Anakin Skywalker in the Expanded Universe: Mystery and Intrigue Before the Prequels

Before the release of the iconic Star Wars prequels, the character of Anakin Skywalker was primarily depicted in the Expanded Universe (EU) as a heroic Jedi Knight. His transformation into Darth Vader, however, was shrouded in mystery and intrigue. This article explores how Anakin was imagined in the EU prior to the prequels, focusing on his legendary status, hints of tragedy, Darth Vader's legacy, and the inconsistencies that made him a figure of fascination.

Legendary Status

Even in the early days of the EU, Anakin was acknowledged as one of the greatest Jedi. He was portrayed as a skillful pilot and formidable warrior, playing a crucial role in the Clone Wars. His transformation into Darth Vader was seen as a tragic downfall, a figure of both admiration and fear. The character was often depicted as a hero whose fall to the dark side was a source of enduring mystery and intrigue.

Hints of Tragedy

Varying degrees of tragedy were hinted at in Anakin's past. Limited details about his personal loss, moral conflict, and fall from grace were provided, leaving much of his backstory to the imagination of fans. Authors in the EU provided different interpretations, leading to some inconsistencies in his portrayal. This mystique surrounding his life and choices made him a compelling character for readers and audience members alike.

Darth Vader's Legacy

In stories set after the original trilogy, Darth Vader's legacy loomed large. Characters often spoke of Anakin with a mix of reverence and fear, emphasizing the tragedy of his fall and its impact on the galaxy. His actions and the consequences of his choices were a constant reminder of the complexity of the Force and the thin line between light and darkness.

Inconsistencies and Mystique

The lack of a definitive backstory in the EU contributed to the mystique surrounding Anakin's character. Different authors provided varying interpretations, leading to some inconsistencies in his portrayal. For instance, in some stories, Anakin's fall to the dark side was portrayed as a more gradual process, with him eliminating other Jedi when they were vulnerable. This portrayal contrasted with the final films, where his fall was depicted as more sudden and dramatic. Despite these inconsistencies, the mysterious and complex nature of Anakin remained a source of fascination for fans and writers alike.

Character in Other Media

Ariels in novels, comic books, and video games often depicted Anakin through flashbacks or the memories of other characters. These narratives reinforced the idea of him as a tragic hero whose choices led to his downfall. In "Shadows of the Empire," Anakin's perception of his past self was explored in detail, providing a pre-PT (prequel trilogy) look at his character and the forces that shaped him.

Lucasfilm's Direction

It's important to note that much of the content in the EU was influenced by Lucasfilm's desire to control the narrative of Anakin's story. Prior to the prequels, very little was written about him - likely at Lucasfilm's direction to avoid anything that might contradict what George Lucas decided later. In the EU, Anakin was consistently portrayed as a great pilot and a cunning warrior, closer in age to Obi-Wan, just as Obi-Wan stated.

Backstory and Conjecture

According to notes from a story conference before the writing of the Return of the Jedi script, during the Clone Wars, Anakin's fall to the dark side was described as a slower and more gradual process. He would go off on missions with other Jedi, who would be eliminated by him when their backs were turned. His wife, referred to as "Mrs. Skywalker," began to notice something was wrong with him but was unsure, eventually going into hiding to protect their children before they were born. Another interesting detail is that Luke was initially meant to be hidden on a planet with Obi-Wan's brother, not Anakin's step-brother, which made it more logical for him to keep the Skywalker name.

It is also noted that Obi-Wan still confronted Anakin, much as he did in Revenge of the Sith, but in some versions, instead of falling into molten lava, Anakin fell into a reactor and emerged scarred and deformed, a "mutant" as Lucas referred to him.

While these details offer some insight into Anakin's story, it is also clear that there was a fair amount of conjecture and speculation, which made Anakin a character of endless fascination. His complex and contradictory nature made him a true icon of the Star Wars universe.

Conclusion

The mystery surrounding Anakin Skywalker in the Expanded Universe before the prequels provided a rich tapestry of storytelling that left much to the imagination of fans and writers alike. The character, shrouded in legend and ambiguity, has continued to captivate audiences long after the release of the prequels, making him a timeless and enduring icon of the Star Wars saga.