Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace (novelization)

The Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace novelization was written by Terry Brooks and published on April 21, 1999 by Del Rey. It is based on the script of the movie of the same name. Narration for the abridged audio version was performed by Michael Cumpsty. The unabridged version was performed by Alexander Adams.

American

 * ISBN 0345427653; April 21, 1999, Del Rey, 324-page hardcover
 * ISBN 0375406352; April 21, 1999, Random House Audio, Abridged cassette (3 Cas.)
 * ISBN 0375406379; April 21, 1999, Random House Audio, Abridged CD (3 CDs)
 * ISBN 0375406557; April 21, 1999, Random House Audio, Unabridged cassette (6 Cas.)
 * ISBN 1580601308; May 1999, Ballantine Books, 4-cover edition (4 Hardcovers)
 * ISBN unknown; May 1999, Del Rey, Special edition autographed hardcover with slipcase
 * ISBN 0375407448; June 22, 1999 Random House Audio, Unabridged CD (8 CDs)
 * ISBN 0345434110; February 29, 2000, Del Rey, 352-page paperback
 * ISBN 0613709314; February 29, 2000, Sagebrush Corporation, School/Library binding
 * ISBN 0606193723; February 29, 2000, Demco Media, Turtleback

Foreign

 * ISBN 3442352436; August 1999, Blanvalet, 319-page German book (Die dunkle Bedrohung)
 * ISBN 9029065184; September 1999, *M=sfX, 312-page Dutch paperback (The Phantom Menace)
 * ISBN 0099409968; February 3, 2000, Arrow, 336-page UK paperback (The Phantom Menace)

Hardcover
'''A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, an evil legacy long believed dead is stirring. Even the Jedi are caught by surprise, their attentions focused on the political unrest between the Trade Federation and the Republic. Now the dark side of the Force threatens to overwhelm the light, and only an ancient Jedi prophecy stands between hope and doom for the entire galaxy.'''

''On the desert world of Tatooine, far from the concerns for the Republic, a slave boy works by day and dreams by night&mdash;of being a Jedi Knight and one day traveling the stars to worlds he's only heard of in stories&hellip; of finding a way to win freedom from enslavement for himself and his beloved mother. His only hope lies in his extraordinary instincts and his strange gift for understanding the "rightness" of things, talents that allow him to be one of the best Podracers on the planet.''

''In another part of the galaxy, the Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, young Obi-Wan Kenobi, are charged with the protection of the Amidala, the young Queen of Naboo, as she seeks to end the siege of her planet by Trade Federation warships. It is this quest that brings Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and the Queen's beautiful young handmaiden to the sand-swept streets of Tatooine and the shop where the slave boy Anakin Skywalker toils and dreams. And it is this unexpected meeting that marks the beginning of the drama that will become legend&hellip;''

Paperback
'''A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, an evil legacy long believed dead is stirring. Now the dark side of the Force threatens to overwhelm the light, and only an ancient Jedi prophecy stands between hope and doom for the entire galaxy.'''

''The Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, young Obi-Wan Kenobi, are charged with the protection of Amidala, the young Queen of Naboo, as she seeks to end the siege of her planet by Trade Federation warships. This quest brings Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, and one of the Queen's young handmaidens to the sand-swept streets of Tatooine and the shop where the slave boy Anakin Skywalker toils and dreams of finding a way to win freedom from enslavement for himself and his beloved mother. His only hope lies in his extraordinary instincts and his strange gift for understanding the "rightness" of things. It is this unexpected meeting that marks the beginning of the drama that will become legend.''

Plot summary
Two Jedi knights, Qui-Gon Jinn and a young Obi-Wan Kenobi, along with a Naboo outcast, named Jar-Jar Binks, must help Queen Padmé save her world from greedy trade executives, and along the way, they discover a young boy, named Anakin Skywalker, who has the potential to be a powerful Jedi himself.

Jedi Knight Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi are dispatched to the planet Naboo to settle a dispute between the Trade Federation and Queen Amadala (Padme). The Federation has blockaded Naboo to force them into signing an unfavorable trade agreement. Unknown to the galactic senate, the Federation has formed an alliance with Darth Sidious, a Sith Lord. The Siths are former Jedis who succumbed to the Force’s dark side, although their order is thought to be long extinct.

Before negotiations begin, the viceroy attempts to assassinate Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, but the two Jedi escape to the planet surface. They have discovered a droid invasion army hidden aboard the Federation ship. With the help of Jar Jar Binks, an outcast gungan (aquatic-living creatures), they make their way to Queen Amadala’s palace in Theed. To avoid signing the treaty, Amidala escapes with Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan and Jar Jar Binks and heads to Coruscant, the galactic seat of government. Amidala intends to present her case to the galactic senate. En route, they divert to the desert planet Tatooine for repairs to their damaged ship. At a salvage shop, Qui-Gon, Padme (Amadala), and Jar Jar meet Anakin Skywalker, a young slave boy. Watto, Anakin's master, refuses to sell the part Qui-Gon needs for Republic credits, and Qui-Gon must somehow raise money. As a sudden desert storm approaches, Anakin offers the group refuge at his home. Qui-Gon discovers Anakin possesses undeveloped Jedi abilities and believes he may be the Chosen One destined to return balance to the Force. He’s further convinced when Anakin’s mother, Shmi, says Anakin was conceived without a biological father.

