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<!--PNG images containing transparencies do not display properly for some users. Please consider this fact before replacing the already tiny GIF file. Also, please do not add the {{split}} tag to this article, as it is completely irrelevant to this discussion; no one has at any time suggested the use of a disambiguation page. -->
{{SW Character|
bgcolor=#000|
fgcolor=#fff|
name=Anakin Skywalker / Darth Vader |
image=[[Image:AnakinSkywalker-DarthVader.jpg]]<br /><small>[[Hayden Christensen]], as '''Anakin Skywalker''' (with [[lightsaber]]); transformed, an elder '''Darth Vader''' was portrayed by [[David Prowse]] and voiced by [[James Earl Jones]]</small>|
position=[[Slavery|Slave]], [[Padawan]], [[Jedi Knight]], Council Member / [[Dark Lord of the Sith]] |
planet=Unknown; childhood spent on [[Tatooine]], later life [[Coruscant]]|
species=[[Humans (Star Wars)|Human]] ([[cyborg]])|
hair=Brown(blonde as a child)|
gender=[[Male]]|
weapon=[[Lightsaber]]|
vehicle=[[Podracer|Pod]], [[Naboo N-1 Starfighter|N-1 Starfighter]], hotrod speeder, [[Jedi starfighter]]/[[TIE/Advanced fighter|TIE Advanced x1]], [[Executor (Star Wars)|''Executor'']]|
height=1.35 meters (4 ft 5 in) child; 1.85 meters (6 ft 1 in) adult; 2.00 meters (6 ft 7 in) augmented |
affiliation=[[Jedi]], [[Galactic Republic]] / [[Sith]], [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|Galactic Empire]] |
portrayer=[[Jake Lloyd]] (I)<br>[[Hayden Christensen]] (II, III, VI{{ref|hayden}})<br>[[David Prowse]] (IV-VI)<br>[[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] (VI{{ref_label|hayden|1|a}})<br>[[James Earl Jones]] (III-VI voice)
<small></small>
}}

'''Darth Vader''' (41 [[BBY]] &ndash; 4 [[Dates in Star Wars|ABY]]) is a [[fictional character]] in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' [[fictional universe|universe]]. He is often considered one of the [[iconic]] [[villian|villains]] of popular culture for his principle role in the original trilogy of Star Wars films consisting of "Episode IV", "V", "IV". However, the full exposition of Vader's story, across all six Star Wars films, reveals his character to be more complex than the standard villian [[archetype]].


{{Spoiler}}
Born '''[[Anakin Skywalker]]''', Darth Vader is the [[tragic hero]] in the ''[[Star Wars]]'' films, and ultimately the central character of the series. He is the husband of [[Padmé Amidala]] and the biological father of [[Luke Skywalker]] and [[Princess Leia Organa|Leia Organa]].

Through his role as the chief [[protagonist]] of the [[prequel trilogy (Star Wars)|prequel movies]] and chief [[antagonist]] of the original three films, Vader has become an [[icon]]ic villain (more than [[George Lucas]] ever intended), and was ranked third on [[American Film Institute]]'s [[AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains|top 50 villains of all time]] list.{{ref|afi100}}

In the first two films released in the series, Vader is portrayed as the epitome of pure [[evil]] &mdash; a [[mass murder]]er and [[war crimes|war criminal]] who holds an entire [[Galaxy (Star Wars)|galaxy]] under the sway of an evil [[Galactic Empire (Star Wars)|empire]]. However, in ''[[Return of the Jedi]]'' and the later prequel films, his fall from grace and eventual [[redemption]] are explored in greater depth. Indeed, ''Star Wars'' creator [[George Lucas]] has explained that he considers Vader a victim of the saga's true villain, [[Palpatine]].

In the prequel trilogy, Anakin is believed to be the [[Messiahs in fiction and fantasy#Star Wars|Chosen One]] of [[Jedi]] prophecy, destined to bring balance to [[Force (Star Wars)|the Force]] by destroying the [[Sith]]. He is taken as a young boy in [[Dates in Star Wars#sw1|32 BBY]] and trained as a Jedi. Anakin becomes a highly talented Jedi Knight; a distinguished pilot and swordsman with an unprecedented level of Force power. He is a legend of the [[Clone Wars]], in which he fights for the [[Galactic Republic (Star Wars)|Galactic Republic]] and is instrumental in several important battles. Despite his nearly unmatchable skills as a Jedi, however, Anakin's [[tragic flaw]] &mdash; fear of loss &mdash; ultimately leads him to the [[dark side|dark side of the Force]], transforming him into Darth Vader, [[Dark Lord of the Sith]], in [[Dates in Star Wars#sw3|19 BBY]].

== Biography ==

=== Overview ===
Son of [[Shmi Skywalker]], Anakin Skywalker was born in 41 [[BBY]]. Shmi claims that there was no father and that her pregnancy with Anakin resulted from a [[virgin birth|virgin conception]]. Some viewers have drawn parallels between Anakin's [[origin]] and the [[New Testament]] stories of [[Jesus]]' conception and birth, as well as classic [[mythology|mythological]] stories. Jedi Master [[Qui-Gon Jinn]] suggests that Anakin might have been conceived by the [[midi-chlorians]] &mdash; the implication being that Anakin is a creation of the Force itself. (According to Palpatine in ''[[Revenge of the Sith]]'', the [[Sith Lord]] [[Darth Plagueis]] learned to provoke midi-chlorians into producing life&mdash;some have viewed this as a clue to Anakin's origins.) Lucas has said that all these issues were left deliberately ambiguous, and that it has been left for the audience to decide how Anakin was created. Still, controversy rages over Anakin's origins, and producer Rick McCallum's [http://blogs.starwars.com/bonzmonzvertblog_1/3/comments recent DVD commentary] has added fuel to the fire.

After his fall, Vader is viewed as a cruel and frightening figure: his signature method of imposing terror is using the Force to strangle people. This may echo Vader's own frustration at his injuries. {{ref|breathing}} In ''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope|A New Hope]]'', Vader's aggressive instincts are somewhat restrained by orders to serve under [[Grand Moff Tarkin]] for that time; when [[List_of_minor_Star_Wars_villains#Motti.2C_Romodi|Admiral Motti]] challenges Vader's "sad devotion" to the Force, Tarkin does not allow Vader to choke Motti to death, only long enough to make his point. The death of Tarkin aboard the [[Death Star]] removes any apparent check on Vader's power; after this point, Vader appears to be subordinate only to the Emperor himself. Throughout the rest of the trilogy, Imperial officers universally react with fear and dread at Vader's presence. This fear is not unwarranted, as both [[Admiral Ozzel]] and [[List of minor Star Wars villains#Needa, Lorth|Captain Needa]] die by Vader's hand in ''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back| The Empire Strikes Back]]''. Curiously, [[Admiral Piett]] survives Vader's wrath when he loses the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' in an [[asteroid]] field; Lucas characterizes this uncharacteristic mercy as a result of Vader's ambivalence about his son, Luke.

