 🙂 I’m still pondering musings Becca proposed in her first blog. I love the fact that — even after 30+ years — we can talk about the Saga, its themes, and even be introduced to new ideas, interpretations. While one might not necessarily change one’s way of thinking, I love the fact we can consider new ideas. 🙂
    I know this is going to sound odd, but I am not saying that Anakin was NOT the Chosen One. I just think of Luke being in that position. I know I sound like a broken record, but once the PT hit the scene, I just can’t get that short exchange on the transport in ROTS out of my mind. I agree with you — Qui-Gon and the rest of the Jedi WANTED so much to believe Anakin was the Chosen One. But even Yoda considered that they may have misinterpreted the prophesy, made a mistake. Which means Anakin may not have been who everyone thought he was.
    It would be interesting to know what Luke’s midichlorian count is. That never came up in the OT, and I don’t recall any EU novel making mention of it. Perhaps his was even higher than his father’s? True, it appears Luke’s conception came about in the “usual” way, but that doesn’t mean his midichlorian count could not be even further off the charts than Anakin’s. 😉
    … p.s. Yes, I most definitely find some of my ideas about Star Wars changing the older I get. 😉 (sidebar: I was chatting with Erin a few days ago. During our conversation, I made mention of “…here I am at 55 years of age, and…” She couldn’t believe I was that old. In fact she questioned it! 😉 When I told her in what year I was born, she did the quick math, and finally accepted the truth. 😉 “Funny, I never see you getting past a certain age,” she concluded. Wouldn’t that be nice? 😉 ) That’s why I love Obi-wan’s line in ROTJ: “Luke, you’re going to find that many of the truths we cling to depend greatly on our own point of view.” I’m not the same person I was 20 years ago. I look at life a lot more differently. 🙂

  11. Melinda
    January 31, 2014 at 15:38 Reply

    Chad, interesting line of thinking. 🙂 Although I don’t think Palpatine NEEDED Anakin to save him (in ROTS). I think that was just another form of manipulation to get what he wanted — Anakin to turn his back on the Jedi, and join Palpatine in his quest to rule the galaxy. It was the perfect ploy once Anakin hurried to the Chancellor’s office. Luke really was the better part of Anakin.

    Lily! I love your suggestion “Maybe part of being ‘The Chosen One’ was making a better Jedi????” Maybe that had to occur all along. In order to bring balance to the Force. 🙂

  12. Dan Z & Cory Clubb
    January 31, 2014 at 15:42 Reply

    Some amazing discussion here! We’ll have to highlight it on the next show. 🙂

    Not sure who saw it on Twitter yesterday, but on our feed, Pablo Hidalgo said that it would be news to him if Anakin and Luke had the same midichloriant count. He followed with saying it was possible, but he didn’t know of it. Perhaps this will be explored in the future? Could be fascinating.

    I won’t put my name in the hat, as it wouldn’t be fair, but I love this contest and thread!

    Dan Z

  13. Melinda
    January 31, 2014 at 16:13 Reply

    Oboe-wan, Yay! You get the honors of being the first person to throw her/his name into the hat in the upcoming raffle!!! 😀
    Oooh…I find your hypothesis quite intriguing! 🙂 I’ve never read “The Golden Compass”, but I see the correlation to Anakin, Luke and Leia — that the twins were the better parts of Anakin, and thus held his soul in their keeping (in a manner of speaking). I think it’s interesting how the story evolved — that Luke and Leia were “destined” to be twins (since that was not GL’s original plan, if I remember correctly).
    Expanding, as a fan of the EU, I could understand how and why it took Leia so long to come to terms with the fact that Darth Vader was indeed her father. Yet, Luke was able to accept that so much quicker (not necessarily easier … don’t forget that Darth Vader was responsible for murdering Luke’s only loving kin — and Ben). Two halves of the whole. Hmmm. You have given me a lot to mull over. 🙂

  14. Melinda
    January 31, 2014 at 16:22 Reply

    Dan, I see no reason why your name can’t be in the hat. Everything is above board, and I don’t like to exclude anyone. That rather defeats my whole purpose for spreading good cheer.
    Re: PH — he made mention of Luke’s midichlorian count in a tweet? Cool. 🙂 It’s something about which I’ve wondered for a very, very long time. I can’t recall in anything I’ve read in the EU that makes mention of Luke’s or any other Jedi’s count (post ROTJ). One either is strong in the Force or is not.
    That would be fascinating if the topic was addressed at some point! 🙂

    1. Jay
      January 31, 2014 at 19:54 Reply

      Throw my name in the hat!
      I got so into the blog I forgot to do that!

