Anakin Skywalker was born in 41 BBY. His age varies across the Star Wars saga: 9 in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, 19 in Episode II: Attack of the Clones, 22 in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, and 47 at his death in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi. His life is mapped across major events like the Clone Wars, Order 66, and the fall of the Jedi Order, and each stage of his journey ties back to his age. By exploring Anakin Skywalker’s birth in 41 BBY and tracing his age through every Star Wars movie and series, fans can clearly understand how his character grew, changed, and ultimately fulfilled the prophecy of the Chosen One.
The fascination with Anakin Skywalker Age stems from his rapid development, both as a Jedi and later as Darth Vader. At just nine years old, he was recognized by Qui-Gon Jinn as a Force prodigy on Tatooine. By nineteen, he was already a skilled warrior in the Clone Wars. At twenty-two, he fell to the Dark Side and became Darth Vader, a moment that changed the galaxy forever. His final years as Vader, leading to his redemption at age forty-seven, complete the arc that defines the entire Skywalker family tree. Understanding his age gives fans clarity in the Star Wars timeline, strengthens the lore, and shows the depth of his transformation.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Anakin Skywalker |
| Also Known As | Darth Vader |
| Date of Birth | 41 BBY |
| Place of Birth | Tatooine |
| Species | Human |
| Occupation | Jedi Knight, Sith Lord, General of the Galactic Republic |
| Affiliation | Jedi Order (formerly), Galactic Empire (later) |
| Age in Episode I: The Phantom Menace | 9 years old |
| Age in Episode II: Attack of the Clones | 19 years old |
| Age in The Clone Wars (Animated Series) | 19–22 years old |
| Age in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith | 22 years old (transformation into Darth Vader) |
| Age in Star Wars Rebels (Animated Series) | Early 40s as Darth Vader |
| Age in Episode IV: A New Hope | 45 years old |
| Age in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back | 46 years old |
| Age in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi | 47 years old (death and redemption) |
| Key Life Events | Chosen One prophecy, Jedi training under Obi-Wan, secret marriage to Padmé Amidala, Clone Wars General, fall to Dark Side, redemption by saving Luke Skywalker |
| Notable Relationships | Padmé Amidala (wife), Luke Skywalker (son), Leia Organa (daughter), Obi-Wan Kenobi (mentor), Ahsoka Tano (padawan/ally) |
| Significant Locations | Tatooine, Naboo, Coruscant, Mustafar, Death Star |
| Legacy | Redeemed Jedi, fulfilled Chosen One prophecy, pivotal figure in Star Wars timeline |
What is Anakin Skywalker Age?
Anakin Skywalker Age shifts across Star Wars, charting his journey from talented boy to Jedi Knight and finally a redeemed Sith. He was born in 41 BBY on Tatooine, making him 9 years old in Episode I: The Phantom Menace, where he is discovered by Qui-Gon Jinn and identified as the Chosen One. By Episode II: Attack of the Clones (22 BBY), Anakin is 19 years old, a young Padawan struggling with his emotions and his secret love for Padmé Amidala. In Episode III: Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY), he is 22 years old, the pivotal moment when he succumbs to the Dark Side and becomes Darth Vader. As Darth Vader, his age ranges from his early 40s in Star Wars Rebels to 45 years old in Episode IV: A New Hope, and he dies at 47 years old in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, completing his journey from innocent boy to legendary figure in the galaxy.
Anakin Skywalker Age – A Complete Overview
The story of Anakin Skywalker Age begins in 41 BBY, when he was born without a father, fulfilling the mysterious prophecy of the Chosen One. His early years on Tatooine, where he lived as a slave with his mother Shmi Skywalker, showed his unique gifts in podracing and his connection to the Force.
The Star Wars timeline, measured in BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) and ABY (After the Battle of Yavin), makes it easier to track Anakin’s age through the decades. His birth year in 41 BBY means that during the events of Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 32 BBY, he was just nine years old. By the time the original trilogy begins in 0 BBY, Anakin had already lived forty-one years, now as Darth Vader. His life came to an end in 4 ABY, meaning his lifespan was a total of forty-five years. This concise timeline makes Anakin Skywalker Age easy to map across both trilogies.
How Old is Anakin Skywalker in Each Star Wars Movie?
Fans constantly ask: how old is Anakin Skywalker in each episode? The answer requires looking at the events in chronological order.
Anakin Skywalker Age in Episode I: The Phantom Menace
In The Phantom Menace (32 BBY), Anakin Skywalker Age is just 9 years old. This is when Qui-Gon Jinn discovers him on Tatooine and believes he is the Chosen One destined to bring balance to the Force. Even as a child, his podracing skills and deep Force connection set him apart.
Anakin Skywalker Age in Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Ten years later in Attack of the Clones (22 BBY), Anakin Skywalker Age is 19 years old. At this point, he is no longer a child but a Padawan under Obi-Wan Kenobi. His feelings for Padmé Amidala grow stronger, and this is when their secret romance begins. His youth and impatience fuel his struggles with the Jedi Code, showing how age plays into his character’s conflict.