(Everything between the symbols "***" is also on an article called [[Anakin Skywalker]].)
************************************************************************************************
=== Childhood and discovery ===
{{splitsection|Anakin Skywalker}}
{{Selfref|Events described in this section occur in the film ''[[Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace]]''. More information is available in [[Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace#Plot summary|the plot summary]].}}
[[Image:Anakinyoung.jpg|thumb|right|175px|Anakin Skywalker as a boy on [[Tatooine]].]]
'''Anakin Skywalker''' first appears as a kind, selfless nine-year-old boy (played by [[Jake Lloyd]]) and a [[slavery|slave]] along with his mother. A [[child prodigy]], Anakin excels at [[mathematics]] and [[engineering]]. Even at this young age, he can build or repair most things, evidenced by the creation of his own protocol droid, [[C-3PO]], and [[podrace|podracer]], each from salvaged parts. He is also a remarkable pilot with quick [[reflex]]es.

Anakin is found on [[Tatooine]] by Qui-Gon Jinn, who is convinced that he is the Chosen One foretold by prophecy to bring balance to the Force. Some of his incredible abilities may be attributed to this unique Force-adeptness; for instance, Qui-Gon attributes Anakin's piloting talent to the Force, which allows Anakin to "see things before they happen." Anakin forms a strong bond with [[Padmé Amidala|Queen Padmé Amidala]], whom Qui-Gon and his [[padawan]] apprentice, [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]], are guarding.

After winning Anakin's freedom, Qui-Gon brings the boy to [[Coruscant]] and requests that the [[Jedi Council]] allow him to train Anakin. This request is denied, as the Council thinks that Anakin's future is clouded by the fear and anger he exhibits from his days as a slave and his separation from his mother. Ultimately, Anakin helps to win the final battle over the [[Trade Federation]] in the [[Battle of Naboo]]. Later, a dying Qui-Gon, slain by [[Darth Maul]], urges Obi-Wan to train Anakin, and the Council reluctantly approves. Palpatine, newly-elected as the Republic's Supreme Chancellor, befriends the boy, promising to "watch his career with great interest."

=== The Clone Wars ===
{{splitsection|Anakin Skywalker}}
{{Selfref|Events described in this section occur in the film ''[[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones]]''. More information is available in [[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones#Plot summary|the plot summary]].}}
[[Image:AnakinEp2.jpg|right|thumb|350px|Anakin (right) and [[Obi-Wan Kenobi]] (left), ten years after the events of ''[[Star Wars Episode I|The Phantom Menace]]''.]]
Anakin, now played by [[Hayden Christensen]], is now a young adult and Obi-Wan's apprentice. Because his natural abilities place him leaps and bounds above his peers, he has developed into an arrogant and socially awkward loner in his years of Jedi training. His relationship with his master is complicated; although he says Obi-Wan is like a father to him, he chafes against his authority and believes he is holding him back. Frustrated, he turns to another teacher for advice: Palpatine, who feeds the young padawan's fragile [[ego]] with assurances that he will one day be the greatest Jedi in the galaxy.

Anakin is assigned to guard Padmé, who is now a [[Galactic Senate|senator]] of her home planet, Naboo. His childhood fascination with her has now become a powerful infatuation, and the two ultimately fall in love, despite her many reservations. In conversation, he reveals his affection for her, as well as his distrust of the political process and the need he perceives for there to be one strong leader. While guarding Padmé, Anakin senses that his mother is in danger. He finds her in a camp of [[Tusken Raiders]], but is too late; battered beyond recognition, she dies in his arms. Seized by a blind rage, he slaughters the entire tribe of Tuskens, including the women and children. Yoda and the deceased Qui-Gon feel Anakin's Force presence turn "dark," and fear that this marks the beginning of the end for Obi-Wan's young apprentice. Padmé is clearly troubled by what he has done, but, being in love with him, she is not truly repulsed, and instead tries to soothe him with sympathy.

Anakin and Padmé learn that Obi-Wan has been taken hostage by the [[List of Star Wars races#Geonosian|Geonosian]]-engineered [[Confederacy of Independent Systems|Separatist]] droid forces, and rush to his rescue &mdash; where they are also captured. Faced with their impending demise in a gladiatorial arena, they profess their love to one another. Escaping the fray with the help of the Jedi and the clone army, Anakin engages Separatist leader (and fallen Jedi) [[Count Dooku]] in a [[lightsaber]] battle, but is easily defeated by the older, more experienced warrior, who wounds him in battle, severing his lower right arm. He is fitted with a cybernetic replacement, and then marries Padmé in a secret ceremony, with C-3PO and his counterpart, [[R2-D2]], as witnesses.

=== Transformation into Vader ===
{{splitsection|Anakin Skywalker}}
{{Selfref|Events described in this section occur in the film ''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith]]''. More information is available in [[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith#Plot summary|the plot summary]].}}
After having gone off to fight in the Clone Wars, Anakin and Obi-Wan return to Coruscant and board the Separatist flagship ''[[Trade Federation Cruiser|The Invisible Hand]]'' on a mission to rescue Palpatine from Count Dooku. In the ensuing battle, Dooku uses the Force to choke and then fling Obi-Wan aside, forcing Anakin to face the Sith Lord alone. It is a short duel, and one which Anakin wins relatively easily. Dooku is continuously pushed back, taken off guard by the force behind each blow, and Anakin neatly sears off both of the Sith apprentice's hands. Palpatine then commands Anakin to behead the stunned Count. Anakin complies, but instantly regrets it; to kill a defenseless prisoner is not the Jedi way. Palpatine, though, reassures Anakin that Dooku "was too dangerous to be kept alive." After rescuing the Chancellor, Anakin finds that the flagship is in critical condition, and with some help from Obi-Wan, barely manages to safely land it on an airstrip.

Back on Coruscant, Padmé tells him she is pregnant. Though initially overjoyed, Anakin is plagued by prophetic visions of her death in [[labour (childbirth)|childbirth]] &mdash; much like the one he had of his mother just before she died.

Palpatine, who continues to be a close friend and mentor, makes Anakin his representative on the Jedi Council. The suspicious Council accepts him, but denies him the rank of Jedi Master, and orders him to spy on Palpatine. Angered by the perceived snub and instructions to commit [[treason]], Anakin loses all faith in the Council. Ultimately, the Chancellor offers him the chance to learn the dark side of the Force, which he claims holds the power to prevent death. Anakin realizes that Palpatine is the Sith Lord Darth Sidious that the Council had been hunting for since the beginning of the war, and reports Palpatine's secret to [[Mace Windu]]. As Windu goes to confront Palpatine, Anakin broods over an inescapable thought: without Palpatine, he will lose the chance to save his wife.