To help Qui-Gon get the part for the spaceship, Anakin offers to enter his own racer in a dangerous pod race. Qui-Gon bets Watto the Queen’s space ship and the entire winner’s purse against the part for the ship and Anakin’s freedom. Greedy Watto accepts the bet certain that Anakin will lose. Anakin wins and Watto reluctantly frees him. Wanting a better life for her son, Shmi allows Anakin to leave with Qui-Gon to become a Jedi.

Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan are unaware they’ve been tracked to Tatooine by Darth Maul, a Sith Lord and Darth Sidious’ apprentice. Maul attacks the group as they’re about to take off, but they escape. On Coruscant, Qui-Gon reports the reemergence of the Siths to a skeptical Jedi Council. The council denies Qui-Gon’s request to train Anakin as a Jedi, claiming he’s too old, but Master Yoda has sensed something dangerous in him. Defiant, Qui-Gon says Anakin will be his padawan (apprentice) with or without the council’s approval.

Queen Amadala presents her case to the senate. Senator Palpatine persuades her that Supreme Chancellor Valorian is a weak and ineffective leader. In fact, Valorian is attempting to aid Amidala but is stymied by a bureaucratic and increasingly corrupt senate. Urged by Palpatine, Amadala calls for a vote of no confidence against Valorian, and he is removed from office. Palpatine is nominated to replace him. Frustrated by the Senate’s inaction, Amidala returns to Naboo accompanied by Qui-Gon, Obi-Wan, Anakin, and Jar Jar.

Characters

 * Mas Amedda
 * Amee
 * Padmé Amidala
 * Bail Antilles
 * Bozzie Baranta
 * Edcel Bar Gane
 * Aldar Beedo
 * Sio Bibble
 * Depa Billaba
 * Jar Jar Binks
 * General Tobler Ceel
 * Darth Bane
 * Darth Maul
 * Darth Sidious / Palpatine
 * Darth Zannah
 * Lott Dod
 * Daultay Dofine
 * FodesinBeed
 * Adi Gallia
 * Gardulla the Hutt
 * Gasgano
 * Nute Gunray
 * Mars Guo
 * Rune Haako
 * Handmaidens
 * Sabé
 * Eirtaé
 * Rabé
 * Yané
 * Saché
 * Dané
 * Clegg Holdfast
 * Jabba Desilijic Tiure
 * Qui-Gon Jinn
 * Jira
 * Habba Kee
 * Obi-Wan Kenobi
 * Ki-Adi-Mundi
 * Kitster
 * Plo Koon
 * Maori Madakor; captain
 * Ody Mandrell
 * Mawhonic
 * Aks Moe
 * Kam Nale (aka Elan Mak)
 * Boss Rugor Nass
 * Obitoki
 * Ric Olié
 * Teemto Pagalies
 * Panaka
 * Even Piell
 * Ben Quadinaros
 * Regga
 * Rimkar
 * Boles Roor
 * Wan Sandage
 * Sebulba
 * Seek
 * Anakin Skywalker
 * Shmi Skywalker
 * Roos Tarpals; captain
 * Finis Valorum; Supreme Chancellor, Galactic Republic (male Human)
 * Wald
 * Watto
 * Mace Windu
 * Williams; Lieutenant
 * Xelbree
 * Xendor
 * Yoda

Creatures

 * Bantha
 * Colo claw fish
 * Dewback
 * Eopie
 * Falumpaset
 * Fambaa
 * Ikopi
 * Kaadu
 * Krayt dragon
 * Mott
 * Opee sea killer
 * Peko-peko
 * Pylat bird
 * Sando aqua monster
 * Womp rat

Droids

 * Astromech droids
 * G8-R3
 * R2-A6
 * R2-B1
 * R2-C4
 * R2-D2
 * R2-M5
 * R2-R9
 * B-1 battle droids
 * Command battle droids
 * OOM-9
 * Pilot battle droids
 * Security battle droids
 * Dark Eye probe droids
 * Droidekas
 * P-59
 * P-60
 * DUM-series pit droids
 * DUM-4
 * Mechanic droids
 * PK worker droids
 * Protocol droids
 * C-3PO
 * TC-14
 * Welding droids

