The story of Anakin Skywalker, as told in the Star Wars prequel trilogy, hinged upon the idea that he was "the Chosen One." This idea, first put forward by Liam Neeson's Qui-Gon Jinn in The Phantom Menace, prophesies the coming of a being who will bring balance to the Force. A new Star Wars novel finally reveals to fans the text of that prophecy.

Claudia Gray's novel Master & Apprentice follows Qui-Gon's research into ancient Jedi prophecy. Amongst the prophecies he uncovers is one that will be familiar to fans: "A Chosen One shall come, born of no father, and through him will ultimate balance in the Force be restored." The prophecy, according to most interpretations by fans, refers to Anakin, whose immaculate conception convinces Neeson's character to train the boy in the ways of the Force in Episode I.

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Despite Anakin's central role in the prophecy, there is little to demonstrate that he personally brought balance to the Force. His trajectory towards the Dark Side seems to support this. However, he is first in a line of powerful Force users, so it could certainly be his lineage, rather than he himself, that brings ultimate balance back to the Force. With the death of Luke Skywalker in The Last Jedi, though, Anakin's sole heir is Ben Solo, aka Kylo Ren. Ren's actions in The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi don't seem to point to a desire for balance.

Claudia Gray's Master & Apprentice is currently available in hardcover from Penguin Random House. Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker opens December 20th from Walt Disney Studios. Given the subtitle, perhaps it will offer some answers as to how Anakin -- and his family -- might fulfill this prophecy.

via ScreenRant

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