Star Wars: The 8 Best Anakin Skywalker Quotes From the Prequels
The protagonist of the prequel trilogy, Anakin Skywalker™, is the Star Wars™ character from which everything originates. His name even gives title to the Skywalker Saga™, an epic film series spanning generations and centering around his legacy, bloodline, and even his enemies. And now he’ll reappear in the new Disney+ show Obi-Wan Kenobi™, which will explore his early years as Darth Vader™ as well as the shattered relationship with his old Master Obi-Wan™.
So in celebration of Anakin Skywalker, and all the nostalgia surrounding Hayden Christensen’s return to Star Wars live action, we’re breaking down Anakin Skywalker’s eight best prequel quotes. From his meaningful words to, yes, the memes, join us below on a trip down an intergalactic memory lane.
“I’m a person, and my name is Anakin.”
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace™
We first encounter Anakin Skywalker as an enslaved child on the desert planet Tatooine™. His humble beginnings are a far cry from the power he will one day wield over the galaxy. Despite his circumstances, he refuses to be perceived solely through his station. When he’s called a slave, he swiftly corrects Queen Padmé Amidala™. Therefore in reclaiming his identity, young Ani establishes his headstrong and emotional personality.
This quote additionally helps the audience see Anakin’s ambition, his sense of moral righteousness, and the confidence that will guide him in his teenage and adult years. Already we understand Anakin’s frustration, as well as his unwillingness to accept that this is the only way for him to live. This theme will continue throughout his story.
“Someday I’m going to fly away from this place.”
Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace
Again, young Anakin’s quote illustrates his aspirations. His words also foreshadow his role in the climax of The Phantom Menace. This amateur pilot participates in a crucial battle on Naboo™, using his stolen starfighter to destroy a Separatist ship. His accidental adventure into space is a key reason why our heroes are victorious.
Finally, Anakin’s first solo flight shows us that exactly what he said came true. He flies away from his metaphorical place of servitude, starting the battle in autopilot but quickly figuring out how to control the vehicle on his own. He finds his freedom among the stars just as he predicted when he was stuck on the sand.
“Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi’s life.”
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones™
In the original trilogy, Luke Skywalker’s™ love for his friends and family is what ultimately saves the galaxy. Thus in the prequels, it’s nice to see that Anakin Skywalker feels the same way. As the first Jedi™ to so boldly defy outdated principles, Anakin questions the “no attachments” teachings by interpreting those rules in a different way.
Of course, Anakin isn’t a traditional Jedi by any means. We see him time and time away bend or even break the Jedi Code™ because he’s ruled so overwhelmingly by his emotions. While his compassion is essentially twisted into fear that turns him to the dark side, for the most part Anakin’s love — and his son’s after him — makes them the powerful warriors that they are.
“Life seems so much simpler when you’re fixing things.”
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
These words provide crucial insight about Anakin’s character. After leaving his home planet and pursuing life as a Jedi, Anakin tends to fix everyone except himself. He follows the altruistic Jedi Code without working on his inner turmoil. Therefore when his mother, Shmi Skywalker™, is murdered by Tusken Raiders™, Anakin has no way to process this trauma. He’s reactive. He’s volatile.
This quiet moment as he’s repairing a simple droid is so important because it allows him a self-soothing activity. Whereas his mind is usually burdened with anxiety and duty, he can focus on this task to settle it. For a character who is often told to be mindful of his thoughts, this shows spectacular insight into Anakin actually remembering to do so.
“I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere.”
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Come on. You know we have to include this one. The “I don’t like sand” quote has been parodied throughout the fandom since 2002. The thing is, however, that although his sentence is silly, it’s accurate! Who even likes sand? Plus, it shows how much Anakin’s traumatic childhood on Tatooine continues to impact him.
While Padmé loves sand because it is associated with beach days and vacation time, Anakin struggles with that harsh environment because he grew up in a place where sun and sand were all he knew. A huge problem with the prequel trilogy is the Jedi’s inability to recognize Anakin’s mental health struggles before it’s too late. His quote above is a hint toward a larger issue, one that goes unnoticed due to his gentle delivery.
“What have I done?”
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith™
Anakin is emotional — often to a fault. While it’s refreshing to see a protagonist wearing his heart on his sleeve, Anakin’s vulnerability is his undoing. Darth Sidious™ twists Anakin’s good intentions into a monstrous sentiment, stoking Anakin’s fear and stroking his ego until the young Jedi is completely corrupted.
This quote demonstrates a stunning moment of self awareness right before Anakin’s downfall. He’s horrified that he’s aided the Sith Lord™. Although this is a quote that is also frequently used for memes, Hayden’s tearful delivery makes it truly heartbreaking and memorable.
“I see through the lies of the Jedi. I do not fear the dark side as you do.”
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
There are many fair criticisms of the Jedi way. Of course, Anakin’s mind has been poisoned against his allies. His hatred is blind and all-consuming. But Anakin has also experienced mistreatment and distrust, as well as emotional unavailability, in the only place he can call home. Obviously he’s looking for alternatives, especially if the dark side keeps his family — Padmé, and the unborn twins Luke and Leia™ — alive.
Part of the reason the dark side is so dangerous in Star Wars is because it’s completely taboo. Anakin’s quote reminds us that there is validity in a grayer path. While his evil deeds are unforgivable, his desperation to gain forbidden knowledge is understandable. There’s something uniquely seductive about giving in to one’s darker desires. And we can’t blame him for going it alone when all the Jedi are so secretive.
“You underestimate my power!”
Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
Famous last words? Anakin is unfortunately hubris’ victim. Praised all his life for how special and skilled he is, Anakin carries himself as any prophesied Chosen One would. He’s slightly arrogant. And most of the time, he has the talent to back his confidence up. But not in his final duel against Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Usually framed in context with Obi-Wan’s “high ground” quote, this smug statement sparked yet another Star Wars prequel meme. Anakin’s melodrama is, after all, the perfect fodder for the internet. Regardless, Anakin’s quote is perfectly in character. No other dialogue would have suited the moment right before Anakin’s pride cometh before a seriously disastrous fall.
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