[[Image:Vader march.jpg|thumb|right||250px|Darth Vader and the [[501st Clone Trooper Legion]] march on the Jedi Temple.]]
Anakin arrives to find Windu holding his lightsaber on a disarmed and seemingly helpless Palpatine. Windu declares the [[Dark Lord]] under arrest, but Palpatine defiantly unleashes a torrent of [[Force lightning]] at Windu. The Jedi Master deflects the lightning with his lightsaber, scarring and deforming Plapatine's face into a wizened mask of wrinkled skin. The attack continues unabated until Palpatine suddenly tires, giving Windu a chance to strike a death blow. Palpatine cowers, begging Anakin to save him. Anakin pleads with Windu to spare Palpatine's life; Windu refuses, saying that Palpatine is too dangerous to be kept alive. Anakin then severs Windu's sword hand with his own light saber. As Windu screams in agony, Palpatine springs to life and hurls another torrent of lightning at the Jedi Master, electrocuting him before throwing him out the window to his apparent death. Realizing the enormity of what he has done, Anakin is stricken with guilt, but he is too emotionally drained to resist Palpatine's offer to teach him the power of the dark side and save Padmé's life. Without hesitation, he pledges himself to the dark side and is renamed '''Darth Vader'''.

[[Image:Hayden christensen200.jpg|thumb||left|250px|Obi-Wan confronts Vader]]
Vader's first task as a Sith Lord is to assault the Jedi Temple and to kill everyone inside, even the [[Youngling#Jedi_ranks|youngling]] children. He does this without question, slaughtering venerable Jedi and children alike. He is is then sent to [[Mustafar]] to assassinate the Separatist leaders. After completing this task, he is met by Padmé, who pleads with him to flee Palpatine's grasp with her. He refuses, saying that the two of them can overthrow Palpatine and rule the galaxy together. Obi-Wan, who had hidden himself on Padmé's ship, suddenly emerges and confronts Vader. Suspecting betrayal, Vader angrily uses the Force to choke Padmé, leaving her unconscious on the landing platform. The former partners and friends then engage in a ferocious lightsaber duel throughout the mining complex. Eventually, Obi-Wan jumps onto solid ground, gaining the advantage. Vader tries to engage his master with a [[Force powers|Force jump]]. Obi-Wan is prepared, however, and severs Vader's remaining limbs in midair, leaving him for dead on the hot sands. As Vader tries to drag himself up the bank and away from the lava river, he suffers [[immolation]]: nearly fatal burns and extensive lung damage from inhaling superheated air. Miraculously, Vader manages to crawl up the bank away from the lava river and, through sheer will and connection to the Force, lingers on until rescued by Palpatine, who sensed Vader's impending defeat after his own duel with Yoda.

[[Image:Vader complete.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Vader's life support suit is placed on him for the first time.]]
Palpatine revives Vader with extensive cybernetic enhancements, including a respirator and a fearsome breath mask. Palpatine then tells Vader that, in his anger, he has killed his own wife. (In fact, Padmé died in childbirth on [[Polis Massa]] after delivering healthy twins.) In a state of [[shock]], Vader shakes the room with the Force, breaks his bindings on the operating table and struggles to walk under the sheer weight of his new legs. Overwhelmed with grief by the belief that he has killed his wife (and, presumably, his unborn child), the only thing that remains in his life is his service to his master, the new Emperor of the galaxy.

Although Vader remains a formidable warrior (second only to Palpatine in his dark side potential), the grave injuries he sustains during the duel with Obi-Wan greatly reduce his power with the Force; as Vader, he is a mere shadow of his former Jedi self. Lucas claims that had Vader not been dismembered, he would have been twice as powerful as Palpatine, but that he is only 80% as powerful post-Mustafar.

The events of ''Revenge of the Sith'' also had a significant effect on Anakin's identity. The armored Dark Lord of the Sith seen at the end of the film is radically different from the Jedi Knight seen at the beginning physically, [[psychology|psychologically]], and even [[spirituality|spiritually]]. Yoda and Obi-Wan both asserted at various times that Anakin Skywalker was destroyed and consumed by Vader when he turned to the dark side. The novelization of ''Revenge of the Sith'', on the other hand, clearly makes the point that Darth Vader ''is'' Anakin Skywalker. {{ref|forever}} While Lucas justified his replacement of [[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] with Christensen in the finale of the [[2004]] DVD release of ''Return of the Jedi'' with an explanation that upon his redemption Anakin reverted to his inner, uncorrupted self, ''Star Wars'' seems to also approach the question with the implication that there is no simple answer to it; as Obi-Wan tells Luke during his explanation of Vader's identity, "Many of the truths we cling to depend greatly upon our own point of view."

=== Fighting the rebellion ===

{{Selfref|Events in this section take place during ''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope]]''. For more information, see the [[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope#plot summary|plot summary]]}}
[[Image:Vadertantive.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Vader enters the ''Tantive IV'' in search of the stolen Death Star plans.]]
Nineteen years later, Vader is sent on a mission to retrieve the stolen plans of the [[Death Star]] and locate the hidden base of the [[Rebel Alliance]]. He boards the ''[[Tantive IV]]'', capturing [[Princess Leia]] and bringing her to the Death Star. An elderly Obi-Wan, along with Luke Skywalker and [[Han Solo]], attempt to rescue Leia during their escape from the Death Star. Vader stops Obi-Wan on his way out and engages him in a lightsaber duel. As Obi-Wan sees that if he escapes with Luke and company it would be too late, he sacrifices himself by leaving himself open to Vader's attack and becomes a spirit in the Force in order to guide Luke.

By putting a homing beacon on the ''Millennium Falcon'', Vader traces Luke, Han and Leia to the rebel base at [[Yavin IV]]. During the Rebel attack on the Death Star, Vader pilots a distinctive [[TIE/Advanced fighter]] in pursuit of the Rebel [[X-Wing]] starfighters. Vader gets a lock on Luke's X-wing, noting that "the Force is strong with this one", but is distracted by Han Solo who is piloting the ''[[Millennium Falcon]]'' just in time to save Luke. His ship collides with Black 3, his remaining wingman, and is sent hurtling into space, ultimately sparing his life, as the Death Star is destroyed moments later.

=== Battling his son ===
{{Selfref|Events described in this section occur in the film ''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back]]''. More information is available in [[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back#Plot summary|the plot summary]]}}
Vader is now at the forefront of the continuing attempt to suppress the Rebellion. He has already known about Luke Skywalker, and is desperate to find him. He leads the imperial troops on a full military assault on the rebel base hidden at the ice world of [[Hoth]], and then pursues the escaping ''Millennium Falcon'' through an [[asteroid]] field. After hiding in the blind spot of a Star Destroyer, the ''Falcon'' sets course to [[Cloud City]], followed by [[Boba Fett]], a bounty hunter hired by Vader. While on this pursuit, the Emperor contacts Vader via [[hologram]], giving him a new mission to capture Luke Skywalker.

[[[[Image:DarthVaderbeckoning.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Vader tempts Luke with the Dark Side.]]Vader uses his influence to make a deal with [[Lando Calrissian]] to kidnap Han, Leia, and the droids, creating a trap for Luke at [[Cloud City]]. Luke, who by now has been trained by Yoda, arrives and finds his way to the carbonite freezing facility, where Vader is planning to freeze him for transport to the Emperor. The two duel and Luke attempts an escape from Cloud City. Vader corners and defeats Luke, cutting off his right hand. He then reveals his true identity of being Luke's father, trying to persuade Luke to join him so that they can destroy the Emperor and rule the galaxy as father and son. Luke, although shaken by this stunning claim, refuses to join Vader and escapes.

