So here is it, the greatest theory ever made about this tormenting question :

Who is Anakin's father?

Yes, who is it? Any idea? Well, I got one, and this is around this idea that revolves this website (duh). What if it were that Senator, Supreme Chancellor, Emperor and Sith Lord that everybody knows and hates? Why not Palpatine himself?

So here are the reasons why I think it could be him.

F A C T S

1. Blond hair, blue eyes, a dimple on the chin: if you didn't see it, you're blind. All right, I know that there are MANY blue-eyed blond guys with a dimple on the chin (dumb Obi-Wan and Cliegg, why do they have to be there?!?) and that Shmi has a dimple too (!/$%?&*), but I keep this point as my first one.

2. Come on, everybody knows that Shmi is a liar. I'm not saying that only in my fanfiction. Everybody remarked it! When Qui-Gon asks her if she knew somebody friendly to the Republic who could help them, she lowers her eyes. When Qui-Gon asks her who was Anakin's father, she looks left, she looks right, she lowers her eyes, she looks at the horizon, she blinks a lot too much before she answers and quickly changes of subject. This was strange. Finally, when Qui-Gon talks with Obi-Wan about Anakin's midi-chlorian count, you clearly see that she had listenned to the whole conversation. And look the face she has! Come on, that woman is so strange...

Example: Shmi's maniacal and psychotic winking.
It is possible to think that the sun makes her blink that way. It is what I was afraid of at first, but then, one evening, I had fun in counting the number of winks she does. MIRACLE! She's not ALWAYS winking that way. We see her approximately 8 times. Here is the sequence of her number of winks: 1 - 1 - 3 - 3 - 9 - 6 - 2 - 1. Noticed the 9 and 6? Yeah, you guessed it right. She winks NINE TIMES when she says to Qui-Gon "There was no father" and she winks SIX TIMES when she says "I can't explain what happened. Can you help him?" Yes Shmi, the SUN is making you blink. We ALL believe you.

3. By the way, you don't think 31 is a little bit old for the Immaculate Conception? I mean, if the Force had chosen her, why at 31?!? The Force could have taken a younger woman. She could have lost him. It's difficult to have a first child at that age. Ask my mother!

4. Can you believe that there is some morons on the Web who believe that Shmi is virgin?!? If you're one of them, I warn you to go away now. Seriously, WHAT KIND OF TOTAL STUPID FOOLISH IDIOTS ARE THEY?!? A virgin slave! Hello?! There's something not working there! I know that what I'm saying sound very mean, like if I'm almost wishing that Shmi got abused, but you know, in fact, I don't care. I'm very happy for her if she never fell on a sexually depraved master. I'm very happy if she is a virgin slave of 31 years old, but IT'S NOT REALISTIC!!! Come on! You understand what I mean? A slave can't be virgin! They're making fun of us or what?!? Really... Blessed Virgin Shmi, pray for us... A virgin slave, yeah, sure. My eye!

5. In TPM, Anakin says to Padmé that he arrived on Tatooine when he was approximately three years old, what means that him and his mother could have been anywhere else in the galaxy (the point that inspired my story!).

6. Palpatine's "And you young Skywalker, we will watch your career with great interest" at the end of TPM. Why would he be interested in Anakin? Because he blew up the Trade Federation?! No, it's hiding something else. And what about those two small pats he give on Anakin's shoulder. This is called CONTACT, why would Palpatine do a CONTACT with a nine years old ex-slave?!? Talking to him would have been enough, the slaps were not necessary. I don't know if you see what I'm meaning, but this is weird for a Sith Lord, even if he is undercover...

7. In the movie, after Qui-Gon had asked who was Anakin's father, Shmi says that she can't explain what happened, but in the novel, she says that she can't tell him any more than that, what's totally different.

8. Anakin didn't live on Tatooine by coincidences. Tatooine is not in the Republic, what means that the Jedi are not going there. It's the best place to hide somebody, like Qui-Gon explains it to Padmé when they arrived in Mos Espa.

