Anakin Skywalker’s Journey: When He Turned to the Dark Side and Became Darth Vader

When discussing the pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga, one question consistently arises: how old was Anakin Skywalker when he turned to the dark side? This question is complex due to the intricate timelines and multiple continuities that exist in the Star Wars universe, spanning over six decades of storytelling. In this article, we explore the different timelines and interpretations, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and realistic answer to this question.

The Timeline Discrepancies

The age of Anakin Skywalker when he embraced the dark side has been a source of debate among fans and viewers. According to the movies and the original Star Wars prequel trilogy, Anakin turned to the dark side and became Darth Vader when he was 23. However, the vast number of comic books, TV series, and novels have introduced significant timeline conflicts, complicating the straightforward answer.

Seventeen Years of War and Six Years of Novelization

George Lucas originally stated that the Clone Wars spanned only two years, but many fans argue that this timeframe is too short for a galaxy-spanning conflict. According to Attack of the Clones, Anakin is nineteen at the start of the Clone Wars, and by Revenge of the Sith, he is 22-23. The timeline, however, is further complicated by numerous comic books and novels that introduce different events and timelines.

Original Continuity and New Continuity

In the original continuity, the Clone Wars are depicted as a two-year conflict, with Anakin being knighted near the end. In the new timeline, which includes series like Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars: Rebels, Anakin is knighted early and given a Padawan, Ahsoka Tano, much earlier in his Jedi career, making him much younger than 23.

What Could Be a More Realistic Timeline?

To reconcile the discrepancies and provide a more realistic portrayal of Anakin’s journey, one could propose a timeline that stretches the Clone Wars to approximately ten years, making Anakin close to 30 by the time of Revenge of the Sith. This extended timeline would allow for a more gradual and realistic character development, where Anakin faces the realities of war and the strain on the Jedi Order, leading to his eventual fall to the dark side.

Character Development in an Extended Timeline

An extended timeline of the Clone Wars would allow Anakin to mature and develop more realistically. By the end of the conflict, a 30-year-old Anakin would have seen and experienced enough to be tired of the secrecy of his marriage to Padmé. He might also be questioning the morality and the Jedi Order's methods, culminating in his ultimate decision to follow Palpatine.

Conclusion

While the exact age of Anakin Skywalker when he turned to the dark side remains a matter of debate, a more realistic timeline of the Clone Wars spanning ten years would provide a more believable and mature journey for the character. This approach not only aligns with the complexity and depth of the Star Wars universe but also highlights the struggles and sacrifices faced by Anakin throughout his journey.

Key Takeaways:

Original prequel movies: Anakin turns 23. New continuity: Anakin is much younger than 23. Extended timeline: Anakin is close to 30 by the time of Revenge of the Sith.

This article aims to shed light on the various timelines and interpretations, providing a more nuanced understanding of a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga.