Star Wars: Through all the darkness, being a father redeemed Darth Vader

With Father’s Day here, let’s take a look at what being a father had to do with Darth Vader’s redemption in Star Wars.

Darth Vader did not exactly have much of a relationship with either of his children in Star Wars. Of course, after they were born, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa were kept hidden from him for their own protection.

In fact, they didn’t even know who their true father was for quite sometime. The turning point was when Darth Vader coined the famous “I am your father” phrase to Luke Skywalker in Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. That led to Luke eventually telling Leia Darth Vader was their father in Return of the Jedi and that he and Leia are brother and sister.

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Through all the pure evil and darkness, being a father allowed Darth Vader to be redeemed.

During a lightsaber duel in Return of the Jedi, Luke makes an effort to sway his father back to the Light Side, while Darth Vader tries to get his son to join him in the ways of the Dark Side.

After quite the lightsaber battle, the Emperor realizes Luke Skywalker was not likely turn, so he took matters into his own hands, striking Luke with Force lightning.

As Luke is struggling and close to his demise, he pleads for help from Darth Vader, saying “Father, please.”

Moments later, as Luke is nearing the end, Darth Vader saves his son, throwing the Emperor off the ledge. Despite all the evil and hate in Darth Vader, he could not handle seeing his son in pain and possibly dying.

It may have seemed unlikely that Darth Vader would ever be redeemed. However, it’s seeing Luke struggle for his life that led to Vader saving his son and disobeying his Master that he pledged his allegiance to years ago.

This is really the first time we see the human in Darth Vader, while he finally accepts his role as a father.

So, while Darth Vader committed countless cruel acts and did not raise his children, it was seeing his son struggle in pain that brought him back to the Light Side.

Darth Vader sacrificed his allegiance to the Emperor and the Dark Side for the well-being of his son. Luke Skywalker was right. He could turn Darth Vader back to the Light Side.

Happy Father’s Day to all the wonderful Dad’s out there.

Let me know in the comments below what your favorite fatherly moment is in Star Wars.