Alternate Training: How Vader Raising Ben Solo Could Have Changed the Star Wars Narrative

The classic Star Wars story involves Ben Solo being the son of Luke Skywalker, with some fans questioning what would have happened if Darth Vader took him as a Padawan instead. However, the key to solving this mystery lies in the naming convention—the name Ben Solo is clearly a reference to the parents, Han Solo and Leia Organa, instead of Luke Skywalker.

The Case for Vader as Ben's Trainer

Ben Solo would have experienced a vastly different upbringing if Darth Vader had taken him as a Padawan. As a young orphan, Ben was often adrift, feeling lost and frustrated—experiences that starkly mirrored the traumatic history of a young Anakin Skywalker. Luke Skywalker, on the other hand, grew up on the civilized world of Tatooine, with a loving family that instilled in him a sense of purpose and companionship. This nurturing environment contributed significantly to Luke's character and belief in the Jedi path.

Vader, having gone through similar struggles with loneliness and despair, would have understood Ben's predicament profoundly. As a former Jedi himself and a powerful Sith, Vader could have used his experience to provide both guidance and emotional support. He could empathize with Ben's feelings of inadequacy and the struggle to live up to the ideal of the Jedi. This emotional connection would have been invaluable in helping Ben navigate the complexities of the Force and the temptation of the dark side.

Vader's Personal Connection and Experience

Vader, as a redeemed and reformed character, would have been uniquely suited to guide Ben. His transformation from the menacing Sith Lord to a redeemed hero would have given him a unique perspective on the path to self-mastery. This contrasts with Luke, who, although a capable Jedi, never experienced the deep despair and isolation that defined Ben's early life. Thus, Luke's teachings might have seemed abstract or insufficient to someone grappling with such intense emotions.

Moreover, having a mentor who was once in his shoes would have allowed Ben to see a clear path from darkness to light. Vader's own journey and the lessons he learned would have been invaluable in providing Ben with the strength and resilience to resist the pull of the dark side. The mentorship could have fostered a deep bond of trust and mutual understanding, making Ben feel valued and supported in his training.

Palpatine and Snoke's Predation

If Ben were trained by Vader, it would have significantly boosted his resilience against the manipulations of Palpatine or Snoke. These villainous figures would have found it much harder to prey on a young, broken teenager who felt unsupported and unimportant. Instead, they would have had to contend with a focused and cared-for young Padawan, a figure backed by Vader's profound understanding and personal experience. This dynamic might have made it more difficult for Palpatine or Snoke to exploit Ben's vulnerabilities and steer him away from the path of the Jedi.

In the original trilogy, Ben's Lightsaber color change signifies his transformation from green to red, transitioning from the Light Side to the Dark Side. In this alternative scenario, the light in Kylo never dims, and he remains a powerful and influential Jedi, driven by the experience and empathy of Vader. This version would have created a more nuanced and emotionally rich narrative, showing the potential for redemption and growth amidst adversity.

The Star Wars universe is rich with possibilities, and reimagining the character arcs of its beloved heroes can lead to fascinating and compelling storytelling. While the franchise has explored many alternate timelines and what-ifs, the idea of Darth Vader training Ben Solo provides a compelling and emotionally resonant narrative that explores themes of redemption, mentors, and the enduring struggle between light and dark.

Would you have preferred Vader as Ben Solo's trainer? Share your thoughts and interpretations of this alternate universe in the comments below.