The quintessential Big Bad, Darth Vader has taken up legendary status in the global community since his first arrival on screen in 1977’s Star Wars. Massive in stature with a deep, all but inhuman voice, Vader loomed large both on the big screen and in our cultural consciousness. Almost more unforgettable than Vader’s villainous persona, however, was his backstory and true identity.
In a major twist that shocked theatergoers back in 1980, The Empire Strikes Back, the second film in the Star Wars original trilogy, revealed that the father of Luke Skywalker was none other than the villainous Darth Vader himself. Underneath the mask, the brutal and intimidating Vader was Anakin Skywalker, a former Jedi Knight whose story would be explored later in the prequel trilogy (beginning with 1999’s The Phantom Menace), The Clone Wars animated series, and a multitude of books in both the Legends and new canon continuities.
At the very heart of the Skywalker saga is the tragic story of Anakin Skywalker’s rise, fall, and redemption. Born a slave on Tatooine, Anakin was believed to be the prophesied Chosen One—the hero who would restore balance to the galaxy. Even though he was strong in the Force, his emotional attachments and turmoil made it difficult for him to adhere strictly to the Jedi Code. His connections to others, his fear of loss, and his brash, impulsive nature set him apart from the Order’s demands of composure and pushed him further toward the Dark Side. Ultimately, Skywalker’s journey from a kind, thoughtful child to the vicious and cunning Lord Vader (as well as his road back to redemption) is a tale that echoes throughout the series, carrying with it resonant thoughts on the nature of legacy, love, fear, and guilt.
Warning: The following article contains major spoilers for the Star Wars franchise. Please note that this character guide is based on the current canon as defined by Lucasfilm; film novelizations are canon only where they do not diverge from their on-screen counterparts.
Who is Anakin Skywalker?
Anakin Skywalker is a Jedi Knight who also served as a General in the Grand Army of the Republic during the Clone Wars; he is perhaps the most significant character in the entirety of the Star Wars saga. Anakin was born into slavery on Tatooine; he and his mother, Shmi Skywalker, were enslaved first by Gardulla the Hutt and then by junk trader Watto. Curiously, Anakin had no father—but what he did have was an incredibly high midi-chlorian count, higher than any known Jedi Master, including Master Yoda. (Midi-chlorians are the tiny organisms in the cells of all living things in the galaxy that allow for a connection with the Force; the higher the midi-chlorian count, the stronger one’s potential with the Force.)
As a child, Anakin worked in Watto’s shop and spent his free time building a protocol droid—C-3PO—from spare parts. He also displayed great piloting abilities while participating in podraces. When he was nine years old, Anakin first encountered Qui-Gon Jinn, Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Jar Jar Binks in Watto’s shop. He showed great interest in Padmé in particular, sheepishly commenting on her beauty and comparing her to an angel. The young Skywalker later invites this rather eclectic group of heroes back to his home—a decision that will forever change the course of Galactic history. When Qui-Gon mentions that he and his companions are looking to buy the required parts to repair their ship but lack the right currency, Anakin immediately volunteers to enter the Boonta Eve Classic podrace to win the money the Jedi needs. After a nasty neck-and-neck race with fellow contestant Sebulba (who used less than legal means in his attempt to secure the lead), Anakin emerges victorious, winning not only the prize money but also his freedom.
The youngest winner ever of the Boonta Eve race...
Having taken a sample of his blood earlier, Qui-Gon was aware of just how strong Anakin is in the Force, and as such, felt it appropriate that he be brought before the Jedi Council on Coruscant for training. After a tearful goodbye with Shmi, Anakin sets out on the galaxy. But Qui-Gon doesn't view Anakin as just an especially Force-sensitive child; he believes him to be the Chosen One prophesied to restore balance to the Force. Tragically, the conclusion of Episode I: The Phantom Menace saw Qui-Gon Jinn’s demise at the hands of the Sith Lord Darth Maul. Honoring his Master’s wishes, Obi-Wan Kenobi steps up to train Anakin Skywalker in the ways of the Force.
