Anakin Skywalker to Darth Vader: The Tragic Fall of a Jedi Hero
One of the most powerful and emotional stories of the Saga is of Anakin Skywalker. He was a compassionate and courageous boy from Tatooine who had exceptional Force abilities. He was also considered to be the Chosen One. The Chosen One is an ancient Jedi prophecy according to which it is foretold that a destined one will come to bring balance to the Force by destroying the Sith.
On a mission, the Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn came across the little Anakin Skywalker, who was the son of a slave on the Tatooine planet. He suspected Anakin Skywalker’s unusually strong connection with the Force and therefore, sent a sample to check for his midi-chlorian count. This was known as M count. It was revealed that Anakin Skywalker had the record for the highest midi-chlorian count, which was twenty thousand midi-chlorians, in the history of the galaxy. This M count gauged an individual's potential in the Force. And Anakin Skywalker’s M count surpasses that of Grand Master Yoda and all Jedi members. This further solidified him as the Chosen One who would fulfill the Jedi prophecy of eradicating the Sith.
He was taken as a Padawan by Qui-Gon Jinn and from a poor and gifted slave, he became a respected Jedi Knight. But behind that bright future, Anakin Skywalker still had a trauma of his leaving his slave mother on the planet Tatooine and wished to go back to her. Apart from being an expert combatant, he had many human attachments which directly went against the Jedi code. He was a son, a friend, and secretly a husband.
But the reality was that he wished to guard the ones he cared about, even if that meant going against the Jedi Code. As he wrestled between his code as a Jedi and his own sense, he grew more and more alone. This left him susceptible to manipulation, and he began slowly down a dark road that would alter not only his existence but the destiny of the galaxy. Although Anakin Skywalker falls to the dark side and transforms into the Sith Lord Darth Vader, he still fulfills the prophecy of the Chosen One.
In this blog, we will discuss Anakin Skywalker's journey from being a promising Jedi to a fallen Jedi. From his childhood and Jedi training years, revenge against his mother, fighting with Obi-Wan Kenobi, becoming a dark side follower, becoming Darth Vader, fighting his son Luke Skywalker and old master Obi-Wan Kenobi, to finally reconnecting to the light side and sacrificing himself as the Chosen One. So without further ado, let's get into it!
From a Slave to Qui-Gon Jinn's Padawan
Anakin Skywalker was thought to have been created by midi-chlorians for the slave, Shmi Skywalker, with no father. He and his mother resided on Tatooine. They both originally belonged to Gardulla the Hutt, and later, after she lost the wager of a podracing race, they were presented to Toydorian Watto. This was when Anakin Skywalker was 3 years of age. He was also known as "Ani" and worked in his master's workshop.
Anakin demonstrated exceptional piloting abilities from a very young age. Anakin constructed the protocol droid C-3PO for his slave mother to be heat- and sand-resistant. Anakin Skywalker grew up on the planet Tatooine. There, he rose quickly due to his phenomenal abilities. He makes friends with other slave boys, including Kitster Banai, Wald, and the elderly Jira. When Anakin was only nine, he already helped with the full operational use of C-3PO. He even built his own podracer, which would go on to help him win a pod race competition. On bad nights, Shmi would read Anakin the story of the sun-dragon, a being who lived within a star and possessed the largest heart in the galaxy. To Shmi, Anakin was her sun-dragon-strong, brave, and meant to listen to his heart regardless of the problems he'd be encountering. This was a tale that would help make Anakin feel stronger, reminding him of his inner strength and to stick to what was right.
When Anakin Skywalker was 9 years old, he encountered Qui-Gon Jinn in his master's workshop. Then, to rescue Qui-Gon Jinn and his friends from a sandstorm, he invites them into his house. The Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn is informed by his mother of how he was created without a father. Later, Anakin Skywalker receives a cut on the left hand from the podracer. Qui-Gon Jinn treated the cut and also retrieved a sample of it and sent it to his apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Obi-Wan then reports to Qui-Gon Jinn that this boy carries more midi-chlorians than the Great Grand Master Yoda.
Torn Between Love for Mother and Duty of a Jedi
Anakin Skywalker's pod racing competition was close, and a podracing racer Sebulba attempted to sabotage Anakin's victory; initially by tampering with his engine and then by blocking the way of the little boy dangerously to cause him to lose. But in spite of all his attempts to sabotage Anakin's podracer, Anakin won the podracing competition. The Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn was also there and celebrated Anakin Skywalker's victory with Anakin's friends. Upon their return home, Qui-Gon Jinn is all set to deliver the news that Anakin is now free and that Qui-Gon wishes for Anakin Skywalker to accompany him and become a Jedi.
However, he soon realizes that his mother is still not free and does not wish to leave her behind. It is at this time that his mother Shmi Skywalker persuades him to accompany Qui-Gon and have a better life. When departing from home, the son and mother were tearful, and Anakin Skywalker vowed to return and liberate her mother. Qui-Gon, Naberrie, Obi-Wan, and Anakin Skywalker take the Queen's starship.
When Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan Kenobi introduced the young Anakin Skywalker to the 12 members of the Jedi Council with the unusual midi-chlorian count and that Qui-Gon Jinn thinks that Anakin is the Chosen One, they will not accept him as a Jedi because Anakin isn't too young. But Qui-Gon Jinn was firm and even wished to have Anakin Skywalker as his single apprentice.
On this request, the Jedi Council protested by stating that Qui-Gon Jinn already had an apprentice in Obi-Wan Kenobi. Qui-Gon had a reply to that as well. He responds that Obi-Wan is competent enough to be elevated to the status of a Jedi Knight now, and he would then adopt Anakin Skywalker as his own apprentice. The Council then permits Anakin Skywalker to travel with Qui-Gon Jinn, and the three return the Queen's starship.
Jedi Training Days Under Qui-Gon Jinn
Anakin, Qui-Gon, and Obi-Wan were on their way to Naboo when he overheard Obi-Wan informing Qui-Gon that Anakin Skywalker is perilous. When he asked Qui-Gon whether indeed he was dangerous, Qui-Gon tried to assure him that his emotions are normal. Yet, Jedi are expected to adhere to more stringent standards in emotional control. He also assured him that through training as a Jedi over a period of time he would be guided to utilize his potential in the right way.
During the Battle of Naboo, Anakin participated in the battle unknowingly and was involved in the space battle. He single-handedly destroyed the Trade Federation Droid Control Ship and disabled the droid army for them, thereby causing Naboo to win the battle. Nevertheless, he wasn't too cheerful since he mourned the loss of his mentor Qui-Gon Jinn. Obi-Wan Kenobi, Qui-Gon Jinn’s apprentice, decided to fulfill the final wish of Qui-Gon and train Anakin as his Padawan despite objections from the Jedi Council.
Anakin as Obi-Wan Kenobi's Padawan
Anakin Skywalker was becoming cocky because of his brilliant skills in the Force. Obi-Wan also saw him sleeping near his bed because he did not want to lose another individual. He left his slave mother on Tatooine and now his master Qui-Gon Jinn died too. While they were out on one of their missions, he rescued Obi-Wan when he got into gundark's nest. He fought in managing his emotions. Because of this very same reason and because of his suffocating thoughts, Force was cut off from him completely. But then he regained contact with the Force.
He was also extremely suspicious of teachers teaching him because he felt that they didn't find him worthy enough to be a Jedi. Also, due to his rumors of being the Chosen One and not being able to manage his emotions, he struggled to befriend other Padawans. On a mission to Dalenor on the space shuttle, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Skywalker discussed their life before becoming a Jedi.
Anakin Skywalker also told Obi-Wan Kenobi that the only reason he is acting as his master now is that Qui-Gon Jinn has died. And that Jedi Order did not wish to take Anakin as a Padawan. But Obi-Wan could not assure him before he departed. utilized his powers of the Force in order to hit a band of pirates with pebbles. Obi-Wan was amazed by his Padawan's capabilities during the mission. At 12 years old in 29 ABY, he built his first lightsaber. Obi-Wan's Jedi Battlemaster Cin Drallig also assisted Anakin and taught him lightsaber dueling.