      I’m waiting for padawan #1 to finish his eye doctor appointment. .. More later! 🙂

  15. Erika
    January 31, 2014 at 19:32 Reply

    Throw My Name Into The Hat!

  16. Becca Benjamin
    February 1, 2014 at 01:42 Reply

    lol! Sorry, I just busted out in laughter at the mental visual of Yoda as a parent of multiple children 🙂 Now that would be a site to see and it would most definitely impact his teaching style as well. You do make a good point there with that example.

    Wasn’t trying to argue my thoughts, sorry if it appeared so. Sometimes I get so caught up in the blog and it’s ideals that I tend to get carried away 😉 See it’s true, you’re very inspirational 🙂 Love the different POV’s from everyone, it makes the GFFA fresh and new all over again.
    …..debatable….timeless, for generations to come 🙂 I just want to hang around long enough to be a part of it!

    PS: I love to your thoughts too! Again, fantastic blog…and well…throw my name into the hat.
    Also, if Erin should be the “drawee” of the names, please ask her to put mine back in the hat if it happens to be drawn. Thanks! It wouldn’t be fair to win again. 🙂

    1. Melinda
      February 1, 2014 at 17:52 Reply

      To set the record straight, you did not get argumentative at all. I think you’re passionate about Star Wars, and it comes across — in a good way! 🙂

      Thank you so much for your warm, kind words. I hope you know they mean a lot to me.

      And consider it done. I have added your name. 🙂 (and, no, I am not going to throw your name back in the hat should it be pulled from it. Remember when I held my occasional raffles over on the old blogs? Sometimes I’d think some individuals were able to use their Jedi mind tricks since some names seemed to be winners on a regular basis! 😉 I’m not one to fool with the Force. 😉 What will be will be. 🙂 )

  17. James Howell
    February 1, 2014 at 04:44 Reply

    Into this hat please tosseth my moniker.

  18. Melinda
    February 1, 2014 at 17:45 Reply

    Jay, Erika and James — I have done your bidding. 🙂

    Good Luck! 😀

  19. Christopher
    February 3, 2014 at 06:40 Reply

    Very well thought-through…I also am of the mind that Anakin is not the Chosen One, yet I also question Luke’s status as such. The Mortis trilogy in The Clone Wars showed us the Force tipping radically out of balance, with evil on the rise. It seems to me (at least through the EU) that Luke’s compassion for his father and the death of Vader and the Emperor did not “balance” the Force, but it rather tipped the balance in the opposite direction, for it was now time for good to flourish. Good and evil (or the light side and the dark side) have to stay equal for the Force to be in balance. It is a very much Yin-Yang concept that George Lucas worked in, and it adds a layer of depth to his universe that I find especially intriguing.

    To sum up, the Chosen One is, was, or will be out there somewhere in the galaxy, but I think it is doubtful at best as to whether either Anakin or Luke fulfilled that prophecy.

    Also, count me in on the raffle! 🙂

  20. Melinda
    February 4, 2014 at 02:31 Reply

    Christopher, I see where you’re going. Intriguing. Truth be told, I had forgotten about the Mortis trilogy in The Clone Wars. Looking back, that was one of my favorite storylines from the animated series. 🙂
    I do think that Luke and Vader/Anakin worked in tandem (basically) to defeat Palpatine, but I am of the mind that, yes, it was ultimately Luke who brought balance — or a form of balance — to the Force. While the Light Side flourishes afterward, the Dark Side most definitely is not gone from the picture. Even though Dark Siders emerge from time to time post-ROTJ, they never really gain the same power Palpatine had during his rise and reign (at least in my opinion). (Yes, I am a huge EU fan!)
    I agree with you 100 percent that there is the need for balance, and that is a fundamental theme throughout the Saga. Can there be good without evil? (there are different degrees of both.) Intriguing indeed! 🙂
    Your name will be in the hat. 🙂 Good luck!

  21. jaymo2yp
    February 4, 2014 at 21:59 Reply

    Loooved the Mortis arc! One of my favorites as well. It was awesome to see that revisited by Luke in the EU as well.

    Hi back to everyone!!

  22. Ryan Hoyt
    February 8, 2014 at 00:45 Reply

    Throw My Name Into The Hat

    thanks!

  23. Kathy Griffee
    February 8, 2014 at 02:56 Reply

    Melinda! Throw my name in the hat!

    Love this! I totally get where you’re coming from, too, Melinda.

    But, every time I think about the “balance”, I get thrown off by the all good at the end of ROTJ. Luke brought the good out in Vader, then Vader destroyed the Sith. “Always two there are, no more, no less”. When Vader was turned, was there another Sith in the wings?

    Another random question that just popped into my head… If Leia hadn’t been trained as a Jedi yet, could she, or any Force-sensitive child for that matter, be considered on the Light side or Dark? Possibly, could any the “self-trained” Force-sensitive being turn to the dark side at any given time? That could be your balance….

    It makes more sense in my head – LOL

  24. Melinda
    February 8, 2014 at 04:32 Reply

    Ryan and Kathy, your names will be in the hat. 🙂

    Yes, Yes, Yes, Kathy! Any Force-sensitive being could be led down either path. 🙂 It’s a matter of choosing wisely. 😉 🙂
    I’m not sure there is balance to the Force at the end of ROTJ — for the reason you stated. Dare I say I’m happy there was that happy ending. 🙂 However, I do believe (even if I’m in the minority 😉 ) that Luke was the Chosen One … who eventually does bring balance to the Force (much later down the line in the EU. Yes, yes, yes, I know the EU is not considered canon. However, there always was a plan for the story to go beyond ROTJ. 🙂 ). Just because the Emperor and Darth Vader are gone does not mean evil has disappeared.
    Our heroes just get a short reprieve.

  25. Allen Berry
    February 8, 2014 at 09:55 Reply

    Throw my name in the hat!

  26. Kyle
    February 9, 2014 at 14:55 Reply

    Wow! Wow! Wow! This is why I love Star Wars. I have been a Star Wars fan for as long as I can remember and I have never even thought about Luke being “The Chosen One!” It’s awesome that something I am so familiar with like Star Wars can still provide new ideas and concepts to get the mind working. Melinda like you, I am a huge Luke fan, and do agree with the Starwars.com ranking putting him at the top. In my opinion he was the greatest Jedi of them all, and exemplified all the qualities that a true Jedi should posses. As far as him being “The Chosen One” I still haven’t made up my mind. Like several people have mentioned above when Luke redeemed his father and they defeated the emperor the balance of the force shifted from the dark to the light. But this is just a temporary state, to be truly balanced there needs to be equal parts light and dark. (Hopefully this will be addressed in the new trilogy!). Anyway I think I am going to stay on the fence on this one and say the jury is still out with Luke being the chosen one. Maybe we will get some more light shed on this as we start getting new content! Thanks for shaking up my Star Wars world!

    Oh and Throw my name in the hat!

  27. Melinda
    February 9, 2014 at 17:12 Reply

    I am in total agreement with you Kyle — that even after years of being a fan and leaning toward one idea, one’s thought processes can take a different turn or, at the very least, be broadened. 🙂 It happens to me time and time again. 🙂
    (for the record, I agree with you — that there needs to be equal parts light and dark for there to be true balance. Not that there always has to be a happy ending, I was pleased when the Saga ended the way it did. 🙂 )

    For both you, Kyle, and Allen — your names are in the hat!

  28. Aaron Harris
    February 9, 2014 at 21:50 Reply

    Wow! Melinda, what a blog! This definitely is a topic I had never seen before. The thought of Luke being the Chosen One not Anakin, I have to say is mind blowing. A lot for me to dwell on, but thats why I love Star Wars! new ideas and ways to look at things. Great job and keep engaging our minds with new ideas!!!!

    And by the way, throw my name in the hat!

  29. Joe Taylor
    February 10, 2014 at 02:35 Reply

    Melinda, Throw my name in the hat.

  30. Melinda
    February 10, 2014 at 04:08 Reply

    Thanks, Aaron. 🙂

    And just so you both know, I have thrown both Aaron’s and Joe’s names into the hat. 🙂

    Time’s a-ticking to be part of this raffle! 😉

  31. Bradley
    February 10, 2014 at 18:37 Reply

    Please put my name in the hat

    I thought about Luke several years ago but came to the conclusion that Anakin is the chosen one and here are my reasons. Qui-Gon thought Anakin was the Chosen One because of two things: his high midi-clorian count and because he was conceived by the force. While Luke probably had a high midi-clorian count, he had both a father and a mother. This alone should take Luke out of the running.
    The other thing to look at however is the idea of bringing balance. It is never clear what balance of the force is. In the book for RotS there is more discussion between Yoda and Mace hinting that the jedi don’t know what balance is but the prophecy will be accompanied by a dark time. I always thought the line by Yoda about misreading of the prophecy was he did not fully understand what the balance would be. If it was to destroy the Sith as Obi-Wan thinks, Anakin did by killing Palpatine and then putting himself in the position to cause his own death. Is it to balance the force as simple as there are two Sith and two Jedi. Or is it his actions cause both Sith and Jedi to have a restart? With Luke’s limited training he makes up much of it as he goes, post RotJ. I think it is a combination of the first and later that I mentioned.
    I think the Sith had corrupted the force but that the Jedi had lost their way. It was the love Anakin had for others that was both his downfall and his redemption. If the Jedi had understood love and Anakin could talk to them and explore love in a health way Palpatine would not have been able to hold it over Anakin. It was the love for Luke that brought Anakin back to the light. And this love that Luke has for Leia and Han that will ultimately make him the stronger Jedi.
    I think Anakin is the chosen one but as he brings balance to the force it is his son that will take that balance and be able to create a stronger more balanced Jedi order

  32. Melinda
    February 11, 2014 at 14:54 Reply

    Bradley, you make a solid argument. And I’m not discounting what you have put forth. I definitely see from where you are coming. (Quite frankly, it has been quite a long time — a very, very long time — since I read the novelization of ‘Revenge of the Sith’. I am basing my premise on the films only, as the story was presented up on the silver screen.) However, I still think the Jedi jumped to a conclusion that may have been incorrect. (Again, I am not necessarily saying it was incorrect. I just am proposing — from my point of view — that the Jedi could have jumped the gun, that Luke is the Chosen One.)

    Honestly, I do not think that being conceived in the manner Luke was discounts him as the Chosen One. For one thing, each of us has the power within us to be a chosen one. Not necessarily in a manner that will save everyone, but rather to leave our marks on the world around us — even if only in our little corners of the galaxy.

    (Here, I’m drawing on an explanation from a dear friend of mine … regarding religion, and drawing a parallel to Star Wars [please understand I am not anywhere near a scholar on this subject!]), God promised to send a savior/messiah to his chosen people of Israel. Jesus Christ was born of Immaculate Conception. Many took Jesus to be the Son of God. However, today, more than 2,000 years after His birth, millions of Jews the world over still are awaiting the Messiah’s coming. Who’s right? Who’s been misguided? I don’t want to get into a theological discussion here (only because the discussion will go afield of what I proposed in my blog), but I would like to point out the fact that there is historical reference for one group of people believing one thing, and another group believing something altogether different.

    I never set out to change anyone’s mind. 🙂 I’m not even saying — definitively — that Anakin is NOT the Chosen One. I’ve had a very long time to contemplate the different ideas presented in Star Wars (I was a young adult when “A New Hope” hit movie screens). My way of looking at, interpreting the story change as I change. As Obi-Wan so astutely pointed out, our outlook(s) depend highly on our point of view. 😉 It’s been a fascinating process, and I most definitely enjoy reading/hearing others’ ideas on any given subject. 🙂 One theme I think George Lucas was trying to convey through all the Star Wars films is that rarely is everything black and white. Just as in real life, grey figures into the picture more regularly. It can be dangerous to follow a tenet without giving it a great deal of forethought.

    Your name most definitely is in my Star Wars hat today! 🙂 Thanks for commenting, and thank you so much for being a part of the raffle! 🙂

  33. Melinda
    February 11, 2014 at 14:55 Reply

    Be sure to check back on Saturday, the 15th to find out who the Lucky Winner of Raffle # 2 is!

    Good Luck, Everyone!!! 😀

  34. CWK Show # 12: Obi-Wan Kenobi, featuring James Arnold Taylor (22) - Coffee With Kenobi
    July 11, 2017 at 09:32 Reply

    […] Check Out Melinda’s Blog and Enter Her Contest! […]

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