Queen Amidala’s handmaidens consist of five brave, courageous, clever, gifted, and intelligent young women, all picked by Captain Panaka. They are each skilled in different areas and assist the Queen with menial tasks, such as her hair and gowns. But when needed, the handmaidens are also accomplished bodyguards. They are trained in all the martial arts and are skilful with a pistol. The handmaidens’ abilities in these areas are, for the most part kept secret, to retain the element of surprise in case of an abrupt battle.