Darth Vader, once known as Anakin Skywalker, was 45 years old when he died. His death marked the culmination of a tumultuous journey, from a prodigious Jedi Knight to the feared Sith Lord, and ultimately, his redemptive act in saving his son, Luke Skywalker.
The lifespan of Anakin Skywalker, and his subsequent two decades as Darth Vader, is meticulously documented within the Star Wars canon. His life was punctuated by pivotal events that shaped galactic history, leading to his eventual demise during the Battle of Endor.
Key Moments in Anakin Skywalker's Life and Age
To understand Darth Vader's age at death, it's helpful to look at a brief timeline of significant events in his life, grounded in established canon dates:
| Event | Canonical Date | Approximate Age |
|---|---|---|
| Birth of Anakin Skywalker | 41 BBY | 0 |
| Beginning of Jedi Training (The Phantom Menace) | 32 BBY | 9 |
| Fall to the Dark Side (Revenge of the Sith) | 19 BBY | 22 |
| Battle of Yavin (A New Hope) | 0 BBY | 41 |
| Redemption and Death (Return of the Jedi) | 4 ABY | 45 |
BBY: Before the Battle of Yavin; ABY: After the Battle of Yavin.
This timeline clearly shows that Darth Vader's reign as a Sith Lord spanned over two decades. He met his end at the age of 45 during the climactic events of Return of the Jedi, sacrificing himself to save his son from Emperor Palpatine, thereby fulfilling the prophecy of the Chosen One by bringing balance to the Force.
