What if Anakin didn't become Vader?

If Anakin Skywalker didn’t become Darth Vader, it would have had significant implications for the Star Wars universe. Here are some possible outcomes:

Jedi Order’s Survival: Without Anakin’s fall to the dark side, the Jedi Order would have remained intact. Anakin’s transformation into Vader was a major blow to the Jedi and played a crucial role in their downfall. With Anakin still loyal to the light side, he could have become a powerful Jedi Knight and potentially even a Jedi Master, contributing to the Order’s strength and continuing their mission of maintaining peace and justice in the galaxy.
The Clone Wars: Anakin played a pivotal role in the Clone Wars as a Jedi General and military strategist. If he hadn’t become Vader, he would have continued to fight alongside the Republic forces against the Separatist Alliance. His presence could have influenced the outcome of various battles and potentially accelerated the end of the war. It’s possible that the conflict may have ended sooner, with fewer casualties on both sides.
Palpatine’s Plan: Emperor Palpatine’s rise to power relied heavily on Anakin’s turn to the dark side. Without Vader, Palpatine would have had to find alternative means to consolidate his authority. It’s possible that he may have chosen another apprentice or implemented different strategies to manipulate events to his advantage. However, without Anakin’s raw power and potential, his plans may not have been as successful or efficient.
Anakin’s Destiny: Anakin’s fall to the dark side was tied to the prophecy of the Chosen One who would bring balance to the Force. If he had remained on the light side, the interpretation of the prophecy would have been different. It’s unclear how the Jedi Order and the Sith would have interpreted and responded to this change in circumstances. Anakin might have still played a crucial role in fulfilling the prophecy, but in a way that didn’t involve becoming Vader.
Family Dynamics: Anakin’s transformation into Vader strained his relationships, particularly with Padmé Amidala and his children, Luke and Leia. Without the burden of his dark side persona, Anakin might have had a more positive and fulfilling relationship with Padmé, raising their children together. This could have altered the Skywalker family dynamics, potentially leading to a different upbringing for Luke and Leia and their involvement in the events of the original trilogy.

Overall, the absence of Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader would have had far-reaching consequences across the Star Wars galaxy, affecting the Jedi Order, the Clone Wars, Palpatine’s plans, the balance of the Force, and the Skywalker family’s destiny.

Would Palpatines plan still be going?

If Anakin Skywalker hadn’t become Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine’s plan would have likely faced significant challenges and could have unfolded differently. Anakin’s fall to the dark side was a crucial aspect of Palpatine’s strategy to establish his rule over the galaxy as the Sith Lord.

Without Anakin’s transformation into Vader, Palpatine would have needed to find an alternative means to consolidate his power. He might have sought out another apprentice to carry out his bidding and enforce his rule, as the Sith typically operate with a master-apprentice dynamic. However, it is important to note that Anakin possessed unique qualities, including his exceptional Force potential, that made him a desirable apprentice for Palpatine.

Additionally, Anakin’s fall to the dark side played a critical role in manipulating events to Palpatine’s advantage. Anakin’s internal conflict and vulnerability were exploited by Palpatine, who used the promise of saving Padmé’s life and the allure of unlimited power to lure him into becoming his Sith apprentice.

Without Anakin turning to the dark side, Palpatine’s plans may have encountered more resistance from the Jedi and other factions opposed to his rule. Anakin was instrumental in executing Order 66, which resulted in the near-eradication of the Jedi Order. His actions during the Jedi Purge helped Palpatine consolidate his power base.

However, it’s important to consider that Palpatine was a master manipulator and strategist. He had contingencies in place and a deep understanding of the dark side of the Force. Even if Anakin hadn’t become Vader, Palpatine would likely have adapted his plans and used different means to achieve his ultimate goal of galactic domination.

Ultimately, without the specific events tied to Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader, the course of Palpatine’s plan would have diverged significantly, leading to a different sequence of events and outcomes within the Star Wars universe.

What would that mean for Luke Skywalker and Leia Skywalker?

If Anakin Skywalker hadn’t become Darth Vader, it would have had a profound impact on Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, his children. Here are some possible implications:

Family Dynamics: Without Anakin’s fall to the dark side, the Skywalker family dynamics would have been significantly different. Anakin would have remained with his family, allowing him to be actively involved in raising Luke and Leia. This could have provided them with a more stable and nurturing upbringing, potentially shaping their personalities and perspectives in unique ways.
Jedi Training: Anakin, remaining on the light side of the Force, would have likely continued his Jedi training and become a powerful Jedi Knight or even a Jedi Master. As a result, he would have been in a position to pass on his knowledge and skills to Luke and Leia, guiding them in their own Force training. They would have had a direct connection to their father’s wisdom and experience as a Jedi.
Rebellion Against the Empire: Luke and Leia played critical roles in the Rebel Alliance’s struggle against the Galactic Empire. Without Anakin becoming Vader, it’s possible that the Rebel Alliance may have had a different composition and modus operandi. Anakin’s influence on his children may have led to their involvement in the rebellion, albeit in different capacities, driven by their desire to bring justice to the galaxy.
Luke’s Jedi Journey: Luke Skywalker’s path as a Jedi would have been shaped by his father’s positive influence. Anakin’s guidance and training would have likely accelerated Luke’s growth as a Jedi, potentially making him a formidable Force user. His training might have focused more on the traditional teachings of the Jedi Order, and he could have tapped into Anakin’s wisdom and experiences to navigate the challenges he faced.
Leia’s Force Sensitivity: Leia Organa, being Anakin’s daughter, also possessed a strong connection to the Force. Without Anakin’s transformation into Vader, Leia’s potential as a Force user may have been recognized earlier, and she might have received training as a Jedi alongside Luke. Her abilities and role in the rebellion would have likely been more explicitly tied to her Force sensitivity.

It’s important to note that these outcomes are speculative, as they depend on various factors and decisions within the Star Wars universe. However, the absence of Anakin becoming Vader would have significantly altered the trajectories of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, potentially leading to different paths as Force users, rebels, and influential figures within the galaxy.