The Master and Apprentice relationship between Obi-Wan and Anakin was rather atypical for the Jedi Order. Their relative closeness in age and general rapport established a bond more common among brothers than a teacher and pupil; despite the Jedi Code, the pair clearly had a strong attachment to one another. When Anakin eventually descends into the Dark Side of the Force, Obi-Wan feels personally responsible, as if he has fatally failed his Padawan.
Anakin reunites with Padmé when he and Obi-Wan are assigned to protect the Queen-turned-Senator following an assassination attempt. While on this assignment, Anakin finds himself drawn to Padmé, an inclination that Obi-Wan attempts to stave off; upon learning of Anakin’s nightmares about his mother, Obi-Wan grows even more concerned about his Padawan’s emotional nature. But Anakin’s love for Padmé only grows after he’s dispatched to accompany the Senator to her home of Naboo. Keeping their forbidden relationship hidden, the couple marries in a secret ceremony at the conclusion of Episode II: Attack of the Clones.
Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala share their first kiss as husband and wife...
Anakin’s first step towards the Dark Side of the Force is marked by an act of retribution for the death of his mother. After his night terrors about Shmi intensify, Anakin travels to Tatooine to check in on her, where he is told by his stepfather, Cliegg Lars, that Shmi had been captured by Tusken Raiders. Tracking down the Tusken encampment, Anakin finds his mother, who shortly thereafter dies in his arms. Agonized by his inability to save those he loves, Anakin slaughters the entire town—women and children included. This staggering violence foreshadows the desperation and inner conflict that would lead to his tragic fall.
Following the devastating Battle of Geonosis, the Clone Wars begin. Anakin joins the fight as a General, commanding the 501st Legion alongside Captain Rex. During this time, Anakin also agrees to mentor a Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, whom he nicknames “Snips” for her attitude and demeanor. As a General, Anakin displayed the same tendencies he exhibited as a Jedi—he was brash and impulsive, confident, and unafraid to bend the rules if necessary. But one mission soon changes everything.
Rushing to defend Chancellor Palpatine after a report that General Grievous launched an offensive on the Republic’s capital, Obi-Wan and Anakin instead find Count Dooku—who has been revealed to serve the Dark Side as Darth Tyrannus—and realize they have stepped into a trap. After Dooku renders Obi-Wan unconscious, Anakin is left to battle him alone. Overcoming his enemy, Anakin brings Dooku to his knees, defenseless, with two sabers poised to decapitate him. Palpatine, who has been manipulating Anakin throughout his time with the Jedi, encourages him to wield his hate and strike down his foe. Anakin does so, killing Dooku. Palpatine assuages Anakin’s guilt, assuring him that he did the right thing, despite violating the Jedi Code.
He saw in Skywalker's eyes the promise of hell.
Shortly after that mission, Anakin learns that Padmé is pregnant; while overjoyed, he cannot shake a deep fear that his wife will not survive childbirth. Palpatine, knowing how haunted Anakin is by these visions, shares the story of the tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise, a tale that told of the ability to stop death—a power that appeals immensely to the mortality-minded Skywalker. When Palpatine reveals that he is a Sith Lord trained in the Dark Side of the Force, he tells Anakin that in order to prevent Padmé’s death, he must not turn him over to the Council. Nevertheless, Anakin adheres to his conscience and lets the Jedi know of his findings.
Padmé, I can't lose you. I can't. You're all I live for.
Who is Darth Vader?
Darth Vader is the main antagonist of the original trilogy—a Sith Lord who apprenticed under Darth Sidious and rose to become one of the most feared figures in the galaxy. When Jedi Master Mace Windu attempts to kill Palpatine in lieu of arresting him, Skywalker intervenes, protecting Palpatine and fully rejecting the ideals of the Jedi Order. Completely disillusioned with the Jedi, Anakin commits himself to the Dark Side; he is dubbed “Darth Vader” by his new Master: Palpatine, also known as the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. After Anakin succumbs to the Dark Side, his first acts as the newly knighted Darth Vader are particularly heinous. Sidious executes Order 66, a directive mandating the execution of all Jedi as galactic traitors. Vader slashes his way through the Jedi Temple, reaching a room full of younglings who are cowering, attempting to hide from the confusion and carnage. Without a second thought, Vader ignites his saber, killing them.
