ROTJ Anakin Spirit Question

Big Boss · Post by **Big Boss** » 2005-06-17 01:18am

At the end of ROTJ we see the spirit of Anakin Skywalker alongside Obi-wan Kenobi and Yoda. My question is this; how is this possible? Yoda and Obi-wan both recieved training via Qui-Gon in order to learn how to assume spirit form after their deaths. I can't imagine Qui-Gon training a sith lord like Darth Vader, who was in the clutches of the Dark side, the ability to assume spirit form. That would be assisting the enemy.

Did Darth Vader learn the ability himself, or did Palpatine teach him?

I have always assumed that the Spirit Form was only possible through the Light of the force, and that neither Darth Vader nor Emperor Palpatine, being full-fledged dark-side users, would be able to learn it. Is this addressed anywhere in the EU? Are there any examples of Sith Lords returning in spirit form similar to Obi-wan and Yoda?

Darth Garden Gnome · Post by **Darth Garden Gnome** » 2005-06-17 01:21am

Emperor Palpatine used his the spirit form technique to great effect in the Dark Empire series. With that said, it is possible Vader learned it from him (either directly or indirectly ie--sneaking a peak at one of Palp's holocrons).

Or maybe he learned it from some other Jedi or Sith temple place or other thing.

Or maybe he's just the Chosen One so it's a perk. I don't think it's documented anywhere, in any event.

Stofsk · Post by **Stofsk** » 2005-06-17 01:38am

He probably learned it the same way Qui-gon did: IE, as he was dying.

The Spartan · Post by **The Spartan** » 2005-06-17 01:39am

Maybe he came across the ability the same way Qui-Gon did. Remember in RotS Yoda said that Qui-Gon had discovered it, implying to me that he figured it out after dying. Anakin could have found out in a similar manner.

Alternatively, the attachment between Anakin and Qui-Gon could have opened up the knowledge for Anakin, either shortly before his death or when they met up in the Force.

Stofsk · Post by **Stofsk** » 2005-06-17 01:41am

That's just a wordier way of saying what I said.

The Spartan · Post by **The Spartan** » 2005-06-17 01:45am

I know. You beat me to it, posting while I was still writing my response.

What I get for being long-winded I guess.

Quadlok · Post by **Quadlok** » 2005-06-17 01:46am

All Sith lords where capable of this feat, so it isn't a surprise that Anakin knew how.

Darth Garden Gnome · Post by **Darth Garden Gnome** » 2005-06-17 01:48am

The Spartan wrote:*el snip-ador*

Bah, fuck me. That makes sense. I really wish that point wasn't glossed over so casually in the movie... It's just like: "Learned it somehow, that fucker did. Teach it to you, Obi-Wan, I will."

Straha · Post by **Straha** » 2005-06-17 02:47am

Maybe Qui-Gon taught him?

Mange · Post by **Mange** » 2005-06-17 03:29am

GL says in the ROTJ DVD commentary that it was Obi-Wan and Yoda who helped Anakin. I can't remember the exact wording though.

Mad · Post by **Mad** » 2005-06-17 10:49am

Didn't Palpatine tell Anakin that they could search for the secret to immortality together, or something to that effect? I had figured it could be related to that.

Darth Sephiroth · Post by **Darth Sephiroth** » 2005-06-17 02:46pm

I had always assumed it was the same way that other spirits showed up though without the anchoring that Exar Kun needed.

JME2 · Post by **JME2** » 2005-06-17 09:46pm

The cut Qui-Gonj scene from ROTS (just before Bail interrupts Yoda's meditation) states that the Force Ghost ability is acheived through the concentration of love and compassion. With Luke at Anakin's side as he lay dying, his love for his son appears to have functioned as to grant him a "Pass Go; collect $200" ticket...