Cordé, a handmaiden of Padmé Amidala, plays a crucial role in Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. More than just a servant, Cordé serves as a protector and decoy, willing to sacrifice everything for the safety of the former Queen of Naboo, Padmé Amidala. Understanding Cordé’s role provides insight into the intricate network of loyalty and security that surrounds one of the galaxy’s most significant figures.
The Role of Handmaidens
Handmaidens like Cordé are not mere attendants. These young women are selected for their intelligence, bravery, and loyalty. They are trained in self-defense, diplomacy, and in some cases, deception. Each handmaiden, including Cordé, is trained to serve as a body double for Padmé, donning similar clothing and hairstyles to confuse potential assassins. This strategic decision is a crucial aspect of Amidala’s security detail.
Cordé’s Mission
Cordé is introduced during the tumultuous period leading up to the outbreak of the Clone Wars. The Galactic Republic is under strain, and Padmé Amidala, now a senator, is one of the leading voices against the formation of a Grand Army of the Republic. The Separatists, led by Count Dooku, have become a significant threat, and Amidala’s life is in constant danger. The Naboo Senator’s influence makes her a prime target, and thus, her security detail, including her handmaidens, becomes increasingly vital.
Sacrifice on Coruscant
Cordé’s most critical moment occurs on Coruscant, where she accompanies Padmé Amidala on what would be her final mission. Tasked with traveling to the Senate to cast her vote against the Military Creation Act, Amidala’s life is in immediate danger. Cordé assumes the role of decoy, dressing as Amidala in a ploy to draw out potential threats. This tactic, though effective in protecting the Senator, comes at a high cost.
Upon arrival at Coruscant, an attempt on Padmé’s life is made as the ship lands. The decoy plan works; the assassin’s bomb targets Cordé instead of Padmé. The explosion devastates the landing platform, and Cordé sustains fatal injuries. In her final moments, Cordé expresses sorrow for failing to protect the real Padmé, showing a deep sense of duty and loyalty even in death.
The Impact of Cordé’s Death
Cordé’s death deeply affects Padmé and her entourage. It highlights the dangers faced by those close to powerful figures in the galaxy and the extreme measures taken to protect them. Her sacrifice underscores the intense loyalty and dedication expected of Padmé’s handmaidens. This moment also serves to emphasize the growing threat of the Separatists and the lengths to which they would go to remove obstacles in their path.
Cordé’s sacrifice has a lasting impact on Padmé Amidala. It’s a stark reminder of the dangers of political life in the Star Wars galaxy, particularly as tensions rise towards the Clone Wars. This event also plays a role in shaping Padmé’s decisions moving forward, making her more cautious and resolute in her mission to preserve peace.