Manipulated by the Secret Dark Lord of the Sith Sidious
When Anakin Skywalker effectively killed a droid he had created to be like the Sith of Naboo, he caught Palpatine's attention, being observed by Palpatine, along with Mace Windu and Obi-Wan.
Later, Palpatine requested privacy with Anakin and accompanied him to Club Kasakar, but while speaking was making a subtle deprecation of the Senate and the Jedi. This marked the beginning of Palpatine, actually Darth Sidious, manipulation of the young Jedi. This sowed a seed of uncertainty in the heart of Anakin regarding his destiny as a Jedi.
At the Jedi Temple, Anakin Skywalker informed Obi-Wan Kenobi that he wished to depart the Order because he felt his life was predetermined too soon. He also handed in his lightsaber back to Obi-Wan who was still trying to persuade him not to.
Growing Attachments Haunt Anakin Skywalker
Anakin Skywalker was assigned to escort Padmé Amidala to Naboo for protection. While they were on Naboo, Anakin and Padmé became closer, even though the Jedi Order forbade attachments. Anakin Skywalker frequently wrestled with his feelings, caught between his developing love for Padmé and his role as a Jedi. At this time, he was also haunted by visions of his mother being harmed. Padmé Amidala accompanied him and they both traveled to Tatooine. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi learned of the presence of a hidden clone army on Kamino and Count Dooku and the Separatists' involvement in the escalating galactic war.
Upon discovering the secret clone army on Kamino, Obi-Wan Kenobi returned to the Jedi Council. Due to this, the Jedi Order shifted their plan to incorporate use of these clones in furthering their struggle against the Separatists' increasing numbers.
At the same time, Anakin remained in an inner turmoil regarding his emotions for Padmé Amidala. Their romance grew stronger in clandestine meetings and this further strained Anakin's emotional attachment to the Jedi Code since it strictly prohibited attachments. As the Clone Wars grew stronger, Anakin's combat activities increased, and Anakin Skywalker grew more frustrated with the bureaucracy of the Jedi and their rigidity.
Obi-Wan Kenobi kept investigating the real purpose of the clones and their connection to the Sith. He uncovered more conspiracies with Count Dooku and Darth Sidious. Throughout the war, Anakin Skywalker's allegiance switched between his role as a Jedi and his own desires, and the galaxy continued its decline.
On Tatooine, the two discovered Watto, who informed them that he had sold Shmi Skywalker, Anakin's mother, to a moisture farmer named Cliegg Lars. Upon arrival at the Lars farm, they discovered that Shmi had been abducted by Tusken Raiders a month prior and was presumed dead. Anakin Skywalker wished to rescue her at all costs and so stole his stepbrother Owen Lars's swoop bike and headed out to rescue his mother.
He finally discovered her in a Tusken camp. She was bound by the wrists to a pole with a deep gash on her face. Soon after, she passed away in his arms. Anakin Skywalker was overcome with grief and rage, he slaughtered all of the Tusken Raiders, men, women and children. Then, he returned his mother's body home, where she was given a funeral. Anakin Skywalker vowed to Padmé Amidala, with a determined promise, he would become such a dominant force in the Force that he would not allow to lose what he enjoyed losing.
This tragic situation engulfed Skywalker in pain and guilt. He was haunted by the fact that he was not able to rescue his mother and his feelings ran out of hand. He felt guilty about the actions he undertook as well because he thought he failed his mother and the incident was one that would keep haunting him throughout the years ahead.
Respected Jedi General of the Republic
He became one of the key heroes of the Republic's struggle against the Confederacy of Independent Systems in the Clone Wars. Anakin Skywalker was promoted to the rank of Jedi Knight and was made commander of the 501st Legion, which was one of the most elite legions. He carried out numerous missions with his exceptional abilities and courage.
Anakin Skywalker won many battles for the Republic. For instance, he and Obi-Wan Kenobi effectively outmaneuvered Separatist troops in the Battle of Christophsis. He commanded so bravely that his soldiers, particularly Captain Rex, admired him for loyalty. This was reciprocated, as the two had respect for one another.