9. Do you see any arrogance and ambition in Shmi? No, well I don't see it (come on, she wants to be a FARMER and she wishes Anakin could be a FARMER with her and Cliegg and Owen in Tatooine Ghost ! She's making me feel so depressed....). She accepts her fate and content herself of what she has. What about Anakin? He's never satisfied! He always wants more and he gets arrogant with that. Where is this coming from? From the Force?!? Oh, puh-lease! You know that temper is partly hereditary. You know where these mad moods are coming from! Palpatine wants to be the Emperor and Anakin (until he becomes the second of the Empire) wanted to be the most powerful of all the Jedi - and what he doesn't know is that he's trying to be one through the use of the Dark Side. (thanks to Cookiemunster aka Harry Potter Hater for the idea)
As a matter of fact, Leia becomes the President of the Republic. Why? How? Because she inherited Padmé's political abilities? Like if Padmé had the ability to rule a galaxy. A planet full of the (silly) Naboo? Yes. The Galactic Republic? No.

10. In Dark Empire, only Luke and Leia could destroy the resurrected Palpatine once and for all. And he also tried to possess the body of Anakin Solo. Okay, so WHY are the dead Sith Lords' spirits telling him to take the body of a baby, the grandson of a traitor to the Dark Side (Darth Vader)??? (thanks to Seann Freuglyrr Nat Palpatine for the idea)
In the same way, I have always thought that the marriage of Luke and Mara was planned by the Emperor in a way that they could conceive a child strong in the Force and probably with strong predispositions to fall to the Dark Side. If you read the comic strip Union, which is about their marriage, notice Luke and Mara's (especially Mara's) terrifying nightmares. Something is wrong with that family, we all know that.

H Y P O T H E S E S

11. Anakin's midi-chlorian count is higher than Yoda's, what means that he has more than the most powerful of all the Jedi. For this, I'll do a parallell with the I.Q. of a person. More our I.Q. is high, more we are intelligent, but if it's too high, we can become crazy. Perhaps when we have too much midi-chlorians, we are too powerful, the power went to our head, and there is more chances that we become Sith.

12. Yoda says that Anakin's future is clouded in TPM, like he says at the beginning of AOTC that the Dark Side clouds everything. All right, we can explain that by the fact that Anakin will become Darth Vader, but...

13. Yoda says to Luke in ESB that only a fully trained Jedi Knight could defeat Vader and the Emperor. Wait a second, how much Jedi Knights were in the Old Republic? More than 9000? So why couldn't they kill only two Sith Lords?! And why do they ask to Luke who is not even a Jedi yet and who doesn't even know how to shield himself correctly to go and to kill two Sith Lords?!? You don't see that there is something not working there? It's simple to understand, Luke is a Sith Lord too. It's why they sent him to his death. They thought they would all die and that they would never hear about them again. After all, maybe they are too powerful Sith and that only a member of their family can defeat them. Not only Luke against his father, but perhaps Vader against his too...

14. I think that Palpatine would have never told to Vader that he was his father. If he were doing that, he wouldn't have him on his side. Anakin would have been very angry to know that his mother could have not die and that he would have not been a slave during nine years.

15. You know, another hypothesis is that perhaps Palpatine didn't know that he had a son. Perhaps he learned it when Anakin blew up the Trade Federation. Remind you something? Luke who's blowing up the Death Star? Well, yes, we know that Lucas likes copy/paste. But anyway, it's possible. (Thanks to my mother for that one)

16. So how would have Palpatine and Shmi met each other? Well, they surely weren't drunk. It's only a funny supposition for my story. Well, I don't know. Maybe she was his slave, even if he was a Senator. After all, it could explain what he says to Luke in ROTJ, that him like his father were belonging to him. Maybe for him, they are just a slave's descendents and she could then have been his slave.

17. Why would he choose her? Perhaps it was because she was his opposite. We know that they are all opposite couples in Star Wars. Perhaps the fact that she was a Lightsider (but without the Force, of course) was pleasing him. Perhaps she was bringing some calm in a Darksider's restless life. He hate Lightsiders, but they are all so paradoxal sometimes...

18. Speaking of that, we know that he hates Jedi too. So why would Palpatine trust a Jedi? Anakin was before all a Jedi. We know that he turned on the Dark Side, but he was the Chosen One. He was the most powerful Jedi, Palpatine should have eliminated him, knowing that he could kill him, but he didn't. If Anakin is his son, perhaps it explains why he trusted him.

19. So to stay with the suppositions without any meaning, there is one: why after five movies we still don't know what's Palpatine's first name?! I mean, he's important enough to have a first name! Well, maybe his first name has a connection with my theory. Suppose that he has many first names...and that one of them is Anakin?... All right, this had no meaning, but we never know... (I don't like that one but this is from my mother too...)

