The central character of Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Anakin Skywalker, was born to Shmi Skywalker. Mother and son came to Tatooine when Anakin was still a baby. Gardulla the Hutt sold them to a toydarian junk dealer named Watto as payment for Gardulla’s debts. Anakin grew in knowledge of mechanical and technical skills while he was a slave of Watto. He was able to fix just about anything. At the very young age of nine, he created a working protocol droid; he named C-3PO in order to help his mother with the household chores. Anakin, as a child, was kind and selfless. He offered to give help to anyone who needed it.
Anakin regained his freedom when he defeated Sebulba in a racing contest; however his mother’s freedom was not part of the prize. So Anakin was taken by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn with him to train as a Jedi. Qui-Gon Jinn sensed a strong force potential with the then nine year old Anakin. Qui-Gon believed that Anakin was the Chosen One who would bring balance to the Force. Unfortunately, during the trials of the Clone Wars, Anakin succumbed to the Dark Side and became Darth Vader, who would later be in a battle against his own son, Luke Skywalker. The Anakin Skywalker action figures is one of the most sought after Star Wars action figures. Anakin is depicted in this action figure as holding a blue light saber.