From this day forward, the truth of you, my apprentice, now and forevermore, will be Darth...Vader.
Sidious sends his apprentice to Mustafar, ordering him to kill the council gathered there. Vader does so, but is soon confronted by his wife and his former Jedi Master, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Feeling as if Padmé has betrayed him, Vader Force-chokes her until she loses consciousness. In the battle that follows, Obi-Wan pleads with Vader to return from the Dark Side, expressing dismay that the Chosen One has left the Force in such darkness. Vader refuses to listen, instead opting to duel his dearest friend. The ensuing battle leaves Vader seemingly defeated, writhing on the surface of Mustafar with his limbs severed. But Sidious rescues his pupil, bringing him back from the brink of death by reconstructing his body with machinery. When he comes to, Vader fears he has killed his wife and children (Luke and Leia, who, unbeknownst to him, have already been born and are being safely kept hidden by the Jedi) and is utterly devastated. Filled with rage and loathing, Darth Vader comes into his own as a vicious threat to the galaxy at large. Together, Vader and Sidious serve the Galactic Empire with a resolute ruthlessness.
You were my brother, Anakin...I loved you.
But what makes Vader such a captivating villain is that, at his core, he is deeply conflicted. His past life, his goodness and empathy are still a part of his identity, though difficult to reach through the growing darkness. In one instance, after a duel with his former Padawan Ashoka Tano in the ruins of a Sith Temple on Malachor leaves his mask cracked, revealing his identity, the pair lock eyes and share a moment of mutual fondness before Vader’s instincts overtake Anakin again to threaten Tano’s life. Moments like these foreshadow Anakin’s eventual redemption arc, even though Vader’s mercilessness prevails for much of the saga.
Nearly two decades after Vader’s last meeting with Obi-Wan on Mustafar in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, the former Master and Apprentice meet again on the Death Star battle station in Episode IV: A New Hope. Obi-Wan, who has joined Luke, Han, and Chewie in a mission to rescue Princess Leia Organa, engages in one final duel with his old friend. Vader strikes down Obi-Wan, who becomes one with the Force, his robes falling to the ground.
Its numberless worlds and stars...it was his duty to rule them all.
So much of the Star Wars series is about family and legacy. When Vader first encounters his son, Luke, in a dogfight during the Battle of Yavin, he can’t help but comment, “The Force is strong with this one.” Following the Battle and the destruction of the first Death Star, Vader sends out bounty hunter Boba Fett to identify the Rebel pilot responsible. When Fett comes back with Luke’s name, Vader resolves to find his son and form an alliance with him, hoping his heir will join him on the Dark Side. In a duel on Cloud City in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Vader reveals his identity to Luke and pleads with his son to join him, so they might rule the galaxy together. Horrified at this revelation, Luke plunges into a chasm, rejecting his father’s offer.
In the concluding film of the original trilogy, Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Luke and Vader again cross paths. Luke surrenders to Vader and Palpatine on Endor, believing that an audience with his father will allow him to bring him back from the Dark Side and into the light. Initially, Vader refuses, and the father-and-son pair engage in a duel in the second Death Star’s throne room, with Darth Sidious presiding. Sidious encourages Luke to use his emotions against his father and strike him down, manipulating the younger Skywalker in the same way he corrupted Anakin. Luke refuses, tossing aside his lightsaber, and is punished by Sidious, who unleashes a vicious amount of Force-lightning on the young Jedi. Vader intervenes to save his son and stop Sidious. Fighting back, Vader pushes the Emperor to his death. In doing so, he disclaims the title of Darth Vader and regains his identity as Anakin Skywalker.
How does Darth Vader die?
Darth Vader dies after making the decision to betray his former Master, Darth Sidious, in order to save his son’s life; in doing so, he rids the galaxy of the Sith forever. Anakin Skywalker, newly redeemed and having finally fulfilled the Chosen One prophecy that has followed him all his life, succumbs to injuries sustained from Sidious’s use of Force-lightning. The attack damages the apparati that have kept Anakin alive since the events of Revenge of the Sith. Shortly after reconciling with his son, Anakin passes away. Luke honors his father by cremating his body in the tradition of a Jedi funeral. Anakin’s Force ghost later watches over his son, Luke, and his daughter, Leia, as they celebrate the liberation of the galaxy from the Galactic Empire, and he smiles, finally at peace.
How did Anakin become Darth Vader?
A variety of factors led to Anakin’s downfall into darkness, but ultimately, Anakin became Darth Vader largely due to the manipulation of the traitorous Emperor Palpatine. From his first moments on screen, Anakin’s deep empathy, goodness, and generosity are apparent—above all, he cares about those he loves and would do anything to secure their safety. His fear of losing Padmé as he lost his mother drives him to the Dark, as he’d do most anything to ensure her well-being.
It is not a story the Jedi would tell you...
Anakin also joins the Sith because he feels as if the Jedi Order is deeply flawed: they forbade members from forming attachments or finding love (as he did with Padmé); they turned against his Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, falsely accusing her of treason; they refused to grant him the rank of Master; and they did not always seem to adhere to the directives of a peacekeeping organization. With Palpatine’s prodding, his doubts fester into deep-seated fears, and he craves the stability and power that the Dark Side seems to promise.
Why does Darth Vader wear a mask?
Darth Vader wears a mask due to the extensive damage inflicted by the environment on Mustafar, where he was left for dead following a battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi. Left exposed to the elements on the smoky, volcano-pocked planet, Vader suffers irreparable harm to the tissues in his lungs and respiratory system. Simply put, the breathing apparatus inside of his helmet allowed him to continue living.
But Vader’s mask also served another purpose. With the hollow eyes of a skull and a design similar to that of Sith armor, Vader’s helmet gave him the silhouette of a foe both menacing and coldhearted. Coupled with its abilities as a capable, protective piece of armor, Vader’s mask transformed him from a fallen Jedi Knight into a dauntless Sith Lord.
Best Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader Quotes
"Are you an angel?" — Episode I: The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks
They live on the moons of Iego, I think.
"Attachment is forbidden...Possession is forbidden. Compassion, which I would define as unconditional love, is central to a Jedi's life, so you might say we're encouraged to love." — by R.A. Salvatore
"I don't like the sand. It's course and rough and irritating. And it gets everywhere...But here, everything's soft and smooth." — Episode II: Attack of the Clones by R.A. Salvatore
"'And when I went to them, we went into...aggressive negotiations...' 'Aggressive negotiations? What's that?'...'Uh, well, negotiations with a lightsaber.'" — Episode II: Attack of the Clones by R.A. Salvatore
"Don't make me kill you, Obi-Wan. If you are not with me, you are against me." — Episode III: Revenge of the Sith by Matthew Stover
"Be careful not to choke on your aspirations, Director." — Rogue One by Alexander Freed
Was Vader mad?! Was this his homeworld? Perhaps he wasn't human beneath his armor...
The Best Audiobooks for Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader Fans
Listen if: you want to hear about Anakin Skywalker's origins on Tatooine and his life before the Jedi Order.
Listen if: you're interested in Anakin's developing relationship with Padmé and the beginning of the devastating Clone Wars.
Listen if: you want to follow Anakin's descent into the Dark Side of the Force and his rise as Darth Vader.
Listen if: you're fascinated by the relationship between Sidious and Vader and want to follow the ruthless pair's conquests.
Listen if: you'd like to hear what unfolds when two of the most notorious Imperial agents collaborate.
Listen if: you're looking for the perfect title to introduce the world of Star Wars to a young listener in your life.