=== The redemption of Anakin Skywalker ===
{{Selfref|Events described in this section occur in the film ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]''. More information is available in the [[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi#Plot summary|plot summary]].}}
In the final installment of the series, Vader is charged with overseeing the completion of the second Death Star, with [[Moff Jerjerrod]] as his immediate subordinate. He meets with Palpatine onboard the half-constructed station to plan Luke's turn to the dark side.

By this time, Luke has nearly completed his Jedi training, and has learned from a dying [[Yoda]] that Vader is indeed his father and that Leia is his sister. On a mission to the [[forest moon of Endor]], he surrenders to Imperial troops and is brought to Vader. Aboard the Death Star, Luke resists the Emperor's appeals to his anger and fear for his friends, but snaps when Vader telepathically probes his mind, learns of Leia's existence, and threatens to turn ''her'' instead. Enraged, Luke nearly kills Vader, finally severing his father's mechanical hand. He controls his anger at the last minute, however, as he looks at Vader's cybernetic hand and then at his own; he realizes that he is perilously close to suffering his father's fate. As the Emperor approaches, encouraging Luke to finish Vader and take his place, Luke throws down his lightsaber, refusing to perform the killing blow. Seeing that the young Jedi is a lost cause, the Emperor attacks Luke with [[Force lightning]]. Luke writhes in agony under the Emperor's torture, begging his father for help. Unable to bear the sight of his son in pain, Vader turns on his master and throws him into a deep shaft, where he explodes in a fury of dark energies. By destroying both the Emperor and himself (as Darth Vader), Anakin fulfills the prophecy that claimed he would bring balance to the Force, but he is mortally wounded by the Emperor's lightning in the process.

[[Image:Vaderdies.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Anakin Skywalker in his last few moments of life.]]
Moments from death, Anakin begs his son to take off his breath-mask so they see each other face-to-face. Luke complies and, for the first time, father and son look into each other's eyes. Freed from the mask that had caged his head for half his life, Anakin is a sad, withered man in his mid-forties, his skin ghostly pale from not having seen natural light for more than two decades. Through sunken eyes, he looks up at his son and back at a lifetime of regret. In his dying breaths, Anakin Skywalker is redeemed, finally admitting to Luke in his dying breaths that the good within him was not destroyed after all. Luke escapes with his father's body as the Death Star explodes, destroyed by the Rebel Alliance.

That night, Luke burns his father's Sith armor (and whatever remains inside{{ref|body}}) in the manner of a Jedi's funeral. During the victory celebration on the forest moon of Endor, Luke is able to see the redeemed spirit of Anakin Skywalker, standing once again with Obi-Wan and Yoda.

=== Vader in the Expanded Universe ===
{{selfref|Events described in this section occur in the [[Expanded Universe (Star Wars)|Star Wars Expanded Universe]]. More information is available in the linked articles for any given story.}}
[[Image:AnakinCloneWars.jpg|left|thumb|250px|Anakin fighting Asajj Ventress during the Clone Wars.]]
In the animated series ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars]]'', Anakin Skywalker goes through many battles in the war, earning him the moniker "The Hero With No Fear." One of such major events in it is his battle with [[Asajj Ventress]] on [[Yavin IV]]. He is later made a full-fledged Jedi Knight. During a mission to save the Nelvaanian Braves, Anakin goes through a cave that reveals what would become of him in the future. Despite Anakin's periods of separation from his wife, the twins Luke and Leia are conceived during the Clone Wars. ''[[The New Droid Army]]'', a video game made for [[Game Boy Advance]], also details some of Anakin's adventures during the war.

In Greg Baer's novel ''Star Wars: Rogue Planet'', Anakin Skywalker, at the age of twelve, is sent with Obi-Wan Kenobi on a mission to Zenoma Sekot. The inhabitants of the planet are famous for making the fastest ships in the galaxy. The ships are also alive. The Yuuzhan-Vong are mentioned in this novel also, though not by name.

In the young adult series ''[[The Last of The Jedi]]'', Boba Fett, at the age of fourteen, is hired by Imperial leader Inquisitor Malorum to investigate Padmé's death at Vader's request. The book ''[[Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader]]'', a sequel to ''Revenge of the Sith'', focuses on Vader's mission to hunt down the remaining Jedi who were not killed in the [[Great Jedi Purge]]. Vader is expected to at least make [[cameo role|cameo appearances]] in the upcoming [[Star Wars live-action TV series]], which is slated for either a [[2007]] or [[2008]] release, and will run 100 episodes.

In the [[comic book]] ''[[Vader's Quest]]'', he hires bounty hunters to bring him information about the author of the destruction of the Death Star, ultimately meeting his son Luke for the very first time. Later on, in the [[Alan Dean Foster]] novel ''[[Splinter of the Mind's Eye]]'' (which takes place shortly after the events in ''A New Hope''), Vader meets Luke for the second time, and combats him in a lightsaber duel for the first time on the planet [[Planets of Star Wars#Mimban|Mimban]]. On Mimban, Vader suffers massive injuries when he falls into a pit. The extent as to which these new injuries may have worsened his condition (if at all) is somewhat disputed among the ''Star Wars'' fanbase.

In ''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'', Vader searches for the Rebels responsible for the destruction of the Death Star, almost thwarting Han and [[Chewbacca]]'s goal of reaching [[Kashyyyk]] in order for Chewie to reach his family for [[Life Day]].

Vader also has a prominent role in the [[1996]] novel/comic/video game ''[[Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire|Shadows of the Empire]]'', which takes place between ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi''. In the story, [[Prince Xizor#Xizor|Prince Xizor]], leader of the crime organization [[Black Sun (Star Wars)#Black Sun|Black Sun]], plots to overthrow Vader as the Emperor's second in command. The story also gives more insight into Vader's thoughts and ambitions, as it reveals that he knows there is some good left in him and that he wishes to heal his body through the force in an attempt to return his physical appearance to that of his former self (Anakin).

Vader also makes occasional appearances in Dark Horse's ''Star Wars'' comic books set between the movies, especially ''Star Wars: Empire''.

In the [[The Thrawn trilogy|Thrawn trilogy]], it is explained that Darth Vader was the first representative of the Empire to find the [[List of Star Wars races#Noghri|Noghri]], a race with exceptional combat skills, whom he manipulated into serving as his personal commandos and revering him as their master. Later, Vader transferred their services to [[Grand Admiral Thrawn]].

Leia Organa Solo, who was initially horrified to learn that Vader was her father, eventually forgave him after learning her family's full history, and named her youngest son [[Anakin Solo|Anakin]] in remembrance of her father's redemption.

In the novel ''[[The Unifying Force]]'' of the ''[[New Jedi Order]]'' series, set 30 years after the [[Battle of Yavin]] in ''[[A New Hope]]'', Anakin's voice would speak to his grandson, [[Jacen Solo]], telling him to "Stand firm!" in his battle with the Supreme Overlord of the [[Yuuzhan Vong]].

