TV - Movies
The Symbolism Of
Darth Vader's
Mask Is Clear
After Obi-Wan
Kenobi Part VI
By JASON CONNOLLY
“Obi-Wan Kenobi” Part VI, features a duel where Obi-Wan leaps into the air and slashes across Darth Vader's mask, revealing the burnt face of Anakin Skywalker underneath. The symbolism behind this reveal is pretty significant and ties into the two previous times we've seen Vader unmasked within the franchise.
Throughout the franchise, only two other people have been able to unmask Anakin: Ashoka Tano in "Star Wars Rebels," and Luke Skywalker in "Return of the Jedi." "Obi-Wan” broke the right side of Vader's mask, and Ashoka broke the left side of his mask," Twitter user @clonehumor explained. "But only Luke was able to fully unmask Vader and bring back Anakin."
In each of these instances, the person unmasking Vader is attempting to break through his icy façade and reach the former Jedi beneath. This small detail in "Obi-Wan Kenobi" Part VI adds yet another extra layer to Vader's complicated redemption arc, deepening the entire arc of his already epic story, and it also caps off one of the most climactic battles in the entire "Star Wars" franchise.