0
Search
Search
0
Back
icon-search
Login
Terms Of Use Privacy Policy Warranty

Anakin Becomes Darth Vader: From Blue to Red Lightsaber

You could make a very convincing argument that Darth Vader is the most famous villain in the history of cinema, and understanding how Anakin becomes Darth Vader is a big part of what makes his story so unforgettable. His compelling screen presence is largely a function of his ominous jet-black uniform, intimidatingly commanding voice, and general aura of menace. However, the complexity of his character plays into his enduring popularity as well. 

Darth Vader is far from a one-dimensional “bad guy”—he has a past that is studded with many twists and turns, victories and defeats. Over the course of the Star Wars saga, fans learn about every layer of his transformation. It was revealed that he began life as Anakin Skywalker, the Chosen One of Jedi prophecy, and then fell to the Dark Side. 

In the earlier part of his life, Anakin wielded the distinctive blue lightsaber of the Jedi. Anakin’s blue lightsaber played a central role during the Clone Wars, defending the Republic and battling Sith assassins, Separatist droids, and fallen Jedi. In the latter portion of his life, as the dreaded Darth Vader, he carried the red lightsaber associated with the Sith. 

Exactly how this transition occurred is one of the most fascinating aspects of Star Wars history, and it is a story every fan should know, especially as it prompts questions like, “When and how does Anakin become Darth Vader?” and “When does Anakin get a red lightsaber?” To answer these and more, let’s follow the Anakin-to-Vader timeline through the evolution of his lightsabers, from blue to green to red:

Anakin’s First Lightsaber (Blue)

Anakin Skywalker was still a child when he was identified by Qui-Gon Jinn as the Chosen One of the Jedi prophecy. Although the Jedi High Council was initially reluctant to admit him for formal training due to his age and emotional instability, Skywalker’s impressive achievements during the Battle of Naboo later earned him a place in the Order as Obi-Wan Kenobi’s apprentice. 

It was during this period of his life that Skywalker, at around age 12, constructed his first lightsaber, which had the standard blue blade of the Jedi Guardians. The single-bladed saber was made from a metal alloy with a carbon hilt. Upon seeing the newly constructed lightsaber, Obi-Wan told his Padawan, “Anakin, this weapon is your life.”

Obi-Wan’s words did not prevent Anakin from losing his first lightsaber, though, as Anakin’s saber was crushed beyond restoration during a skirmish in the Geonosian droid factories just before the Clone Wars. He entered the First Battle of Geonosis saberless and was forced to seek a replacement immediately after.

 

Blue Lightsabers for Padawans

Anakin’s Second Lightsaber (Blue)

In the early stages of the Clone Wars, Anakin used a green saber (associated with Jedi Consulars) that was given to him by fellow Jedi Nicanas Tassu. He used this saber in a duel against Count Dooku, but it was destroyed during that encounter. This led Anakin to create a saber that he could call his own.

It is uncertain precisely when Anakin constructed his second lightsaber, though it likely occurred not long before the Battle of Christophsis. As Jedi General, he utilized his new lightsaber to liberate the planet from the Separatist Droid Army during that famous conflict. Anakin had this lightsaber in his grip as he fought numerous legendary opponents, including Asajj Ventress, Barriss Offee, and Dooku, over the course of the Clone Wars.

Anakin’s second lightsaber, like his first, had a blue blade. It resembled his previous saber in many respects, but had several improvements, such as a black grip and multiple buttons that enabled on-the-spot blade adjustments. Anakin’s second lightsaber hilt was 28 centimeters long. 

As the Clone Wars drew to a close, Anakin found himself increasingly unable to manage the negative emotions within him. He had always shown indications that the Jedi way did not come easily to him—he was proud, volatile, and easily swayed by fear and attachment. These tendencies finally caused him to fall to the Dark Side.

 

Why Does Anakin Become Darth Vader & When Did His Lightsaber Turn Red?

Many fans ask why, when, and how Anakin becomes Darth Vader, and this turning point is central to the Skywalker saga. Assuming the title of Darth Vader—bestowed upon him by Sith Master Darth Sidious—Anakin fully embraces the Dark Side after intervening in the confrontation between Mace Windu and Sidious in Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith. By severing Windu’s hand, Anakin enables Sidious to strike the fatal blow, a choice driven by fear, attachment, and the promise of saving Padmé.

He went on to slaughter many of his former allies in the Attack on the Jedi Temple, fully sealing his fate to the Dark Side. Anakin wielded his blue lightsaber during this attack, marking one of the rare occasions when a Jedi’s saber was used to kill Jedi. 

Anakin still carried his blue Jedi lightsaber when he faced off against his former master, Obi-Wan, in the Duel on Mustafar. After being severely injured, Obi-Wan took possession of the lightsaber that had been used in the betrayal of the Jedi Order.

Anakin’s blue lightsaber is the most famous in all of Star Wars lore. It eventually found its way into the hands of Luke Skywalker and, later, Rey. In the epochal Duel on Cloud City, Anakin found himself in the highly unusual position of fending off blows delivered by his old lightsaber, now wielded by his son, Luke.

Anakin's Blue Lightsaber

Anakin’s Third Lightsaber (Red)

When did Anakin’s lightsaber turn red? Anakin’s lightsaber turned red shortly after he became Darth Vader. Now securely ensconced in his role as Sith Lord, Anakin was ordered by Darth Sidious to murder a Jedi to steal their kyber crystal. Anakin traveled to the river moon Al’doleem to do just that, slaying Jedi Master Kirak Infil’a and confiscating his lightsaber. This was a curved-hilt saber with a green blade. From there, Anakin went to Mustafar to bleed the kyber crystal. That’s when Anakin’s lightsaber turned Sith red.

However, Anakin would later lose his red saber when it was destroyed during an assassination attempt on the planet Cabarria. He managed to salvage his kyber crystal, though, and used it to build his fourth lightsaber.

 

Anakin's Red Lightsaber

Anakin’s Fourth Lightsaber (Red)

Anakin’s final lightsaber shared many of the design characteristics of his previous ones. It differed from them, however, in being a dual-phase saber containing two kyber crystals that allowed the user to control the length of the blade. 

This is the lightsaber that Anakin/Darth Vader wielded in his duel on Malachor against Ahsoka Tano, Ezra Bridger, and Kanan Jarrus; duel on the Death Star against Obi-Wan Kenobi; and the duel on Cloud City against Luke Skywalker.

The final appearance of this lightsaber occurred during the Battle of Endor, when Luke severed Anakin’s saber hand. That confrontation concluded with Anakin finally casting aside the mantle of Darth Vader and reclaiming his birth identity of Anakin Skywalker—thereby fulfilling the prophecy of the Chosen One.

Join The Community & Build Your Saber

Star Wars history is rich and fascinating. Anyone eager to learn about the topic should head over to SaberForum.com for informed discussions on many aspects of Star Wars lore. And, for the finest battle-ready lightsabers in our universe, explore Ultrasabers. Feel free to contact our helpful team with your questions about products, customization, and anything else you need to create your dream lightsaber reminiscent of Anakin, Vader, or any other favorites from this galaxy far, far away.