Did Ahsoka Tano Know Darth Vader Was Her Former Master Anakin Skywalker During Their Confrontation?

The thrilling and often debated Star Wars saga frequently raises questions about the characters and their pasts, one of which centers around the confrontation between Ahsoka Tano and Darth Vader. A key point of contention is whether Ahsoka realized that Darth Vader was her former master, Anakin Skywalker, when they fought in The Rise of Skywalker.

Context from Episode IV: A New Hope

In the film Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope, Governor Tarkin and Darth Vader have a conversation that provides clues about Anakin's fateful fall to the dark side of the Force. During this conversation, Tarkin and Vader discuss Anakin's former identity:

Darth Vader: He is here.
Governor Tarkin: Obi-Wan Kenobi
Darth Vader: A tremor in the Force. The last time I felt it was in the presence of my old master.
Governor Tarkin: Surely he must be dead by now.
Darth Vader: Don't underestimate the Force.
Governor Tarkin: The Jedi are extinct; their fire has gone out of the universe. You my friend are all that's left of their religion.

This exchange suggests that Tarkin was aware of Vader's past as Anakin Skywalker, though he seems to be doubtful of Anakin's survival.

Ahsoka's Perceptions During the Confrontation

When Ahsoka Tano confronted Darth Vader, a complex mixture of emotions and past experiences shaped her actions and words. Here are the key points from the scene:

Ahsoka's line, "I was beginning to think I 'knew who you were behind that mask, but it's impossible. My master could never be as vile as you,' suggests that she held onto the belief that Anakin would never become the evil Sith Lord more out of hope than certainty. Ahsoka then states, "Anakin Skywalker was weak; I destroyed him," showing her anger and disillusionment with Anakin's fall. After realizing that Anakin had become Vader, Ahsoka expresses a desire for revenge, though this is immediately countered by Vader's statement, "Revenge is not the Jedi way," which might imply a smirk in his tone. During the fight, Ahsoka is clearly fighting a different person, as she cannot recognize how Anakin would fight. This indicates that she still sees Anakin and Vader as separate individuals. A key moment in the confrontation comes when Ahsoka slices off a part of Vader's helmet, revealing a momentary glimpse of Anakin's voice. This is only noticeable to her, leading her to grieve and hope to save him.

Did Ahsoka Realize It Was Anakin?

Based on the dialogue and actions during the confrontation, it is clear that Ahsoka did not realize until she heard the faintest hint of Anakin's voice during the fight. Specifically, the line:

Ahsoka, come on hurry. She might've tried to leave with Ezra and Kanan until she heard the tiniest hint of Anakin's voice: "Ahsoka."

forcing her to turn around and face her former master. This moment marks the first time Ahsoka realizes that Darth Vader is indeed her former master, Anakin Skywalker, and she stays behind, hoping to save him, even as it becomes apparent that the destruction of the Jedi temple is imminent.

Conclusion

Ahsoka Tano's realization of Darth Vader's true identity occurred not through prior knowledge or intuition, but through a moment of profound despair and loss. Her understanding was a result of her encounter with Anakin's voice, a voice that she had held onto in her memories and hopes. This realization adds depth to the character and the overarching narrative of the Star Wars saga, highlighting themes of redemption, loss, and the unbreakable bond between Ahsoka and Anakin.