Darth Vader is a Star Wars character created by George Lucas. Darth Vader is without a doubt one of the most powerful and well-known cinematic villains of all time, but has it always been that way? The answer is no, but we’ll get back to that later.
Once a heroic Jedi Knight, Darth Vader has been seduced by the Dark Side of the Force, became a Sith Lord, and led the Empire’s elimination of the Jedi Order. For decades, he remained in service of an evil Emperor – Darth Sidious – enforcing his Master’s will and seeking to destroy the fledgling Rebel Alliance. But was there still good in him?
Good or Evil?
He is, without a question, the central figure in the first six Star Wars films and the character who binds them all together. The substance of his character can be separated into two periods: before and after he joined the Dark Side of the Force and became Darth Vader.
Darth Vader was once a Jedi named Anakin Skywalker, a goodhearted knight and hero of the Clone Wars, before becoming a Dark Side adherent. Anakin had breached the Order’s code by secretly marrying Senator Padmé Amidala, despite being one of the most powerful Jedi in the galaxy.
When he began to suffer visions that Padmé would die in childbirth, Anakin sought a way to prevent this fate. Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, a mentor to the young Jedi, claimed that the Dark Side was a pathway to this ability: he could stop people from dying with Sith power. At the same time, the Chancellor revealed that he was a Sith Lord, Darth Sidious, and would train Anakin. Confused and conflicted, Anakin ultimately succumbed to Sidious’ temptations. Rechristened as Darth Vader, he became an agent of evil.
Anakin led a legion of clones into the Jedi Temple and personally slaughtered both fully trained Jedi and beginner younglings equally; without mercy, Anakin led a legion of clones into the Jedi Temple and personally killed both fully trained Jedi and novice younglings alike.
Epic Plot Twist
On the lava planet Mustafar, where he had been sent to assassinate Separatist leaders, Vader battled his former Master and friend, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Anakin fought with an aggressive ferocity, ignoring Obi-Wan’s pleas to come to his senses. Ultimately, the Jedi Master bested the new Sith. Vader was left severely injured and burned on the banks of a lava river, filled with anger and hate. He was found by the Emperor and encased in frightening black armor that kept him alive and given mechanical lungs that emitted an ominous breathing sound with his every step. Anakin Skywalker was no more…
“You were the Chosen One! It was said that you would destroy the Sith, not join them! Bring balance to the Force, not leave it in darkness! You were my brother, Anakin! I loved you!”
– Obi-Wan Kenobi,
to the fallen Anakin Skywalker
“A Jedi prophesied to bring balance to the Force, Anakin Skywalker is lured to the Dark Side of the Force by Emperor Palpatine (the Sith Lord Darth Sidious). He then serves the Galactic Empire as Darth Vader at the right hand of the Emperor until his redemption after encountering his son”
– Luke Skywalker
“No, I am your father!”
– Darth Vader
“There is no escape. Don’t make me destroy you. Luke, you do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.”
– Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back
Darth Vader has become one of the most iconic villains in popular culture and has been listed among the greatest villains and fictional characters ever. The American Film Institute listed him as the third greatest movie villain in cinema history on 100 Years… 100 Heroes and Villains. However, other critics and Stars Wars fans consider him a tragic hero, citing his original motivations for the greater good and his family before his fall to the Dark Side.
To sum up, Darth Vader is one of the most prominent villains of all time, who has influenced countless characters since his seminal debut in 1977, both with his intimidating presence and his ultimately tragic arc.
Here’s my list of the best Darth Vader quotes
And so was revealed one of movie’s greatest plot twists of the original trilogy, that Vader was actually Luke’s father.
“The Empire Strikes Back”
This quote is most commonly misquoted as “Luke, I am your father”. One way or another, Skywalker did not believe his words and refused to join the Dark Side.
“When I left you I was but the learner. Now I am the master.”
-Darth Vader, taunting Obi-Wan Kenobi, his Jedi teacher, and a former friend, just before he kills him.
“You’re a part of the rebel alliance and a traitor. Take her away!”
-Darth Vader, A New Hope
“Impressive. Most impressive. Obi-Wan has taught you well. You have controlled your fear. Now, release your anger. Only your hatred can destroy me.”
-Darth Vader
“The emperor will show you the true nature of the force.”
