Written by Amani Rizwan

Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Daniel Estorari

Anakin Skywalker; a name that resonates through the galaxy, elicits a complex blend of emotions and opinions. For those unaware, Anakin Skywalker is a central character in the iconic Star Wars saga, a character whose evolution from a young slave on Tatooine to the infamous Darth Vader is nothing short of legendary. His exceptional Force sensitivity as a young child caught the attention of Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, setting in motion a series of events that would change the course of history. Trained as a Jedi under Obi-wan Kenobi, who would later become his father figure, Anakin exhibited unparalleled potential in the Force but struggled with his inner demons, including a deep fear of loss and an unquenchable desire for perfection. His life was defined by love, loyalty, and ambition, leading him from the heroic status of a Jedi Knight to the infamous mantle of Darth Vader, right hand to the Sith Lord Emperor Palpatine. Anakin's life story is a narrative of tragedy, redemption, and the enduring power of choices in the face of destiny's inexorable pull. His character arc is one of the most captivating and polarizing in cinematic history, raising the age-old question: was Anakin truly evil, or was he simply a misunderstood soul caught in the tumultuous currents of fate?

To understand Anakin Skywalker's nature, one must delve into the intricate layers of his personality. At the very core of his character lies an intense capacity for love. Anakin loved with a depth that transcends mere affection; his love is all-consuming. It is this profound affection that sowed the seeds of his fear of loss. He cherished the lives of those he cared about above all else, transcending his loyalty to the Republic, democracy, peace, and justice. Anakin's love for his wife, Padmé Amidala, was so potent that he forsook the Jedi principles he once held dear to save her. It's crucial to acknowledge that his intentions, rooted in love, are what ultimately drove him to make ill-fated choices.

And it was because of his heart that Anakin's perpetual fear of loss became a powerful motivator in his life. From the heart-wrenching separation from, and then the death of his mother, Shmi Skywalker, to the nightmares of Padmé's death that plagued his mind, the fear of losing loved ones was a constant torment. This fear became the catalyst for his descent into the dark side of the Force. Under the influence of then-Senator Palpatine and in his desperation to avoid losing those he loved, Anakin was willing to pay almost any price, even if it meant sacrificing his own moral compass.

Loyalty is another defining aspect of Anakin's character. His loyalty to his friends and family knew no bounds, often exceeding reason and morality. Anakin's unwavering commitment to the Jedi Order initially appeared commendable, but it was his inability to reconcile their principles with his love for Padmé and his desire to protect her that drove him down a perilous path. He was willing to go against everything he knew to be good and right to safeguard those he held dear, a trait that tragically contributed to his downfall. Whether this makes Skywalker selfless or incredibly selfish is up to you…

Furthermore, Anakin's arrogance and the burden of being the "chosen one" weighed heavily on his shoulders. From a young age, he was singled out by Qui-Gon Jinn as a Force-sensitive prodigy destined to bring balance to the Force. This prophecy, coupled with his remarkable abilities, created a sense of entitlement and superiority within him. Anakin believed he could bend the Force to his will, leading him to make reckless decisions and overestimate his own capabilities. He even went as far as believing he could raise people from the dead. His desire for perfection fueled his ambition and blinded him to the sheer consequences of his actions.

It is essential to emphasize that Anakin's intentions were not inherently malevolent. He genuinely desired to protect Padmé, save his mother, and safeguard the Republic from perceived threats. However, his actions, driven by love, fear, loyalty, arrogance, and the relentless pressure of destiny, led him down a treacherous path. Anakin's willingness to join forces with the Sith, commit heinous acts such as the massacre of young Jedi known as the "younglings," and embrace the dark side of the Force illustrates the extent to which he is willing to go to achieve his goals.

The question of whether Anakin Skywalker is misunderstood or just evil does not yield a simple answer. His character is a tapestry of contradictions, shaped by a potent mix of love, fear, loyalty, arrogance, and destiny. Anakin's intentions are rooted in love and the desire to protect those he cares about, but his actions often lead him astray, blurring the line between hero and villain. More than anything, Anakin's downfall was like a string of dominoes, each choice and consequence toppling into the next with relentless inevitability, ultimately leading him to the abyss of the dark side.

In the end, Anakin Skywalker's journey serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of human nature. It underscores the fact that even the most well-intentioned individuals can be consumed by their inner demons when faced with overwhelming circumstances. Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader is a cautionary tale about the seductive allure of the dark side and just how easy it is to slip. Ultimately, whether one views Anakin as misunderstood or inherently evil is a matter of perspective. What is undeniable, however, is the enduring impact of his character on the Star Wars saga as well as cinema and the profound lessons his story imparts about the nature of good and evil, the power of love and fear, and the eternal struggle for redemption.

Anakin Skywalker: The Duality of Hero and Villain

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