The relationship between Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker is a central theme in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. Their love story, however, was complicated by a noticeable age difference. This article explores the ages of Padmé and Anakin throughout the prequels, examining their age gap and its implications for their relationship.
Padmé and Anakin’s Age Difference Throughout the Prequels
Padmé was born in 46 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin), while Anakin was born in 41 BBY, making Padmé five years older. Their first encounter occurred in 32 BBY during The Phantom Menace.
Anakin and Padme meet for the first time
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The Phantom Menace (32 BBY): Padmé was 14 years old and already Queen of Naboo, while Anakin was a 9-year-old slave on Tatooine. Anakin developed a childhood crush on Padmé, but she saw him as a young boy.
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Attack of the Clones (22 BBY): A decade later, Padmé was 24 and Anakin was 19. Their romantic feelings developed during this time, culminating in their secret marriage at the end of the film. This marked a significant shift in their relationship, as Anakin was now a Jedi Padawan and closer to Padmé in age.
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Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY): Padmé was 27 and Anakin was 22. Their marriage remained secret, and the events of this film ultimately led to Padmé’s tragic death and Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader.
Padmé and Anakin’s Marriage and Padmé’s Death
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Marriage Age: Padmé was 24 and Anakin was 19 when they married in secret on Naboo in Attack of the Clones. Their marriage was forbidden by the Jedi Order, adding another layer of complexity to their relationship.
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Padmé’s Death: Padmé died at the young age of 27 while giving birth to Luke and Leia in Revenge of the Sith. The official cause of death was attributed to losing the will to live after Anakin’s fall to the dark side.
Some fans have debated the plausibility of her death, but it remains a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga, shaping the destinies of her children and the galaxy.
Padmé’s Potential Role in the Original Trilogy
Had Padmé lived, she would have been 46 years old during the events of A New Hope. Considering her political background and involvement in the early stages of the Rebellion, it’s likely she would have played a significant role in the fight against the Empire.
Conclusion
The age difference between Padmé and Anakin was a defining aspect of their relationship. While their love story unfolded tragically, it remains a crucial element of the Star Wars narrative, highlighting the complexities of love, loss, and the consequences of choices. The five-year age gap between them, significant in their youth, became less relevant as they matured, but ultimately, their love story ended in tragedy.