C O I N C I D E N C E S..... O R   N O T?

20. We can see that many of the characters are more linked together than what we first thought. We discovered that Anakin was C3PO's maker and that Owen was really Luke's uncle but by alliance. The only other important character who is not really linked to them is the Emperor...

21. Speaking of that, have you remarked that we learn a new familial addition in every movies? In Episode V, we learn who is Luke's father. In Episode VI, we learn that Luke has a sister. In Episode II, we learn that Anakin has a stepbrother... Hey wait a second, they exchanged the surprises! In the second of the first trilogy and in the third of the second trilogy, we learn something about a sister or a brother. In the second of the second trilogy and in the THIRD of the first trilogy, we learn something about somebody's father.

22. All right so this is the point that has the least meaning, but it's important too. In the end credits of AOTC, we see Pernilla August (Shmi) and Ian McDiarmid (Palpatine) side by side (just so cute and adorable to look at, huh?). We clearly saw that Palpatine talked a bit more in the Episode II than Shmi, who is there only a few time to die in Anakin's arms. They could have put them one after another in the end credits, but strangely, they seemed to have the same importance...
[About the picture on the right, I swear, I didn't make it. I found it that way on the web and I must admit that I really like it. It's just so weird, isn't it?]

23. On the official site of Star Wars, they say that Shmi was at her early 50 in the original script of TPM, but they put her at 40. It's strange, but it's fitting with Senator Palpatine's approximate age...

24. In the AOTC novel, Yoda says that it's only by going in the Dark Side that we can see the possibilities of the future. Eh! Ho!!! Is there anybody who remarked that everybody have visions in Star Wars?!? Well, not everybody in fact, just the members of the Skywalker family. What means that the Skywalkers have Dark Side inside of them. I know that there is a place in the TPM novel where Anakin says to Padmé that he's going to marry her, but it didn't sound like a proposal of marriage. I think it was more like he just had a vision of that. This prove that Anakin is already a Darksider...

25. So this is my favorite point, one that makes me really WIN. You remarked the way Palpatine is speaking to Anakin in AOTC? It's really weird huh? All right, we know that he's going to be the Emperor and Anakin, Vader, but I tell you that there is something hiding under it. Still don't believe me? All right, so take the AOTC novel at page 114 and read that: "'And so, my young Padawan, they have finally given you an assignment,' the Chancellor said with a wide and warm smile, the way a father might talk to a son." You see! You see!!! The way a father might talk to a son. If I'm not winning with that, I really wonder what's the problem.

26. This point is about the same last scene where Anakin and Palpatine are discussing in AOTC. It concerns the background music this time. Next time you'll watch the movie, listen to it correctly. Notice the trumpet? Well, guess what? It's a rephrasing of Shmi's theme (if you don't clearly know what's Shmi's theme sounding like, click here)!!! Now that's pretty weird. And I assure you, it's absolutely true! Pfff, John Williams is in the conspiration too...

27. You still need another proof, huh? Well I got another one, even more fascinating than the last one. I have a Star Wars book called The Art of Star Wars Galaxy printed in 1993 (six years before Episode I, remember this). If you have it, you can take page 114 (oh my god! that's a real coincidence!!! it's the same page number!!!! ah, the destiny...). You see a guy named Jim Valentino who did a drawing of the Emperor (that you can see on the next page). So, that's what Jim Valentino says: "The Emperor is a truly fascinating character, an old-line sorcerer in high-tech surroundings. And he raises intriguing questions: is he Luke's grandfather, the first Jedi Knight to fall from grace, like Lucifer? Maybe when George Lucas produces the next trilogy, we'll find out!" And I'm not making this up! It's REALLY written! Six years before Episode I was released!!! Frightening, isn't it? Thank you Jim Valentino! There's finally someone who thinks like me!

28. George, get ready, 'coz now I win [Insert dramatic and/or suspense music].
Everybody (or almost, I hope) know that Luke and Mara had a son named Ben. A redheaded son. Nothing to worry, that's normal: Mara is a redhead! Well, this is where the whole universe is WRONG!!!
According to my Biology 101 college course (which included a chapter about genetics), red hair is a recessive gene. It means that both of the parents MUST HAVE a red hair gene to GIVE it to their child if the latter is a redhead. And the parents are not forced to have red hair to conceive a redheaded child. It's a bit complex, I warn you.

