Key Takeaways:
– Anakin Skywalker’s transition to Darth Vader could have been avoided with Mace Windu’s training.
– Windu’s Vaapad form could have provided Anakin with balance, which Obi-Wan Kenobi failed to offer.
– Mace Windu showed that Vaapad can balance light and dark sides of the force by using sensitive emotions.
– Anakin’s descent into darkness followed the Jedi Council’s refusal to adopt Vaapad widely.
The Tragedy of Darth Vader:
The transformation of Anakin Skywalker into Darth Vader is one of the most heartbreaking episodes in the entirety of the Star Wars series. Deemed by George Lucas as the ‘Tragedy of Darth Vader’, this narrative has captured audiences over decades, regardless of the critical letdown of the prequel trilogy.
An Alternative Master:
However, a compelling argument has risen that this grim transformation could’ve been averted if Jedi Master Mace Windu had undertaken Anakin’s training, instead of Obi-Wan Kenobi. While Master Kenobi struggled to balance his duties and respect Qui-Gon Jinn’s final wish, Windu’s expertise in Vaapad would have guided Anakin towards balance.
The Power of Vaapad:
Vaapad, a less traditional fighting form, encourages users to channel their emotions, such as anger and rage, which are directly linked to the dark side. While Vaapad’s use is commonly forbidden by the Council, Windu successfully leveraged its power to balance the light and dark side, showing the potential this form possesses.
Anakin’s Affliction:
Anakin’s downfall is largely attributed to his obsession with saving Padmé. Had Anakin trained under Windu, his command over Vaapad might have averted his plunge into the dark side. However, due to the Council’s refusal to embrace Vaapad, this trajectory was unfortunately not changed, leading to the downfall of the Jedi Order and Anakin’s tragic demise.
Lucas’s Challenge with Vader:
Beyond Anakin’s transformation, Lucas faced significant challenges in crafting Darth Vader’s character. The iconic villain’s creation task was to make him terrifying, despite audiences never seeing his face. Lucas confessed these struggles in an interview with Rolling Stone, expressing his challenge to make Vader’s black mask intimidating.
Vader’s Evolution:
Luckily, Lucas realized Vader’s terror had to stem from more than just his black mask. Vader’s impersonal approach, combined with David Prowse’s menacing voice acting, brought to life the tragic story of a villain who lived a painfully sad life, thus transforming Darth Vader into the cultural icon he is today.
A New Perspective on the Trilogy:
While the Star Wars prequel trilogy received mixed reviews, a fresh perspective and the depth of the characters in hindsight have made it more worthy of appreciation over time. The complexity of Vader’s character and the potential path Anakin Skywalker could have taken under the tutelage of Mace Windu offer intriguing insights into an alternative Star Wars narrative.
In conclusion, while Anakin Skywalker’s fall from grace to Darth Vader marks a seminal moment in Star Wars lore, the story might have taken a different turn with Mace Windu as his guide. Through his expertise in Vaapad, Windu showcased that harnessing both light and dark forces could pave the way for a powerful and balanced Jedi.
