When Leia’s existence. But did that matter to him?
From the moment Vader reveals to Luke that he is in fact Luke’s father, the rest of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi deal with that truth hanging over Luke’s head. He contemplates what that means for him as a Jedi, following in his father’s footsteps--a path that led Anakin to become the very thing the Rebel Alliance sought to destroy.
Leia, on the other hand, did not have the same luxury as her brother, only finding out the truth in a short exchange with Luke Return of the Jedi.
Darth Vader Dreamed of a Family With Pe; One That Did Not Include a Daughter
Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command--written by Haden Blackman with art by Rick Leonardi, Dan Green, and Wes Dzioba
Vader’s connection with Luke and his attempt to lure his son to the Dark Side to train at his side as his apprentice only got stronger as the plot progressed into Return of the Jedi. Ultimately, Vader’s love for his son and his deep desire to protect Luke from Palpatine was what brought him back to the Light Side, allowing him to become Anakin Skywalker once again. At the core of it all, everything boils down to Anakin caring for his son, as he always wanted a son. However, Vader never once dreamed of a daughter.
In the 2011 five-issue series, Star Wars: Darth Vader and the Lost Command--written by Haden Blackman with art by Rick Leonardi, Dan Green, and Wes Dzioba--Darth Vader has visions and dreams of a life he could have had with Pé and their child if only he had make different decisions at the end of the Clone Wars. Specifically, Vader envisions himself as a happy family, married to Pé with a son named Jinn; a son who followed in Anakin’s footsteps and ed the Jedi Order as a Padawan. The three essentially live happily ever after.
"Ultimately, Leia’s very real and human emotions over the complex way she sees her father is what leads to her inability to be a Jedi. While Luke can let go of the anger and resentment, she cannot and will not."
Though this series is part of Star Wars Legends, and therefore not considered canon in the main Star Wars universe, the heart of the matter is still an interesting fact to dissect; one that could easily be transferred into the current continuity if Marvel’s Star Wars wished to do so. Vader never dreamed of or envisioned a daughter. He wanted a son--one that would presumably carry on his legacy, especially since Vader envisioned himself as the leader of the Jedi Council. What does all of this mean for Leia?
Leia Has Complicated Emotions and Anger Directed at Her Father
The Battle of Jakku--Insurgency Rising (2024); written by Alex Segura with art by Leonard Kirk, Stefano Raffaele, and Jethro Morales
Vader was never aware that Leia was his daughter, and his sole focus was on Luke. Luke was able to redeem his father while Leia was never given the gift of closure after Vader’s death. In the 2004 series, The Battle of Jakku--Insurgency Rising (2024)--written by Alex Segura with art by Leonard Kirk, Stefano Raffaele, and Jethro Morales--readers are finally given a glimpse as to how Leia accepted her father, what he had done, and his ultimate death. Leia is filled with anger as she speaks to Vader’s empty helmet, telling him that she cannot forgive him like Luke can.
Star Wars Is Very Lucky Leia Did Not Turn to the Dark Side and I Can Tell You Why
Princess Leia’s fierce and unapologetic attitude makes her a perfect leader for the rebels - but also a deadly and powerful Sith in one comic series.
Ultimately, Leia’s very real and human emotions over the complex way she sees her father is what leads to her inability to be a Jedi. While Luke can let go of the anger and resentment, she cannot and will not. She was not present when Vader redeemed himself by saving Luke, and she had no personal conversations with Vader where their familiar connection was ever revealed to either of them. Luke--not Leia--was always part of Vader's ideal family, allowing Vader to establish that connection that brought about his redemption, leaving Leia behind.
Vader’s desire for a son in his fantasy world also begs the question: did Vader really turn on Palpatine for fatherly love? Or were his actions rooted in his deep and everlasting love for Pé and the grief over the life they never had? Leia was never part of the equation, so if Luke and Leia’s roles had been switched, with Leia confronting Palpatine and Vader in the final battle in Return of the Jedi, it’s entirely probable that Anakin Skywalker would not have returned to the light and Vader would have let Leia die to continue the Empire’s grasp on the galaxy.
- Created By
- George Lucas
- Cast
- Carrie Fisher, Ingvild Deila, Vivien Lyra Blair
- First Appearance
- Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope
- Died
- Star Wars: Episode IX- The Rise Of Skywalker
- Alias
- Boushh
- Alliance
- Rebel Alliance, New Republic, Resistance
