DarkStar Star Wars Character Database: Darth Vader 30 April 2023  |  Captain Rex

Darth Vader - The Tragic Fall and Redemption

Darth Vader, one of the most iconic villains in cinematic history, was portrayed by David Prowse and voiced by James Earl Jones. Born as Anakin Skywalker on the desert planet Tatooine, he was a slave alongside his mother, Shmi Skywalker. Anakin's extraordinary piloting skills and strong connection to the Force drew the attention of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, who believed Anakin to be the Chosen One, destined to bring balance to the Force.

After Qui-Gon's death, Obi-Wan Kenobi took Anakin as his Padawan, training him in the ways of the Jedi. Anakin's exceptional skills and passion for justice made him a formidable warrior. However, his attachment to Padmé Amidala and fear of losing her led him down a dark path. Driven by his emotions, Anakin was seduced by the dark side of the Force, manipulated by the cunning Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, who promised him the power to save Padmé.

Anakin's fall culminated in his transformation into Darth Vader, serving as Sidious' apprentice and the enforcer of the Galactic Empire. As Darth Vader, he hunted down and destroyed the remaining Jedi, instilling fear across the galaxy. His descent into darkness was complete when he faced his former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi, in a fierce battle that left him severely injured and dependent on a life-sustaining suit.

Despite his descent into darkness, the light within Anakin was not entirely extinguished. His son, Luke Skywalker, remained a beacon of hope for the galaxy. Luke's unwavering belief in the good within his father ultimately led to Darth Vader's redemption. In a final act of love and sacrifice, Anakin turned against the Emperor to save his son, destroying the Sith Lord and fulfilling the prophecy of the Chosen One.

Appearances in Movies, TV Shows, and Books

Darth Vader has appeared in various Star Wars media, including:

Movies:

• Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) [as Anakin Skywalker]
• Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002) [as Anakin Skywalker]
• Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (2005) [as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader]
• Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope (1977)
• Star Wars: Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back (1980)
• Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983)
• Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016)
• Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker (2019) [voice only]

TV Shows:

• Star Wars: The Clone Wars (2008) [as Anakin Skywalker]
• Star Wars Rebels (2014)

Miniature / Board Games:

• Star Wars Legion: Darth Vader Operative

Books (selected):

• Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (2005) by James Luceno
• Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command (2011) by Haden Blackman
• Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ghost Prison (2012) by Haden Blackman
• Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Cry of Shadows (2013) by Tim Siedell
• Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Ninth Assassin (2013) by Tim Siedell
• Lords of the Sith (2015) by Paul S. Kemp
• Star Wars: Darth Vader (2015-2016) comic series by Kieron Gillen
• Star Wars: Darth Vader - Dark Lord of the Sith (2017-2018) comic series by Charles Soule
• Thrawn: Alliances (2018) by Timothy Zahn [as Anakin Skywalker]

Some of the books and comics mentioned above are part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (now called Star Wars Legends) and are no longer considered canon after Disney's acquisition of Lucasfilm. However, these stories remain popular among fans and offer a wealth of additional adventures and insights into Darth Vader's character.