Example
Let's say red hair is "r" and normal hair (brown or blonde) is "R". Mara and Ben are "rr" because they need two "r"s to have red hair. Luke has a "R" because he's blond, but he MUST HAVE a "r" to give it to Ben.

Okay so now's the big question: where is Luke's recessive redhead gene coming from?!? It means that one of his parents - who ARE NOT apparent redheads - has a red hair gene. Maybe both of his parents have a red hair gene too. It might be possible.

Is it Padmé? Is it Anakin? We cannot be sure about that one. It is certain that we could go up dozens of generations to find a redheaded ancestor. But why should we look for Winama Naberrie's great-grand aunt when we KNOW someone who is closer to us? Yes, we know someone. There is ONE OTHER REDHEADED MAN in the whole saga (and I think it includes the Expanded Universe too, though I'm not sure). What you don't know who I'm talking about? I give you a clue:

"Prominent in a kind if somewhat doughy face were his heavy-lidded, watery blue eyes and rudder of a nose. Red hair that had lost its youth he wore in the provincial style of the outlying systems: combed back from his high forehead but left thick and long behind his low-set ears. In dress, too, he demonstrated singular allegiance to his home system, favoring embroidered tunics with V-shaped double collars and outmoded cloaks of quilted fabric." ~ Cloak of Deception, Chapter 6

Yes, you know who it is and now you know why I am RIGHT.
[When I think that I was angry to read that some years ago! Of course, for me, Palpatine looks blond. And I preferred that because it could have explained Anakin. But now, if it explains Ben!!!! Let's just say that Palpatine was born a redhead and turn out into a blond.]

In conclusion, Luke MUST HAVE a redheaded gene, if not, Ben CANNOT be a redhead. If we suppose that Anakin has the recessive gene, we can assume that this gene comes from Palpatine, isn't it? Of course, it could come from Shmi too (or from Padmé, like I've said earlier), but let's have fun and suppose it's from Palpatine. Eh, we don't need paternity tests finally, WE KNOW THE TRUTH NOW!!!

After the miraculous child without father, here comes the miraculous red hair gene without redheaded ancestor.

29. While we're on the hair and genetics subject, I have something else that prove my point. Noticed Anakin's new haircut for Episode III? It's long and I - personally - don't like it. BUT, do you know what I remark on several pics??? Take a look youself:

Yes, Anakin's hair are CURLY (or wavy, name it the way you want)! And you know what? Curly hair is a dominant gene. Which means, one of your parents (or both) has it, give it to you, and it's apparent on him or her. Eh, Shmi doesn't have curly hair.... Guess who has curly-wavy hair??

Sorry George, but you're in big troubles. Genetics PROVES you WRONG. Come on, admit that I won. Your saga makes no sense anymore! And you know what, I know you read my theory and you know I found the truth. That's why you changed the Original Trilogy! - Oh, the accusation!!! - You just didn't want people to think I was right again!!!

I know that there are many persons out there who will endlessly argue with me for my theory. I know, I already experienced it by placing it on a forum. If you don't agree, don't send me hate mails to tell me, but I would be really happy to receive your mails if you agree! Just like to know how many think this is really the greatest theory ever done.

I know all of this will probably NEVER happen, I remain realistic. Such revelation is too big and too atrocious to be told, I know that too. It would perhaps be copy/cut and Lucas will not do that. He did enough like this. But, you know, just look at them... and admit it: they really do make a wonderful family after all.

In my mind, since all these years, Palpatine IS Anakin's father and Luke and Leia's grandfather. That makes the saga much more complex and so ironic. I mean, watch the movies and think of him like part of the Skywalker family. It's just so fun! Go ahead, find another meaning to THAT:

"Oh, no, my young Jedi. You will find that it is you who are mistaken... about a great many things."

Just love that one.

And also that hallucinating part of a collage from a banner of theforce.net:

You don't see anything familiar in Luke? George, what have you done! That's the most adorable sacrilege I've ever seen! And don't tell me the cloak is dark brown or greyish, I don't care.

Puh-lease!!!

So, this is it, but before I accept Anakin's immaculate conception, the Gungans will fly... But meanwhile, you could go to The Stories page to understand that finally, this is not so bad!

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