The Rise of Anikan
Anakin Skywalker’s story begins on the desert planet of Tatooine. Living as a slave with his mother, Shmi, Anakin grew up in hardship but showed remarkable resilience and kindness despite his situation. From an early age, he displayed an unusual talent for mechanics and piloting, building his own podracer and even constructing a protocol droid, C-3PO.
When Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi arrived on Tatooine, they immediately noticed something extraordinary about Anakin. His strong connection to the Force set him apart, and Qui-Gon believed he could be the Chosen One destined to bring balance. Anakin’s incredible podracing victory not only demonstrated his skills and courage but also won him his freedom.
Leaving his mother behind was the first major turning point in Anakin’s journey. Though painful, it set him on the path to becoming a Jedi. His introduction in The Phantom Menace establishes him as a boy full of promise, innocence, and hope—qualities that make his eventual fall to the dark side even more tragic.