He also trained an apprentice called Ahsoka Tano after becoming a Jedi Knight. They did not agree with each other but later on, Anakin Skywalker and his apprentice did agree very well. They together engaged in significant battles like the Siege of Ryloth, where Anakin Skywalker demonstrated his ability to balance military tactics with the sufferings of civilians caught in the middle of war. He also played a very key part in the destruction of the Malevolence, a powerful Separatist warship commanded by General Grievous. In these conflicts, Skywalker demonstrated himself not just as a competent fighter but as a competent teacher.
In 19 BBY, Ahsoka Tano was falsely accused of a bombing at the Jedi Temple. Even though Anakin struggled to defend her name, her choice to leave the Jedi Order left him deeply heartbroken.
Succumbing to the Dark Side Again
In the Battle of Coruscant, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was taken prisoner by the Separatists. Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker were tasked to save the Chancellor. Both infiltrated the Invisible Hand, a Separatist ship. Both of them met the powerful Sith Lord Count Dooku in the throne room of the ship. Both fought the Sith Lord simultaneously but they failed under the relentless attacks of Count Dooku. Count Dooku immediately rendered Obi-Wan Kenobi unconscious through the Force and he was trapped underneath the wreckage.
Anakin Skywalker was left to deal with the powerful Sith Lord all by himself. Anakin began with intense and unrelenting attacks which even overwhelmed Count Dooku with his power. After a few fierce battles, Anakin Skywalker managed to chop off both hands of Count Dooku. By this time, Chancellor Palpatine pressed Anakin to kill Count Dooku. This was contrary to
This manipulation by the undercover Darth Sidious (Chancellor Palpatine) led Anakin to finally succumb to his rage. After killing Tusken Raiders to avenge his mother's torture and murder, this would be the second time that Anakin Skywalker employed dark side as a Jedi. Anakin Skywalker beheaded Count Dooku with his own lightsaber.
Fear of Loss and Becoming Darth Vader
After the fall of Count Dooku at the Battle of Coruscant, the faith of Anakin Skywalker in the Jedi was shaken even more. Although he was indeed getting more powerful and famous, at the urging of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, he was still appointed to the Jedi Council. However, despite being successful in the Clone Wars, he was not promoted to be a Master by the Order. This, too, further served to intensify Anakin's frustrations concerning the Jedi Order and generated emotions of alienation and distrust inside of him.
It was in the process of which Anakin Skywalker discovered the true identity of Chancellor Palpatine was Darth Sidious. He was Sith Lord who had organized the Clone Wars to obtain absolute control and domination over the galaxy. During one of Anakin's Force visions, he could see Padmé Amidala dead after she gave birth. It instigated Anakin Skywalker's abandonment phobia as he had lost his mother and his master as well. He couldn't imagine losing another loved one.
Darth Sidious manipulated Anakin Skywalker's fear of losing Padmé Amidala just as she was ready to give birth. This left Anakin Skywalker unprotected and he desired to save her wife, no matter the cost. Darth Sidious manipulated and convinced him that the Jedi had let him down and that Darth Sidious was also tempted by the offer of saving Padmé Amidala's life, Anakin Skywalker betrayed the Jedi Order. This choice was the start of his becoming Darth Vader and ultimately betraying all that he had once believed in.
Darth Vader commanded the assault on the Jedi Temple on Coruscant following the implementation of Order 66. During the assault, as mentioned, some Jedi and younglings were shot and executed. He was subsequently dispatched to Mustafar by his Sith Master, Darth Sidious, who had proclaimed himself Galactic Emperor with instructions to eliminate the remaining members of the Separatist Council.
When Obi-Wan Kenobi came to learn about his Padawan Anakin Skywalker embracing the dark side, he briefed Padmé Amidala and they proceeded to Mustafar to face him. Padmé did not believe it until she saw Anakin on Mustafar. Anakin Skywalker was furious and rationalized himself to his wife that the Jedi had failed him. When Padmé Amidala questioned him by saying it was not the Anakin Skywalker she recognized, he was angered by the dark side and attacked pregnant Padmé. He strangled her in a Force choke and lowered her to the floor.
