They wore matching hooded outfits in order to conceal their identities, with billowing cloaks that allowed them to conceal weapons used to defend the queen in case of an attack. Īmidala's handmaidens were trained in defense and security by Panaka. They all adopted names similar to Padmé's own- Eirtaé, Rabé, Sabé, Saché, and Yané-to confuse individuals not keeping track of them.

Several of those selected as her handmaidens had features in common with their queen, allowing for more than one to potentially take her place, but one in particular would be her primary decoy. To Panaka's surprise but approval, she suggested that multiple handmaidens would better serve to hide her amongst their numbers. Īmidala disliked other people being at risk for her own safety but realized it was unavoidable if she was to be queen. Such a practice had not been in effect since the Gungan-Naboo dispute. It was Panaka's intention to choose one girl who had a close physical appearance to the queen, allowing the handmaiden to pose as Amidala and serve as her decoy while the true sovereign would be in disguise. However, Captain Panaka proposed reviving the tradition. Handmaidens had fallen into history prior to the election of Queen Padmé Amidala, leaving monarchs to take on a single handmaiden who did not work as a bodyguard. The tradition of royal leaders using handmaidens as bodyguards and protection originated generations before the Invasion of Naboo, during more uncertain times. The handmaiden Sabé is disguised as the sovereign while Queen Amidala is dressed as a handmaiden to Sabé's left. Even if it's not the kind of power you are accustomed to.' ―Amidala talks to Panaka about the handmaidens We have worked to become a fluid, adaptable group, and we are powerful, Captain. You trained us and gave us the ability to defend ourselves.

' They gave up their families and their names and their reputations, and they did it willingly, because they believe in your idea of what we could be.

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