Anakin Skywalker: What are midi-chlorians?
Qui-Gon Jinn: Midi-chlorians are a microscopic life-form that resides within all living cells.
Anakin Skywalker: They live inside me?
Qui-Gon Jinn: Inside your cells, yes. And we are symbionts with them.
Anakin Skywalker: Symbionts?
Qui-Gon Jinn: Life-forms living together for mutual advantage. Without the midi-chlorians, life could not exist… and we would have no knowledge of the Force. They continually speak to us… telling us the will of the Force. When you learn to quiet your mind, you’ll hear them speaking to you.
Anakin Skywalker: I don’t understand.
Qui-Gon Jinn: With time and training, Ani, you will. You will.
Where does this quote come from? (Source)
This quote is from Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999), also known as Episode I. Produced by Lucasfilm, the film is a part of the Star Wars universe.
- Movie: Star Wars: The Phantom Menace (1999)
- Movie Number: Episode I
- Production: Lucasfilm
Why we collected this quote
We chose this scene because it’s the most complete and accessible explanation of midi-chlorians in the entire saga – presented with real warmth through Qui-Gon’s patient, thoughtful teaching. It’s a key world-building moment, and “when you learn to quiet your mind, you’ll hear them speaking to you” is one of the most beautiful descriptions of the Force in the prequels.
What does this quote mean? (Meaning & Context)
Anakin has overheard talk of midi-chlorians and comes to Qui-Gon with genuine curiosity. Qui-Gon’s explanation – that they are symbiotic life-forms within all cells, the bridge between living beings and the Force – is the closest any film gets to a scientific framework for the Force. His final “you will, you will” is both reassuring and quietly melancholy given what we know of Anakin’s future.
Fun facts & Trivia
Behind the scenes: This scene was originally longer and included more detail about the relationship between midi-chlorians and the will of the Force. It was trimmed for pacing but remains one of the most science-forward explanations of Force sensitivity in any Star Wars media.
