Exploring the Possible Cousinhood: Is Palpatine’s Manipulation Reaching Beyond the Sith?

The interwoven and mystical narrative of the Star Wars universe has often caught the imagination of both its fans and scholars. One intriguing question emerges from the ongoing exploration of the Force and its manipulators: If Palpatine is technically Anakin’s father in a sense, wouldn't that make Luke and Leia first cousins to Rey?

Legends and the Force: Anakin and Darth Plagueis

In the prequels, Darth Plagueis, a Sith Lord with the power to manipulate the Force, is mentioned by Palpatine in his conversation with Anakin. This powerful Sith Lord was said to have the ability to foresee the future and manipulate life itself. The implication of this ability has often led to discussions about the parentage of Anakin Skywalker. Many fans argue that since Darth Plagueis could potentially create life, and by extension the Dark Lord of the Sith, Palpatine, could have used similar powers to manipulate the Force for Anakin’s conception.

Conception via the Force: Anakin’s Birth

In examining the comic series, it’s important to highlight that this connection is not explicitly confirmed in the canon. The comic arc Fortress Vader portrays a vision where Darth Plagueis 'creates' Anakin inside the Sith Cave’s portal on Mustafar. Matt Martin, a member of Lucasfilm’s Story Group, and writer Charles Soule of that comic series, have clarified that this vision is a product of Vader’s dark-side-fueled hallucinations. These visions distorted reality to fit with his fears and the dark side's influence.

Palpatine's True Monarch?

Given the conflicting interpretations and the detailed explanations provided by Lucasfilm and its writers, it is clear that Palpatine did not create Anakin as a biological father. Anakin was conceived through the Force and his mother, Shmi Skywalker, remains mystery, never having a father. In the era of the original trilogy, Yoda, who is a Jedi Master with deep knowledge of the Force, confirms that Anakin had no father: “Non had Anakin a father.”

Family Dynamics in the Star Wars Universe

If we hypothesize Palpatine as Anakin's 'father' in a creator sense, this would certainly have implications for the familial relationships in the Star Wars universe. Under this theoretical scenario, Luke and Leia would indeed be first cousins to Rey. This adds another layer of complexity to the intricate family tree, which already includes the Skywalker and Solo clans. Rey, on the other hand, being Palpatine’s granddaughter through his connection with Lumiya and later, him, would share a unique bond with the Skywalkers.

Conclusion

While the Star Wars universe is primarily a fictional setting, the interplay between the Force, life, and destiny has always kept the narrative engrossing. The relationships and interactions are not just confined to the characters’ emotions and conflicts; they extend to the complex web of their familial connections. Whether or not Palpatine is considered Anakin’s father in a traditional sense, the concept of a 'father' through the manipulation of the Force opens up a fascinating exploration of Star Wars' mythos and the intricate bond between characters.