The Mind-Blowing Revelation: Unveiling How Baylan Discovered Darth Vader's Ultimate Secret

WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 4.

Summary

Baylan Skoll was aware of the galaxy's best kept secret - Darth Vader's true identity as Anakin Skywalker. In episode 4 of Ahsoka, titled "Fallen Jedi," this title encompasses multiple characters, namely Ahsoka, Baylan, and Anakin.

During the events of Ahsoka, the true identity of Darth Vader as Anakin Skywalker remained largely unknown throughout the galaxy. One of the few individuals aware of this secret was Ahsoka's acquaintance Baylan Skoll. In the latest Star Wars show, Baylan Skoll, who was formerly a Jedi and now wields an orange lightsaber, is determined to bring Grand Admiral Thrawn back to the known galaxy. Having served during the Clone Wars, Baylan had crossed paths with Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker, which explains why he had prior knowledge of Ahsoka Tano.

The title of episode 4 of Ahsoka season 1, titled "Fallen Jedi," is relevant to multiple characters. Ahsoka Tano is considered a fallen Jedi due to her departure from the Order during the Clone Wars. Similarly, Baylan Skoll also left the Jedi, while Anakin Skywalker eventually transformed into a Sith Lord. Baylan was knowledgeable about Ahsoka's history, including the fact that her former master had become Darth Vader, the Empire's most powerful weapon.

Darth Vader's True Identity Was A Secret

The impact of Star Wars on pop culture is so significant that even those who haven't watched the movies might know that Darth Vader is Luke Skywalker's father. However, within the fictional universe, Darth Vader's true identity was a carefully guarded secret. Only a select few individuals, both from the Empire and the Rebellion, were aware that Anakin Skywalker, the once-hero of the Republic, had transformed into the Emperor's Darth Vader. For instance, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the Jedi who supposedly killed Anakin, only discovered that Skywalker was still alive when informed by Third Sister Reva. Reva herself knew about Vader's true identity because she was one of the Younglings attacked by the newly-anointed Sith.

Other characters who were aware of Darth Vader's true identity as Anakin Skywalker prior to or during the original trilogy included Maul, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Ahsoka Tano, Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa. The New Republic and the rest of the galaxy only learned about Leia's connection to Darth Vader 25 years after the Empire's downfall. This revelation is detailed in Claudia Gray's novel, Bloodline, which takes place closer to Star Wars: The Force Awakens rather than Ahsoka. In other words, during the events of Ahsoka, the identity of Darth Vader remained unknown to the majority of the galaxy.

How Did Baylan Learn Darth Vader Was Anakin Skywalker?

The method by which Baylan Skoll learned that Anakin Skywalker and Darth Vader were the same person remains a mystery, but there are a few potential scenarios. It is known that Grand Admiral Thrawn, who had close interactions with both Anakin Skywalker and the Sith Lord, was aware of this secret. It is possible that Thrawn shared this knowledge with Lady Morgan, who may have then informed Baylan. Another possibility is that Baylan came into contact with Darth Vader himself. Individuals such as Ahsoka and Baylan, who fought alongside Anakin, would likely have a higher chance of recognizing his presence whenever Darth Vader was nearby. Ahsoka, for instance, became aware of Anakin's transformation into Darth Vader when she felt his presence during a space battle against the Empire. Baylan Skoll does not appear to have been affiliated with the Empire, as he is neither a Sith nor an Inquisitor. It is conceivable that Baylan may have confronted Darth Vader, although few who did were able to survive. Many details about Baylan Skoll, including how he discovered Darth Vader's true identity, are still unknown and await further exploration.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.