Languages

 * Basic
 * Gunganese
 * Huttese
 * Tusken

Locations

 * Alderaan
 * Coruscant
 * 500 Republica
 * Jedi Temple
 * High Council Chamber
 * Senate Building
 * Grand Convocation Chamber
 * Chancellor's Podium
 * Hok
 * Iego
 * Makem Te
 * Malastare
 * Pixelito
 * Moonus Mandel
 * Naboo
 * Great Grass Plains
 * Lake Paonga
 * Lianorm Swamp
 * Otoh Gunga
 * High Tower Boardroom
 * Sacred Place
 * Theed
 * Palace Courtyard
 * Palace Plaza
 * Theed Generator Complex
 * Theed Hangar
 * Theed Royal Palace
 * Virdugo Plunge
 * Roona
 * Ryloth
 * Tatooine
 * Arch Canyon
 * Beggar's Canyon
 * Dune Sea
 * Jag Crag Gorge
 * Metta Drop
 * Mochot Steep
 * Mospic High Range
 * Mos Espa
 * Mos Espa Grand Arena
 * Mos Espa Way
 * Slave Quarters Row
 * Watto's Shop
 * Tusken Turn
 * Xelric Draw

Organizations

 * Bravo Squadron
 * Bravo Leader - Ric Olié
 * Bravo Two - Porro Dolphe
 * Bravo Three - Arven Wendik
 * Galactic Republic
 * Galactic Senate
 * Gungan Grand Army
 * Gungan High Council
 * Jedi
 * Jedi High Council
 * Naboo Royal Advisory Council
 * Republic Navy
 * Royal Naboo Security Forces
 * Sith
 * Trade Federation

Species

 * Cerean
 * Chagrian
 * Chalactan
 * Devlikk
 * Diathim (Angels)
 * Dug
 * Er'Kit
 * Fluggrian
 * Ghorfa
 * Glymphid
 * Gran
 * Gungan
 * Human
 * Hutt
 * Jawa
 * Kel Dor
 * Korun
 * Lannik
 * Naboo
 * Neimoidian
 * Nosaurian
 * Phuii
 * Rodian
 * Sneevel
 * Toong
 * Toydarian
 * Troig
 * Twi'lek
 * Veknoid
 * Xexto
 * Zabrak

Technology

 * 620C racing engine
 * A99 aquata breather
 * Comlink
 * Datacard
 * Dataries
 * Druggat
 * Electrobinoculars
 * Hologram
 * Imagecaster
 * Podracing
 * Shield generator
 * T-14 hyperdrive generator
 * Truguts
 * Viewscreen

Weapons

 * Atlatl
 * Booma
 * Cesta
 * E-5 blaster rifle
 * Electropole
 * Lightsaber
 * Double-bladed lightsaber
 * Proton torpedoes
 * Quad laser cannon
 * Slugthrower

Vehicles and vessels

 * Armored Assault Tank
 * Bloodfin
 * Bongo
 * Heyblibber
 * Boonta Eve Classic
 * C-9979 landing craft
 * Consular-class space cruiser
 * Radiant VII
 * Corellian Star Shuttle
 * EasyRide passenger airspeeder
 * Hoversled
 * J-Type 327 Nubian royal starship
 * Landspeeder
 * Lucrehulk-class battleship
 * Saak'ak
 * Multi-Troop Transport
 * N-1 starfighter
 * Platoon Attack Craft
 * Podracer
 * Anakin Skywalker's Podracer
 * Repulsorpod
 * Sandcrawler
 * Seraph-class urban landspeeder
 * Scimitar (Sith Infiltrator)
 * Single Trooper Aerial Platform
 * V-19 landspeeder
 * Vulture droids
 * Z-95 Headhunter

Miscellanea

 * Chosen One
 * The Force
 * Japor snippet
 * Life debt
 * Midi-chlorians
 * Nocombackie Law
 * Pallie
 * Ruby bliel
 * Rule of Two
 * Vote of No Confidence

Behind the scenes
This novelization, unlike those from the original trilogy, contains much that is not in the movie. It includes three entire chapters of material created by Terry Brooks and unique to the novel. The first two chapters of the book concern Anakin's next-to-last podrace and its aftermath, while a later chapter describes an encounter between Anakin and a wounded Tusken Raider in the desert.

Brooks met with George Lucas before writing the book and received his approval and guidance, including information about developments to come in Episode II and Episode III. This can be seen in such passages as the Tusken Raider scene, which ironically foreshadows the death of Anakin's mother in Episode II, and the passage leading up to Anakin's fight with the Rodian child (Greedo), indicating that Anakin's anger derives from his anguish at Padmé's impending departure (foreshadowing the plot of Episode III).

The novelization is especially well-known for a passage describing the history of the Sith, including Darth Bane. According to Terry Brooks' memoir, Sometimes the Magic Works: Lessons from a Writing Life, Lucas spent an hour on the telephone with him discussing the history of the Jedi and the Sith. Therefore, the information on this subject provided in Brooks' novelization can be presumed to derive from Lucas himself.

Brooks devotes the entire fourteenth chapter of Sometimes the Magic Works to the writing of the Episode I novelization, which was an extremely happy and fulfilling experience for him.

Cover gallery
This is a gallery of the different cover variations of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace novelization.