== Possible interpretations of the Jedi prophecy ==

The Jedi Prophecy is a frequent source of debate among fans. In particular, Anakin's status as the Chosen One is regularly disputed. His role in the destruction of the Jedi was an ancillary one, as much of the plan was already underway long before Anakin's fall; indeed, it began with the invasion of Naboo, when he was only a child. Still, Anakin's pivotal role is undisputable, ranging from his intervention in Windu and Sidious' duel in the Chancellor's office, to the enormous influence that his progeny wield in the original trilogy as well as the Expanded Universe.

Many fans argue that Anakin fulfilled the Jedi Prophecy by bringing a new "balance" to the Force by nearly eliminating the Jedi. In this viewpoint, the Jedi and the Sith metaphorically represent two opposing weights on a scale, with an excess of either disrupting the balance of the Force. Adherents of this view find it particularly noteworthy that, by the end of ''Episode III'', there is a precisely equal number of Jedi and Sith: Obi-Wan and Yoda, Sidious and Vader. Frequently cited as [[evidence]] for this interpretation is Yoda's warning to Obi-Wan that the prophecy "misread, could have been." In the ''Episode III'' DVD featurette "The Chosen One," Lucas summarizes as follows: "The Prophecy is that Anakin will bring balance to the Force and destroy the Sith. He becomes Darth Vader; Darth Vader does become the hero, Darth Vader does destroy the Sith; meaning himself and the Emperor. He does it because he is redeemed by his son." Lucas gave a similar explanation in the final [[VHS]] release of the original trilogy in [[November 2000]]: "[In] Episodes IV, V and VI,...Anakin's offspring redeem him, and allow him to fulfill the Prophecy, and bring balance to the Force by doing away with the Sith, and getting rid of evil in the [[universe]]."

It is presumed that the Chosen One of the Jedi Prophecy must be born of a virgin mother (as Anakin allegedly was), since Yoda for instance, despite his historical number of midi-chlorians, is never regarded as a candidate for the prophecy. However, the exact text of the prophecy is never revealed in the films, so it may not be possible to conclude that the Chosen One must be born of a virgin. One possible piece of evidence supporting this theory comes from an early draft of ''A New Hope''. A quote was originally to precede the "A Long Time Ago" text:

:''...and in a time of greatest despair,''
:''there shall come a savior, and he shall''
:''be known as the Son of the Suns.''

:''Journal of the [[Whill]]s 3:127''


On another level, the notion of balance and equilibrium which Skywalker was supposedly destined to restore could only exist if the force were disturbed in the first place. In begetting Luke and defeating the Emperor in the Return of the Jedi he is fulfilling his messianic role, but none of this would be possible or even neccessary if he had not fallen from grace and become Darth Vader.

Indeed, at the conclusion of ''Episode I'' and ''Episode VI'', a voice in the cheering crowd can be heard to cry out "The Son of Suns!", thus giving weight to this being a possible portion of the prophecy.

Yet another view held by only a small amount of fans claims that the idea of "balance" in the Force has nothing to do with either there being an equal number of Jedi and Sith or neccessarily just the destruction of the Sith. Instead advocates of this particular view believe that the "balance" in the Force is the balance between positive and negative energy throughout the universe. They claim that the average sentient being contributes a sizable amount of negative energy to the universe throughout their lifetime by means of what we would call normal and natural emotions like anger, jealousy, etc. Multiplied by the trillions of beings in the ''Star Wars'' universe, this amounts to a massive dark side shift in the cosmic balance. Theoretically, a relatively small number of beings dedicated to pure good and service of the light side of the Force are able to balance against all the negative energy contributed by everyone else and maintain relative balance in the universe. The presence of the Sith, it is believed, serves to once again tip the cosmic scale in favor of the dark side. Therefore the claim that in order to have "balance" in the Force that there should be no Sith is relatively justified based on this particular viewpoint.

== Lightsaber training ==

[[Anakin Skywalker]] was trained by the Order's most promising Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Through him, Anakin would inherit a rich tradition of lightsaber pedigree. Anakin's style featured elements of many masters that made him outstandingly talented at a very young age.

Anakin Skywalker was trained in classic [[lightsaber combat|Form V (Shien) lightsaber combat]]. An aggresssive style which focuses on strength and lightsaber attack moves, Shien takes the defensive principles of Form III (Soresu), the style practiced by Obi-Wan Kenobi, and converts them to offensive moves. With Anakin's exceptionally high concentration of [[midi-chlorians]], he mastered Shien faster than any other Padawan in the Order. By the time of ''Attack of the Clones'', Anakin began to believe he was one of the best swordsmen in the Order. However, Anakin's frequent application of Form V, a style that tends to foster an inappropriate focus on dominating others, clouded his judgment and pulled him to the dark side of the Force frequently during his numerous battles in the Clone Wars.

Ultimately Anakin would learn his lesson against Count Dooku at the Battle of Geonosis. No match for the seasoned focus and skills of Dooku's Form II Makashi swordplay, a style of elegance and precision, Anakin lost his right forearm and was only narrowly saved by Master Yoda at the end of Episode II. Appreciative at last of how much he had to learn, Anakin spent the next three years of the Clone Wars honing his Form V skills. Apart from Shien, Skywalker mastered Djem So during the Clone Wars, a Form V style beyond the classic Shien. According to Count Dooku in ''Revenge of the Sith'' novelization, Anakin's mastery of Djem So was the greatest he had ever seen in his life.

In the rematch with Count Dooku at the Battle of Coruscant, Anakin's mastery in Djem So, combined with his young age, better physical condition, impressive strength, and considerable reserve of Force energy, enabled Anakin to tear through the precision and elegance of Makashi and break through Dooku's tenacious defense. By defeating Dooku when Kenobi had failed twice, Anakin seemed to have proven his mastery of the Force, and established himself as one of the greatest swordsman in the Order, next to only Yoda and Mace Windu.
<!-- "... because a nuclear flame has consumed Anakin Skywalker's Jedi restraint, and fear becomes fury without effort, and fury is a blade that makes his lightsaber into a toy."
-''Episode III Novelization'' -->

== On His Loss To Obi-Wan ==

Anakin's fatal flaw was his rage. Though younger, more athletic, and gifted with more raw Force power than Obi-Wan, he lacked the experience, calmness, and focus which his master possessed. Kenobi held a psychological edge since it was he who traditionally would win in their sparring days. Though Anakin could call on the Dark Side to overpower his opponents, his mounting emotions could also distract him from executing as well as his master. Whereas Anakin's strength lay in his offensive barrage, Kenobi's resided in his defense. Obi-Wan was the greatest defensive master in the Order and his absolute dedication to Soresu would prove vital to his win. Frustrated by his inability to break this defense, Anakin would make mistakes that he wouldn't have made had he been able to remain focused and patient. Like his duel with Grievous, Kenobi would rely on his "wait them out" philosophy. That is to rely on Soresu entirely until there is a hole in the opponent's offensive barrage, and to immediately slash away with some broad Ataru strokes. In both cases this resulted in the detachment of his opponent's limbs. But in the end of the ferocious battle on Mustafar, Anakin held the upper hand in his fighting skills until the point where Kenobi placed himself on higher, solid ground. At that point, Anakin's fatal mistake was not in his prowess, but in his mind.

