Jedi Secrets Revealed: Unveiling Yoda & Windu's Knowledge of Anakin's Forbidden Love with Padmé

Jedi Masters Yoda and Mace Windu may have been aware of Anakin Skywalker's secret relationship with Padmé Amidala, as evidenced in a Star Wars: The Clone Wars episode. This animated series sheds light on the ongoing conflict between the Separatists and the Republic, which takes place between Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones and Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. Throughout the Clone Wars, various battles were fought and negotiations failed, often influenced to some extent by Palpatine. One such instance was the engineered financial crisis on the planet Scipio.

In season 6, episode 7 of The Clone Wars titled "Crisis at the Heart," Senator Amidala travels to Scipio to oversee the appointment of Rush Clovis, the new head of the banking clan. Padmé and Clovis share a complicated history, which has fueled Anakin's anger and jealousy in the past. However, in this episode, when the Separatists seize control of the banks by force, Padmé is captured, prompting Anakin to be sent on a mission to rescue her and protect Scipio from falling into the wrong hands. Notably, it is Palpatine who once again suggests that Anakin should lead this particular mission.

Yoda's Conversation With Anakin Hints He Knows About Padmé

Right before Anakin is due to leave for Scipio, he confides in both Yoda and Mace Windu about the situation. In this particular scene, there are strong indications that Yoda – and by extension, Windu – have knowledge of Anakin's profound affection for Padmé. Yoda subtly remarks, "You will encounter great emotion on Scipio, hmmm?" Additionally, when Skywalker expresses concern for Senator Amidala's safety, Yoda explicitly advises him to put aside any self-centeredness. While they might not be fully aware of the depth of Anakin's connection with Padmé, or even their lawful marital status, there is a distinct sense that Yoda, at the very least, is cognizant of Anakin's intense attachment to Padmé and that those sentiments are reciprocated.

Why Would The Jedi Ignore Anakin's Breaking The Code?

If this were the case, and two esteemed members of the Jedi Council were aware that Anakin was violating the Jedi Code by engaging in a romantic relationship and allowing his emotional bonds to overpower him, why would they tolerate his continuation of a clandestine double life? Given the dire state of affairs within the galaxy and Anakin's undeniable prowess and strength in the midst of war, finding a suitable replacement would have posed a considerable challenge. Quite frankly, Anakin proved to be incredibly valuable to both the Jedi and the Republic as a commanding officer, and his presence was indispensable. Furthermore, there is no guarantee that Palpatine would have ever permitted his easy disposability.

The Jedi Order had forsaken several of their fundamental principles during the Clone Wars. As mentioned by Ahsoka in Season 7 of The Clone Wars, the Jedi were meant to be peacekeepers, but instead they had been actively engaged in fighting as soldiers on behalf of others. While it was their duty to safeguard the galaxy and its inhabitants, many of their missions were carried out to benefit the Republic as a governing entity. This contradiction in the Jedi's actions portrayed their own hypocrisy, making it more plausible for them to overlook Anakin's relationship as long as he remained useful.