At this point, he had totally surrendered himself to the dark side, becoming Darth Vader. Obi-Wan Kenobi even attempted to reason with Anakin Skywalker but their conversation rapidly turned into an intense lightsaber duel. In the course of this battle, Obi-Wan Kenobi managed to defeat Anakin, leaving him severely injured and near death. Meanwhile, Obi-Wan Kenobi abandoned Anakin to be burned on the shores of Mustafar. Padmé Amidala was evacuated to Polis Massa for emergency medical care.
Darth Vader was gravely injured and left almost dead. He was rescued in time by Darth Sidious. He was rebuilt into a cyborg in an armored suit. His wife, Padmé, had by now died of a shattered heart, having just delivered her twins, Luke Skywalker, and Princess Leia Organa.
Redemption of the Fallen Jedi
Darth Vader was the right-hand man of the Emperor and subsequently became the Supreme Commander of the Imperial navy, imposing the New Order. He murdered his former Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, during a duel on the Death Star. He discovered, during the Battle of Yavin, that Luke Skywalker was his son and attempted to make him turn to the dark side.
In a duel with Luke, Darth Vader exposed the truth about their relationship. Stunned, Luke got hurt when Vader cut off his son's hand and let him fall into a reactor shaft. In spite of the agony, Luke still hoped for the redemption of his father.
During the Battle of Endor, Luke was captured and brought before the Emperor. Luke struggled against Palpatine's attempt to turn him and then attacked his father out of rage but didn't finish him off. Palpatine went on and Force-lightning'd Luke, almost killing him. As a final act of redemption, Darth Vader tossed Palpatine down a reactor shaft, completing the prophecy of the Chosen One. The force lightning attack from Palpatine killed Vader soon after.
Before dying, Anakin Skywalker again went back to the light side, abandoning the character of Darth Vader. He reunited with Luke and was at peace with the Force, living his purpose as the Chosen One.
FAQs
Who was Anakin Skywalker before he became Darth Vader?
Anakin Skywalker was a gifted young slave from Tatooine who became a heroic Jedi Knight. He was believed to be the Chosen One destined to bring balance to the Force.
Why is Anakin Skywalker called the Chosen One?
According to Jedi prophecy, the Chosen One would destroy the Sith and restore balance to the Force. Anakin had the highest midi-chlorian count ever recorded, which convinced the Jedi that he was the prophesied Chosen One.
Why did Anakin Skywalker turn to the dark side?
Anakin’s fear of losing loved ones, his anger over his mother’s death, and his secret attachment to Padmé Amidala made him vulnerable. Manipulated by Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine), he turned to the dark side to save Padmé but ultimately became Darth Vader.
Who trained Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi?
Anakin was discovered by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn but trained mainly by Obi-Wan Kenobi after Qui-Gon’s death. He later took on his own apprentice, Ahsoka Tano.
How did Anakin Skywalker get his lightsaber?
As a Padawan, Anakin constructed his first blue lightsaber with help from Jedi Masters, including Obi-Wan Kenobi and Battlemaster Cin Drallig. After becoming Darth Vader, he wielded a red lightsaber.
Did Anakin Skywalker ever fulfill the Chosen One prophecy?
Yes, despite turning into Darth Vader, Anakin ultimately destroyed Emperor Palpatine to save his son Luke Skywalker, sacrificing himself and fulfilling the prophecy by ending the Sith line.
What happened to Anakin Skywalker’s family?
Anakin secretly married Padmé Amidala. They had twins: Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa. Padmé died after childbirth, while Luke and Leia were hidden from Vader to protect them.
Why did Anakin fight Obi-Wan Kenobi?
Obi-Wan confronted Anakin after he turned to the dark side and massacred Jedi at the Temple. Their duel on Mustafar ended with Obi-Wan defeating Anakin, leaving him severely burned, which led to him becoming Darth Vader.
How did Anakin Skywalker die?
Anakin Skywalker died after saving Luke from Emperor Palpatine’s Force lightning during the Battle of Endor. Critically injured and redeemed, he became one with the Force.
What is Anakin Skywalker’s legacy in Star Wars?
Anakin’s legacy is central to Star Wars, his tragic fall, his time as Darth Vader, and his ultimate redemption shape the Skywalker saga. His children, Luke and Leia, continue his story and bring new hope to the galaxy.