== Swordplay As Darth Vader ==

In his mechanical life-support suit, Darth Vader could no longer engage in the energetic acrobatics of Ataru. For the remainder of his life, he would maintain his mastery of Form V Djem So and Shien. He also experimented in some Form II Makashi, used by Count Dooku, as evidenced by his formal one-handed duel against [[Luke Skywalker]] on Cloud City. Taking the proper lessons from his loss to Kenobi, he apparently learned how to control his emotions when in combat, finding a way to call upon the power of the dark side while not being blinded by emotions run amok.

== Talents ==

Darth Vader is a brilliant strategist and one of the greatest pilots in the galaxy. Vader still possesses his former persona's amazing engineering skills, having overseen the design of the TIE/Advanced fighter and the construction of the second [[Death Star]]. His talent with the lightsaber is legendary. All of these skills, however, are secondary to his incredible mastery of the Force. He was born with the highest known midichlorian count (a measure of Force-aptitude) in the history of the galaxy, surpassing that of both Yoda and the Emperor. However, Lucas states that his injuries on Mustafar cost Vader much of his Force potential. Lucas claims that, as a masked and suited Darth Vader, Anakin has roughly 80% of the power of the Emperor. Had he sustained none of his injuries on Mustafar, he would have been about twice as powerful. Vader's lack of organic hands is the direct reason he cannot create Force lightning, as Dooku and Palpatine could (Note: In the Star Wars comic book: ''Splinter of the mind's eye'', Darth Vader can be seen using [[Force lightning]]. {{ref|zap}}

In ''The Empire Strikes Back'', Vader was able to block Han Solo's blaster bolts with his hand. One explanation is that Vader used the Force (because there is a Force power in ''[[Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords]]'' called Force Deflection that allows the player to block blaster bolts without a lightsaber), while an [[Expanded Universe (Star Wars)|Expanded Universe]] novel states that Vader's right glove was indestructible.

Vader also has great physical strength, which he demonstrates in his first and last appearances in the original trilogy: lifting a Rebel captain by the throat with one hand in ''A New Hope'', and picking up the Emperor and hurling him to his death in ''Return of the Jedi''. The Expanded Universe has shown him punching through the skulls of savage animals and bludgeoning opposing Jedi to their knees with one blow.

Anakin was trained in [[lightsaber combat|Form V lightsaber combat]] by Obi-Wan, one of the greatest swordsmen in the galaxy, and quickly developed incredible skill in the form, which he retained even after his fall to the dark side.

In battle, Darth Vader lacked the mobility and ease he once had, but his bionic suit gave him sheer strength. His blows were forceful even when using only one arm to fight. He was calm when fighting, rarely using acrobatics. He struck to kill and used psychology and his appearance to intimidate his foes. When striking with both hands on the grip of his lightsaber, he was able to pound his enemies with an onslaught of strong but somewhat slow strikes. This fighting style contrasted with Anakin's style before his disfigurement, which utilized more speed and acrobatics. This a fairly accepted explanation for the less-elaborate saber fighting in the original trilogy as compared to the prequel trilogy. Luke's less-developed saber skills were ostensibly a result of his minimal training. While most padawans were trained from early ages for at least a good 15 years, Luke started very late. However, the most widely accepted explanation for the slower combat of the original trilogy is the lack of "film magic" in the [[1970s]], considering Obi-Wan also fought slowly in ''A New Hope'' at age 57 despite Count Dooku fighting with intense speed in the prequels at age 80+.

== Armor and cybernetic enhancements ==
[[Image:Vader.jpg|thumb|right|250px|The suited Darth Vader with lightsaber drawn]]
Even before his transformation into Vader, Anakin was a [[cyborg]]: he had a [[prosthesis|prosthetic]] installed after his natural right [[forearm]] was severed while duelling with [[Count Dooku]] on Geonosis in ''[[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones]]''. As a result of his later disfigurement on Mustafar, Vader was substantially augmented with cybernetic implants: he must wear his armor at all times when he is not meditating in his pressurized containment-chamber. A towering figure, the suited Darth Vader is nearly 6 [[feet]] 8 [[inches]] (2.02 [[meters]]) tall.

Vader's armor is built around a plastoid girdle that protects his organic and synthetic internal organs. More visible durasteel plates cover his shoulders, upper body and shins. He wears a suit of quilted, flexible, blast-dampening, multi-ply padding, and a cloak of armor weave. His gloves and hands are made with a unique micronized iron that can deflect anything short of a lightsaber blow. His famous mask and helmet, resembling the head of an ancient [[Sith]] [[droid]], contain various vision- and auditory-enhancing equipment, as well as the respirator that causes the Dark Lord's ominous breathing sound.

Vader's life support system includes a chest-worn, computerized control panel unit that regulates his respiratory functions. Three slot-like dataports offered diagnostic checks of his [[pulmonary]], [[Respiration (physiology)|respiratory]] and [[neural]] systems. Upon closer examination, the chestplate has [[Hebrew (language)|Hebrew]] lettering which has been translated as, "His deeds will not be forgiven, until he merits."{{ref|hebrew}}. On his belt, Vader wears two small system function boxes. The one on his right featured a temperature regulation system. On his left, he wears a respiratory sensor matrix. The center buckle features an audio enhancement unit built into the electromagnetic clasp. The armor also enables him to breathe in vacuum while protecting him from the coldness of space.

Besides the life support it provides his ravaged body, Vader's armor may also offer some moderate degree of protection against lightsabers. In the climactic duel of ''The Empire Strikes Back'', a blow from Luke's lightsaber appears to bounce off Vader's armor, eliciting a yell of pain from the Sith Lord. However, perhaps in a show of foresight by Palpatine, the system is vulnerable to Force lightning, contributing to Vader's death in ''Return of the Jedi''.

== Portrayers ==

Several different actors have portrayed the character.

=== Anakin Skywalker ===

*[[Jake Lloyd]] - Age 9 (''[[Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace|The Phantom Menace]]'')
*[[Hayden Christensen]] - Ages 19, 22 (''[[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones|Attack of the Clones]]'', ''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]'')
*[[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] - Age 45 (''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi|Return of the Jedi]]'')

Jake Lloyd reprised his role by lending his voice to various video games that have featured the young Anakin. [[Mat Lucas]] supplied the voice for Anakin in the popular animated series ''[[Star Wars: Clone Wars]]'', as well as for the ''Star Wars'' video games that have depicted Anakin as an adult.

