Yoda’s Insight: Did He Know It Was Anakin Before Kenobi Viewed the Security Recordings?

In the third episode of the Star Wars saga, "Revenge of the Sith," a critical scene unfolds in the recently attacked Jedi temple where Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda observe holotapes. These holotapes contain footage of Anakin Skywalker kneeling before Darth Sidious and being named Darth Vader. The question emerges: did Yoda know beforehand that it was Anakin who had betrayed them, or were he and Obi-Wan unaware until they watched the recordings?

Did the Holotapes Offer Audio and Video?

For the holotapes to be truly informative, they must offer both audio and video. According to the intricacies of Star Wars, such recordings would be essential. However, Obi-Wan's emotional state while watching the recordings prevented him from immediately connecting anakin to the title Darth Vader. Despite this, it is widely known among the Jedi that the designation Darth is traditionally given to any Sith, both master and apprentice.

Obi-Wan's Assumption After Mustafar

Following the intense battle on Mustafar, Obi-Wan likely assumed that Anakin had perished. Consequently, the identity of Darth Vader seemed to be that of another individual. This assumption was born out of the emotions and the harrowing consequences of Anakin’s betrayal.

Yoda’s Knowledge and Sensing the Dark Side

Contrary to Obi-Wan, Yoda had a profound understanding of the events. He sensed that A Jedi of around council level Force powers had orchestrated the massacre of numerous Jedi and the fatal clash with Mace Windu. Yoda knew that a sighting of this atrocity would only devastate Obi-Wan emotionally. This is evident in Yoda's poignant response: "You already know who did this."

A key factor here is Yoda's ability to sense the disturbance in the Force. His prophetic vision during the Clone Wars, including a forewarning of Order 66 and Anakin's eventual turn to the dark side, demonstrates his mastery of the Force. In fact, even Ahsoka Tano felt the disturbance in the Force upon hearing Anakin's words during his transformation into a Sith. Moreover, Yoda had a premonition of the Jedi Order's demise, foreseen through his tests with Qui-Gon Jinn.

The Accurate Prediction

With a clear premonition, Yoda was particularly aware: 'If into the security recordings you go, only pain will you find.' This statement encapsulates the emotional and psychological impact of viewing such footage, ensuring that Yoda approached the holotapes with a cautious and forewarning mindset.

Thus, while Yoda may not have been certain, he was undoubtedly aware of the true identity of Darth Vader. His foresight and understanding of the Force allowed him to foresee the tragic turn of events and to offer guidance to Obi-Wan, helping him navigate the complex and emotionally charged aftermath of the final battle of the Clone Wars.