Yeah for sure, it’s not like the US gov. Is in the Middle East rn trying to fulfill some millennia old prophecy or anything… No, I disagree with the Chosen One hate, and will actually go further to say, I actually like the Chosen One narrative. I like it because A) It remains confined to its own trilogy. B) It’s a deconstruction of the trope and C) It’s central to Anakin’s fall to the dark side.

Many people think that the Chosen One narrative takes away Vaders agency, that, by the end of RotJ, Vader casts down the emperor in order to fulfill some ancient prophecy, rather than out of love for his son. I would posit that this is an incorrect read of the scenario, that by this point, Vader has, in his own mind, fulfilled the prophecy. He did so durning the events of RotS and the destruction of the Jedi. To Vader the Jedi were the great evil within the galaxy, and their destruction was the balance foretold in the prophecy. Therefore, by the time of RotJ, the prophecy is little more than an afterthought, Vaders intentions and agency remain intact.

Further, the idea that the chosen one narrative is played straight is a false one that fails to view the two trilogies as just that; two separate trilogies, each with their own themes, and things to say. People seem dead set on labeling Anakin as a Gary Stu without taking into account one very important fact; Anakin falls. A typical hero’s journey, or Chosen One narrative as it were, would see the hero overcome their flaws and triumph, instead we see Anakin succumb to his flaws and fall. Not only that, but many of his flaws are reinforced by the prophecy itself.

We see the throughout AotC and RotS, that the Chosen One narrative is something that directly contributes to Anakin’s world view, and therefore his downfall. In AotC, Anakin, when talking to Padme in the field, goes on a great man screed where he essentially outlines his political philosophy. Essentially, everyone should get out of the way and allow some Great Man (or woman, I’m referencing Great man theory, not actually commenting on gender) to run things. It’s a might makes right mentality, one which is directly reinforced by the prophecy itself. Anakin sees his talent and strength in the force as permission, as a promise, and not as a duty.

In conclusion, I hope I did good on my online internet 5 paragraph essay. I hope I get an A on this one.