=== Darth Vader ===

*[[Hayden Christensen]] - Age 22 (''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]'')
*[[David Prowse]] - Ages 41, 44, 45 (''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope|A New Hope]]'', ''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back|The Empire Strikes Back]]'', ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi|Return of the Jedi]]'')
*[[James Earl Jones]] - Ages 22, 41, 44, 45 (voice) (''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith|Revenge of the Sith]]'', ''[[Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope|A New Hope]]'', ''[[Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back|The Empire Strikes Back]]'', ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi|Return of the Jedi]]'')

The character of Darth Vader also involved several stunt doubles, most notably fencing instructor [[Bob Anderson (fencer)|Bob Anderson]], who handled all of Vader's fight sequences in ''The Empire Strikes Back'' and ''Return of the Jedi''.{{ref|anderson}} [[Industrial Light & Magic]] employee C. Andrew Nelson has also portrayed Vader at a number of events for [[Lucasfilm]], as well as the [[videogame]] ''[[Star Wars: Rebel Assault II - The Hidden Empire|Rebel Assault II]]'', and in new footage filmed for the Special Edition releases of the original three ''Star Wars'' films in [[1997]]. In 1978, Prowse and Jones returned as Vader in ''[[The Star Wars Holiday Special]]'', as well as to shoot new footage that was released with the [[Star Wars: The Interactive Video Board Game]], when it was released in 1996.

== Behind the scenes ==

[[Image:Vadersketch.jpg|350px|thumb|left|An early conceptual drawing of Darth Vader.]]
The character of Darth Vader was not originally planned to be a suited cyborg. The current image of Vader was created when concept artist [[Ralph McQuarrie]] drew the opening scene where the [[Corellian Corvette|Rebel ship]] ''[[Tantive IV]]'' was being boarded. It was initially imagined that Darth Vader would fly through space to enter the ship, necessitating a suit and breathing mask. This was later made permanent and incorporated in the story. Vader's head gear resembles a [[Japan]]ese ''[[kabuto]]'' (&#20828;), which is consistent with the [[samurai]]-like order of the Jedi and [[kendo]]-like lightsaber duels. It also resembles a [[Germany|German]] [[World War II]]-era ''[[Stahlhelm]]''. Vader's [[leitmotif]] is ''[[The Imperial March]]''. The iconic breathing sound of his respirator was created by [[sound designer]] [[Ben Burtt]], who created the sound by simply recording himself breathing into an old [[Dacor]] [[scuba]] regulator.

In a [[2005]] interview, George Lucas was asked the origins of the name "Darth Vader", and replied: "Darth is a variation of dark. And Vader is a variation of father. So it's basically Dark Father." (''Rolling Stone'', June 2, 2005). "Vader" is the [[Dutch language|Dutch]] word for "father", and the [[German language|German]] word for "father" (''Vater'') is similar. However, in the earliest scripts for ''Star Wars'', the name "Darth Vader" was given to a normal Imperial general. Judging by the origin of the other Sith names, Vader may also possibly be a derivative of the word "invader." In the movie's novelization Darth Sidious conjures the name from the Dark Side—"Darth Vader" is supposed to mean ''him'', supposedly a nod to his status as the Chosen One.

Lucas took the name "Anakin" from his friend and fellow film director, [[Ken Annakin]].

As Vader fits the classic stock character of the [[Black Knight]], some have noted that Vader bears more than a passing resemblance to other villains. One is the classic [[Marvel Universe]] [[supervillain]] [[Doctor Doom]]. (This is further alluded in [[Stephen King]]'s ''[[Dark Tower]]'' novels in which so-called "Doombots" appear that wear green hoods and iron wolf masks, much like Doom, and carry lightsabers.) Similarities have also been noted with the evil brother Hakaider, from the [[manga]] and [[tokusatsu]] series ''[[Kikaider]]'', and the Mule, a villain in [[Isaac Asimov]]'s ''[[Foundation Trilogy]]''. A resemblance has also been noted to the [[Lord of the Nazgûl]], also called the [[Witch-King of Angmar]], from [[J.R.R. Tolkien]]'s [[Lord of the Rings]]; both Vader and the Witch-King dress in black, have a supernaturally fearsome presence and a hidden, pale form, are kept alive unnaturally, and serve at the hands of [[Dark Lord]]s.

The scene in which Vader is reborn as a cyborg is compared to the the creation of [[Frankenstein's monster|the monster]] in the [[1931]] film ''[[Frankenstein (1931 film)|Frankenstein]]''—like Frankenstein, Vader lies on a table to be rebuilt, and when the task is complete, his master (like Dr. Frankenstein) brings him to life still in the restraints, which Vader breaks out of.

== Cultural figure ==

Due to his central role, Vader has entered the public consciousness as the quintessential villain. His powerful baritone voice, coupled with his heavy breathing, is easily recognizable, and the [[American Film Institute]]'s list of the [[AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains|greatest movie villains]] placed him third, after [[Hannibal Lecter]] and [[Norman Bates]]. He has been [[parody|parodied]] by such figures as "[[Spaceballs#Antagonist|Dark Helmet]]" from ''[[Spaceballs]]'', "Duck Vader" from ''[[Tiny Toon Adventures]]'', "[[Bowser|Darth Koopa]]" from [[Super Mario Bros. (TV)|''The Super Mario Bros. Super Show]]'', "Dark Laser" from ''[[The Fairly Odd Parents]]'', "[[Luigi|Darth Butch]]" from ''[[Neglected Mario Characters]]'', and country singer Darth Brooks in ''[[Late Night With Conan O'Brien]]''. Another kind of tribute to Darth Vader comes from [[Stargate SG-1]], in which there are similarities between [[Anubis (Stargate)|Anubis]] and Vader, played for both dramatic and serious effect.

Vader's name has become a [[synonym]] for evil; for example, political strategist [[Lee Atwater]] was known as "the Darth Vader of the [[United States Republican Party|Republican Party]]." George Lucas has pointed to Vader's iconic status as a reason he made the prequel movies, since he felt the icon overshadowed the fact that Vader was intended to be a tragic character.

Vader's revelation to Luke that he is his father is one of the most famous movie plot twists of all time. An [[Internet Movie Database|IMDb]] poll on [[10 November]] [[2003]][http://www.imdb.com/poll/results/2003-11-10] asked users to choose which one of a set of movie spoilers was too infamous to be considered a spoiler anymore; Vader's true identity was a clear winner, by a forty-percent margin.

During a major renovation, [[Washington National Cathedral]] held a competition for children to design new [[gargoyle]]s for the west towers. One winner was a design featuring Darth Vader. [http://www.cathedral.org/cathedral/discover/darth.shtml]

With the release of ''Revenge of the Sith'', Vader's popularity has seen an increase. His exaggerated and mournful howl of [[Notable lines in the Star Wars series#"Nooo!"|"NOOO!"]] also achieved notoriety.

== Trivia ==

*Star Wars creator [[George Lucas]] has admitted that the European political figure [[Cardinal Richelieu]] was the inspiration for the styling of Darth Vader.

