Regarding Darth Vader’s true identity, very few are in the know, only a select few, like Obi-Wan or Ahsoka, have seen the face behind the mask.
But how did a former Jedi like Baylan Skoll figure out that Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader, especially since we never see them cross paths or even meet on screen?
This question has intrigued many fans, sparking curiosity about how exactly Baylan Skoll uncovered this secret.
So, let’s dive into the details I’ve gathered that could explain how Baylan Skoll figured out Anakin’s transformation into Darth Vader.
First, let’s explore Baylan’s background.
He was a Jedi during the Clone Wars, which means he likely knew Anakin Skywalker personally.
In the Ahsoka series, Baylan reveals this connection to Ahsoka Tano, mentioning that Anakin spoke highly of her.
Anakin was a prominent figure among the Jedi, and Baylan mentioned that Anakin spoke highly of Ahsoka Tano, his former apprentice.
This suggests that Baylan had a close relationship with Anakin, and he doesn’t seem like someone who would make such a claim lightly.
So, how did Baylan figure out that Anakin became Darth Vader?
In the aftermath of Order 66, Baylan chose a different path. He turned away from the remnants of the Jedi Order and became a mercenary.
This new life allowed him to navigate the galaxy on his own terms, free from the constraints and dogma of the Jedi.
One possibility is that he deduced it on his own, similar to how Tarkin and a few others did.
If Baylan knew Anakin well, he might have recognized the similarities in their fighting styles. Imagine seeing Vader in action and thinking, “That looks a lot like Anakin!”
Baylan might have even had direct encounters with Vader, which could have confirmed his suspicions.
Now, let’s consider Anakin’s close relationship with Chancellor Palpatine.
Baylan might have noticed that Vader was the Emperor’s apprentice and connected the dots.
Additionally, Baylan was hired by Lady Morgan Elsbeth, who had ties to Grand Admiral Thrawn.
Thrawn knew Vader’s secret and had crossed paths with Anakin during the Clone Wars.
In the books “Thrawn: Alliances” and “Thrawn: Ascendancy,” Thrawn figured out that Anakin was Darth Vader and even referred to him as Anakin on several occasions.
It’s possible Thrawn shared this knowledge with Morgan Elsbeth, who then passed it on to Baylan, or perhaps Thrawn told Baylan directly if they ever met.
