Before His Fall To The Dark Side, Do You Believe Anakin Skywalker Was a Good Jedi?

When it comes to Anakin Skywalker, opinions are often divided. He’s one of the most complex characters in the Star Wars universe.

Was he a good Jedi before his fall to the dark side? It’s not a simple yes or no.

Anakin was a powerful Jedi, but he had traits that both elevated him as a warrior and doomed him as a Jedi. Let’s break it down.

Anakin: The Great General and Warrior

One thing is clear – Anakin was an exceptional warrior. His skills with a lightsaber were unparalleled, and his connection to the Force was stronger than most.

During the Clone Wars, Anakin’s combat prowess and leadership turned the tide in many battles.

He was fearless, quick to act, and capable of thinking outside the box, which made him an excellent general.

But being a great soldier doesn’t necessarily make someone a good Jedi. The Jedi are peacekeepers, monks in many ways, NOT just warriors.

Anakin’s ability to win battles and command respect on the battlefield didn’t translate to the same level of success when it came to following the Jedi Code, which emphasizes detachment, calm, and discipline.

Emotional Instability and Attachment Issues

Anakin’s struggle with attachment and emotional instability ultimately became his undoing as a Jedi.

One of the most telling moments of this was when he slaughtered the entire Tusken Raider village in Attack of the Clones after his mother died in their captivity.

In his grief and rage, Anakin killed not just the men, but also the women and children.

It’s completely understandable that Anakin was enraged when his mother died at the hands of the Tuskens, especially considering the emotional trauma he’d endured from childhood, right through to his marriage with Padmé later.

His mother death was simply the final straw.

However, his need for revenge completely took over, showing just how deep his emotional instability ran.

Now, contrast this with Obi-Wan Kenobi, who throughout his life remained steadfast in his commitment to being a good Jedi, even in moments of deep personal tragedy.

He lost his master Qui-Gon Jinn, witnessed the betrayal of his closest friend Anakin, and saw the Jedi Order fall – all without ever giving in to his emotions.

More poignantly, Obi-Wan also lost Satine Kryze, the woman he loved, during the Clone Wars, though he almost lost control for a second but then quickly calmed himself, realizing Maul was just trying to manipulate him. 

He didn’t let his grief or desire for revenge cloud his judgment.

Another example is when Palpatine threatens to kill all of Luke’s friends, causing Luke to momentarily lose control and fight Vader in a fit of anger.

However, he is able to regain his composure and refuse to let his anger consume him.

This stark difference between Anakin and Obi-Wan highlights why Anakin was ultimately not a good Jedi, even before his fall.

A Jedi Unsuited for the Code

Anakin was never fully comfortable with the Jedi philosophy. The Jedi were taught to remain detached and suppress strong emotions, but Anakin was passionate, driven by love, fear, and anger.

He wasn’t suited for the Order’s strict rules, and this created friction between him and the Jedi Council.

Qui-Gon Jinn’s death deprived Anakin of a mentor who could have helped him find balance.

Obi-Wan Kenobi, while a brilliant Jedi, acted more like a brother to Anakin than the father figure he needed. This left Anakin emotionally unanchored, which Palpatine exploited.

It’s easy to imagine that with a different mentor or more emotional support, Anakin might have thrived as a Jedi.

But in the environment he was in, his emotional complexity clashed with the Order’s ideals.

The Pressure of Being the Chosen One

Let’s not forget the weight of being the Chosen One. Anakin was expected to bring balance to the Force, a prophecy that the Jedi themselves didn’t fully understand.

This added a layer of pressure that few, if any, could have handled well.

Palpatine, ever the master manipulator, saw Anakin’s inner conflict and skillfully played on it, grooming him from an early age.

While the Jedi tried to mold Anakin into their version of the Chosen One, Palpatine offered him the power to shape his own destiny, which was exactly what Anakin wanted.

In the end, the pull of power and the fear of losing Padmé outweighed his loyalty to the Jedi.

A Good Person, But Not a Good Jedi

Anakin’s story is a tragic one. He wanted to help people – there’s no doubt about that. He was compassionate, and he genuinely believed he could save those he loved.

But his methods and mindset didn’t align with the Jedi path. He was impulsive, emotional, and often reckless, traits that ultimately led to his downfall.

He was a good man with the potential to do great things, but he couldn’t live up to the ideals of the Jedi Order.

His inability to control his emotions and his desperate need for approval and attachment were his undoing.