So I was just thinking about this movie today and a question came to mind: what exactly was the "phantom menace" in this movie????
Was it the bad guy with the face paint and double-ended lightsaber who was in like two scenes?
I believe that the phantom menace was the trade federation. Palpatine created a phantom (as in not real, illusory) menace (as in threat) thus creating an intergalactic war, designed to destabilise the republic, and allow him to climb to power, and create the Empire.
shareI like how all of the film titles in the PT are what lead to the destruction of the Jedi. The Phantom Menace insinuating the order of the Sith returning from the shadows, Attack of the Clones insinuating the Clones turning on and attacking the Jedi order, and Revenge of the Sith insinuating the Sith finally getting their vengeance.
shareI have to say it does stand for the empires or it could go for the seasins that lead to their return to power.
sharePalpatine
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It's a da creature that fartpooted in JarJar's face just before the pod race
shareEmperor Palpatine, then Senator Palpatine as he progressed to Chancellor of the Republic.
shareDarth Maul.
shareThe source unknown (at the time in question) that is working against the Jedi.
shareThe Phantom Menace was actually the Trade Federation that was attacking Naboo. Palpatine was manipulating them as well as Queen Amidala; just like his larger, later staging of the Clone Wars, where he controlled both sides. He was a clever sumbitch.
And he was so grateful to his allies in the Trade Federation for bringing him to galactic prominence, that he killed them all in RotS!