Anakin Skywalker Age in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
In Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY), Anakin Skywalker Age is 22 years old. This is the most critical moment of his life — his transformation into Darth Vader. At such a young age, he is manipulated by Emperor Palpatine, leading to the execution of Order 66, the Jedi Purge, and the fall of the Republic.
Anakin Skywalker Age in The Clone Wars Series
During Star Wars: The Clone Wars, which spans 22 BBY to 19 BBY, Anakin Skywalker Age ranges from 19 to 22 years old. This animated series highlights his role as a general, his bond with Ahsoka Tano, and his leadership during the Clone Wars. His maturity grows rapidly, but so does his inner darkness.
Anakin Skywalker Age in Star Wars Rebels
In Star Wars Rebels (set between 5 BBY and 0 BBY), Anakin is already Darth Vader. Here, Anakin Skywalker Age is in his early forties, a far cry from the young Jedi Knight he once was. His encounters with Ahsoka Tano show how his past continues to haunt him.
Anakin Skywalker Age in Episode IV: A New Hope
By the time of A New Hope (0 BBY), Anakin Skywalker Age is 45 years old. Now fully Darth Vader, he commands fear across the galaxy. He confronts Obi-Wan Kenobi in their final duel, showing the stark contrast between the boy from Tatooine and the Sith Lord he became.
Anakin Skywalker Age in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back
In The Empire Strikes Back (3 ABY), Anakin Skywalker Age is 46 years old. This is when he reveals to Luke Skywalker, “I am your father,” forever shaping the legacy of the Skywalker family.
Anakin Skywalker Age in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi
In Return of the Jedi (4 ABY), Anakin Skywalker Age is 47 years old at the time of his death. In this final chapter, he redeems himself by saving Luke Skywalker and destroying Emperor Palpatine. His death restores balance to the Force, completing the prophecy of the Chosen One.
Key Life Stages of Anakin Skywalker
The Anakin Skywalker Age timeline reveals distinct life stages that shaped his destiny.
Childhood on Tatooine (The Chosen One prophecy)
At age nine, Anakin’s childhood ended when he left Tatooine. Discovered by Qui-Gon Jinn, he was identified as the Chosen One prophesied to bring balance to the Force. His extraordinary ability to podrace without mechanical assistance proved his Force sensitivity.
Training as a Jedi Padawan under Obi-Wan Kenobi
From his teenage years onward, Anakin trained under Obi-Wan Kenobi. The tension between his youthful energy and Jedi discipline often clashed. The Anakin Skywalker Age during this period highlights how quickly he advanced, yet also how unprepared he was emotionally.
Love and secret marriage with Padmé Amidala
At 19, Anakin and Padmé Amidala secretly married on Naboo. This was a turning point in Anakin Skywalker Age and life, as his love and fear of losing her later pushed him toward the Dark Side.
The Clone Wars and rise as a Jedi Knight
During the Clone Wars, ages 19 to 22, Anakin proved himself as a skilled general and leader. The animated series The Clone Wars highlights his complex personality, his mentorship of Ahsoka Tano, and his growing doubts about the Jedi Council.
Transformation into Darth Vader
At 22, Anakin became Darth Vader after siding with Emperor Palpatine. This drastic transformation shows how young he was when he abandoned his Jedi path and embraced the Dark Side.
Final redemption and death
At 47, Darth Vader redeemed himself, saving Luke and fulfilling his destiny. His death marked the completion of the Anakin Skywalker Age journey — from slave boy to Jedi Knight to Sith Lord, and finally back to the Chosen One.
Conclusion
The full story of Anakin Skywalker Age stretches from 41 BBY to 4 ABY, covering forty-seven years of history. Each stage of his life reveals a different facet of his character — innocent child, passionate Jedi, tragic Sith, and finally redeemed father. His age matters not just for dates, but for understanding how quickly he rose, how young he was when corrupted, and how his legacy shaped the galaxy.
By studying Anakin Skywalker Age, fans unlock the emotional rhythm of the saga. It gives perspective on his relationships with Padmé Amidala, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, and his children Luke and Leia Organa. More than a number, his age is a mirror to his choices, mistakes, and redemption. And that makes Anakin Skywalker’s story not just one of years, but of destiny.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Anakin Skywalker in Episode I?
Anakin Skywalker is 9 years old in The Phantom Menace (32 BBY).
How old is Anakin Skywalker in Episode II?
In Attack of the Clones (22 BBY), Anakin Skywalker is 19 years old.
How old is Anakin Skywalker in Episode III when he becomes Darth Vader?
Anakin Skywalker is 22 years old in Revenge of the Sith (19 BBY), when he turns to the Dark Side and becomes Darth Vader.
How old was Anakin Skywalker when he died?
Anakin Skywalker died at 47 years old in Return of the Jedi (4 ABY).
What is Anakin Skywalker’s date of birth?
Anakin Skywalker was born in 41 BBY, on the desert planet Tatooine.
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