Duel Of The Fates' Meaning Explained: How It Improves Phantom Menace
John Williams’ "Duel of the Fates" is not only one of the most recognizable musical pieces of the prequel trilogy, but the meaning behind it greatly improves Star Wars: Episode I — The Phantom Menace. While TPM might not be every fan’s favorite Star Wars episode, it’s hard to ignore the sheer epicness of the climactic battle scenes at the end of the movie, which are so cleverly ushered in with the ominous brass section followed by the haunting voices of the chorus that sings the unforgettable tune. Although the musical number is a standalone masterpiece in its own right, understanding the meaning behind the words the chorus sings further deepens the gravity of the situation being depicted on screen.
The finale of The Phantom Menace features Maul, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn, the Naboo, the Gungans, and the Trade Federation as they took part in a long-awaited showdown with essentially three different battles taking place simultaneously. These high-intensity scenes were brought together as one with «Duel of the Fates' being layered on top, aiming to maintain a careful balance among the warring factions. Williams has often drawn inspiration from classical composers for his works, like Holst, Wagner, and Tchaikovsky, just to name a few, but for „Duel of the Fates“, the Star Wars veteran turned to poetry.
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One stanza from the Celtic poem, The Battle of the Trees, which is found in Robert Graves’ book, The White Goddess, provided the words sung by the chorus in „Duel of the Fates“. The poem depicts an encounter that a Druidic priest has orchestrated by reanimating fields of trees to do battle with one another. Star Wars’ Palpatine is represented
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