-Darth Vader, – Return of The Jedi
“Be careful not to choke on your aspirations”
-Darth Vader, -Star Wars “Rogue On
“Give yourself to the Dark Side. It is the only way you can save your friends. Yes, your thoughts betray you.”
-Darth Vader
“I see through the lies of the Jedi. I do not fear the dark side as you do.
-Darth Vader
I have brought peace, freedom, justice, and security to my new empire.”
“From my point of view, the Jedi are evil.”
-Darth Vader
“He will join us or die!”
-Darth Vader
“You don’t know the power of the dark side.”
-Darth Vader
“This will be a day long remembered. It has seen the end of Kenobi;
-Darth Vader, -A New Hope
it will soon see the end of the Rebellion.”
“I hope so for your sake, Commander. The Emperor is not as forgiving as I am.“
-Darth Vader, -Return of the Jedi
“The Emperor will show you the true nature of the Force. He is your Master now.”
-Darth Vader, – Return of the Jedi
“Don’t be too proud of this technological terror you’ve constructed.
-Darth Vader
The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force.”
“Don’t try to frighten us with your sorcerer’s ways, Lord Vader.
-Admiral Motti to Darth Vader,
Your sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped you conjure up the stolen data tapes, or given you clairvoyance enough to find the rebels’ hidden fort.”
Episode IV: A New Hope
“I find your lack of faith disturbing.”
-Darth Vader
“That name no longer has any meaning for me.”
-Darth Vader, on hearing Luke calling him by his true name, Anakin Skywalker in Return of the Jedi
“I am altering the deal, pray I do not alter it any further…”
-Darth Vader, speaking to Lando Calrissian
“Just for once let me look on you with my own eyes… You were right. You were right about me. Tell your sister you were right…”
Darth Vader, Return of the Jedi
He’s all yours, bounty hunter. Reset the chamber for Skywalker.
Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back
We’ll have to destroy them ship to ship. Get the crews to their fighters.
Darth Vader, A New Hope
The Emperor does not share your optimistic appraisal of the situation.
Darth Vader, speaking to Jerjerrod in Return of the Jedi
Send a detachment down to retrieve them; see to it personally, Commander
Darth Vader, A New Hope
She must have hidden the plans in the escape pod.
Darth Vader, A New Hope
I do not want the Emperor’s prize damaged. We will test it on Captain Solo.
Darth Vader referring to Han Solo, The Empire Strikes Back
Apology accepted, Captain Needa.
Darth Vader, The Empire Strikes Back
When he lands on the second death star to convince the crew to work more efficiently.
Darth Vader, Return of the Jedi
You underestimate the power of the Dark Side. If you will not fight, then you will meet your destiny.
Darth Vader
Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering
Yoda, The Phantom Menace
You are fulfilling your destiny, Anakin. Become my apprentice. Learn to use the Dark Side of the Force.
Darth Sidious, Revenge of the Sith
If once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny, consume you it will, as it did Obi-Wan’s apprentice.
Yoda
The shroud of the Dark Side has fallen. Begun, the Clone War has!
Yoda, Attack of the Clones
Luke, Don’t Give In To Hate. That Leads To The Dark Side.”
Yoda
But beware of the dark side. Anger, fear, aggression…the dark side of the Force are they, easily they flow.
Yoda
Be Careful Not To Choke On Your Aspirations, Director
Darth Vader, speaking to Director Krennic
If this is a consular ship, where is the ambassador?
Darth Vader
Amazing post on the most epic villain of the Star Wars galaxy! love your writing style – keep it up!
Much appreciated! I also have some more space series on their way – stay tuned;)
Impressive writing skills and the layout of your blog – keep up the excellent quality! 🙂
Will do, Octavia, thank you!
A little mistake I’ve seen misquoted a few times, thanks otherwise 🙂 >
“Be careful not to choke on your aspirations” is the line, not “convictions”
– Rogue One
My pleasure, John! Have fixed the line appropriately, thank you!
I love star wars so much darth vader is my mentor, I am one with the dark side. Contact me for battlefront sessions
Ah, I feel this one is strong with the Force. Dark side like
I”m looking for the quote from Darth Vader to Luke, about his loyalty to an old religion, something like that.. Anyone know it?
Hey, Wayne, thanks for stopping by! I’ve added another quote by Admiral Motti (“…Your sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped you…”), said right before Vader starts to choke him in ‘A New Hope’. Let me know if this is the one you were looking for.