== Notes and references ==

[[Image:Spiritsjedi.jpg|right|350px|thumb|[[Sebastian Shaw (actor)|Sebastian Shaw]] as the original portrayer of the spirit of Anakin Skywalker. Shaw appeared as the spirit of Skywalker in both the original theatrical release, and the 1997 Special Edition theatrical release of ''Return of the Jedi''.]]
[[Image:Spirits.jpg|thumb|right|350px|[[Hayden Christensen]] as the spirit of Anakin Skywalker in the DVD release of ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi|Return of the Jedi]]''. Christensen has been deemed the true version of the spirit of Anakin Skywalker.]]
#{{note|hayden}}{{note_label|hayden|1|a}}Hayden Christensen only appears in the 2004 DVD release of ''Return of the Jedi'', in which he replaces actor Sebastian Shaw in the final scene of the movie. This version is considered the [[Canon (fiction)|canonical]] version by Lucasfilm. Some fans were upset by the change and criticized it for being disrespectful to Sebastian Shaw, even undermining the film's cinematic historical value. Further fan criticism includes issues some have with the general performance and appearance of Christensen in the scene, with some holding the claim that Luke would not have recognized his father as a young man. They claim this would create a continuity issue, rather than solve one. On the other hand, Lucas has justified the change, explaining that Anakin died psychologically when he was a young man, and with him, his physical image died. Lucas was apparently pleased with the performance by Christensen.
#{{note|afi100}}"''[http://www.afi.com/tvevents/100years/handv.aspx AFI's 100 Years&hellip;100 Heroes and Villains]''", [[American Film Institute]], last accessed [[October 20]], [[2005]].
#{{note|breathing}} In its appraisal of Vader's injuries, the ''Star Wars Technical Commentaries'' states: "Was the physically oppressive nature of Vader's breathing difficulties great enough to affect his disposition or add to his aggression? Perhaps it is significant that he used telekinetic strangulation more often then [''[[sic]]''] any other method of intimidating or killing those who frustrated him." [http://theforce.net/swtc/injuries.html#breath]
#{{note|forever}} "This is how it feels to be Anakin Skywalker, forever…You remember the dragon that you brought Vader forth from your heart to slay…And there is one blazing moment in which you finally understand that there was no dragon. That there was no Vader. That there was only you. Only Anakin Skywalker. That it was all you. Is you. Only you." —Stover, ''Revenge of the Sith'' novelization
#{{note|body}} According to [[Steve Sansweet]] of [[Lucasfilm]], the Star Wars Databank entry for Vader [http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/darthvader/], and the script for Return of the Jedi Special Edition, Anakin's body disappears at death in the same way as Obi-Wan's and Yoda's had, though some argue that the movie would have shown his disappearance explicitly if that were the case. The Special Edition script reference that supposedly establishes the disappearance of his body is in text of the scene where Luke cremates his father's armor. The Special Edition script refers to it as empty armor, while the original script refers to it as his father's body. It should also be noted that in the Jedi Academy trilogy ''[[Dark Apprentice]]'' by Kevin J. Anderson, Luke specifically states that his father's body had disappeared in the same way as Yoda's and Obi Wan's.
#{{note|zap}}''The Visual Dictionary of Star Wars, Episode III'' (ISBN 0756611288)
#{{note|scar}} "Lord Vader's Injuries", ''Star Wars Technical Commentaries''. [http://theforce.net/swtc/injuries.html]
#{{note|hebrew}} "Lord Vader's Chestplate", ''Star Wars Technical Commentaries''. (This page discusses the comon belief that the text that apears on Darth Vader's chestplate may be hebrew) [http://www.theforce.net/swtc/chestplate.html]
#{{note|anderson}} [[Mark Hamill]] (who portrayed Luke in the original trilogy) noted in a [[1983]] interview in Starlog #72: "Bob Anderson was the man who actually did Vader’s fighting. It was always supposed to be a secret, but I finally told George I didn’t think it was fair any more. Bob worked so hard that he deserves some recognition. It’s ridiculous to preserve the myth that it’s all done by ''one'' man." [http://www.theforce.net/jedicouncil/editorials/012399.shtml]

== Sources ==

*''[[Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace#Novelization|Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace Novelization]]'', 1st edition paperback, 1999. [[Terry Brooks]], [[George Lucas]], ISBN 0-345-43411-0
*''[[Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones#Novelization|Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones Novelization]]'', 2003. [[R. A. Salvatore]], ISBN 0-345-42882-X
*''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith#Novelization|Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith Novelization]]'', 1st edition hardcover, 2005. Matthew Woodring Stover, George Lucas, ISBN 0-7126-8427-1
*''The New Essential Guide to Characters'', 1st edition, 2002. Daniel Wallace, Michael Sutfin, ISBN 0-345-44900-2
*''The [[Force (Star Wars)|Dark Side]] Sourcebook'', [[Wizards of the Coast]], 1st printing, 2001. Bill Slavicsek, J. D. Wiker, ISBN 0-786-91849-7
*''Vader: The Ultimate Guide'', 2005.
*''Star Wars: The Visual Dictionary'', hardcover, 1998. Dr. David West Reynolds, ISBN 0-789-43481-4
*''Star Wars: Attack of the Clones: The Visual Dictionary'', hardcover, 2002. Dr. David West Reynolds, ISBN 0-789-48588-5
*''Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith: The Visual Dictionary'', hardcover, 2005. James Luceno, ISBN 0-756-61128-8
*Shooting script of ''[[Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi]]'' as available at [http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Star-Wars-Return-of-the-Jedi.html Internet Movie Script Database]
*Shooting script of ''[[Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith]]'' as available at [http://www.imsdb.com/scripts/Star-Wars-Revenge-of-the-Sith.html Internet Movie Script Database]
*''Star Wars Technical Commentaries'', Dr. Curtis Saxton, 1995-2005. Available at [http://theforce.net/swtc/ TheForce.net]
*''Star Wars Databank''. [http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/anakinskywalker/index.html Skywalker, Anakin], [http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/darthvader/index.html Vader, Darth]

== See also ==
*[[Anakin Skywalker]]
*[[The Imperial March]]
*[[Skywalker family]]
*[[Naberrie family]]
*[[Dark Helmet]]
*[[Hasbro Darth Vader Voice Changer]]

== External links ==
{{Wikiquote}}
{{Commonscat}}
{{StarWarsWiki}}
{{StarWarsWiki|Anakin_Skywalker}}
*[http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/anakinskywalker/index.html Anakin Skywalker at the databank]
*[http://www.starwars.com/databank/character/darthvader/index.html Darth Vader at the databank]

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{{start box}}
{{succession box|
|title = [[Dark Lord of the Sith]] (under [[Palpatine|Darth Sidious]])
|years = 19 BBY - 4 ABY
|before = [[Palpatine|Darth Sidious]] and [[Count Dooku|Darth Tyranus]]
|after = [[Lumiya]] and [[List of minor Sith characters#Flint|Flint]]
|}}
{{end box}}

[[Category:Fictional cyborgs|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Jedi|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Star Wars Imperial characters|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Star Wars Old Republic characters|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Star Wars Sith characters|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Star Wars Naberrie family|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Star Wars Skywalker family|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Fictional mass murderers|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Fictional aviators|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Fictional amputees|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Fictional parents|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Fictional slaves|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Film villains|Vader, Darth]]
[[Category:Heroes Who Turned Evil]]

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Revision as of 13:48, 9 February 2006

sheisse

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