Although the narrative presented in Revenge of the Sith clearly illustrates Anakin Skywalker’s tragic decline into darkness, it is in a lesser-known confrontation that we can truly grasp the extent of his fury and thirst for vengeance. This particular battle, set against the valiant Jedi Master Kirak Infil’a—one of the few survivors of Order 66—sheds light on the intense rage that characterized the recently transformed Sith Lord.
This encounter transcends the mere elimination of a foe; it becomes a visceral expression of anguish, disillusionment, and an all-consuming desire to obliterate the remnants of a life Anakin believed was wrongfully taken from him. A closer look at this battle reveals a more profound understanding of the notorious bloodlust that defines Vader.
The Ruthless Efficiency of Vader: Born from Personal Loss and Betrayal
The conflict unfolds on the river moon of Al’doleem, where Infil’a sought refuge in a monastery long before their encounter. Fresh from his defeat at the hands of Obi-Wan on Mustafar, Vader is on the lookout for a lightsaber, having lost his own during that fateful duel. He aggressively hunts down the remaining Jedi from Order 66, hoping to conquer them and claim their kyber crystals. Kirak Infil’a proves to be a significant challenge, with his unique fighting style and steadfast determination pushing Vader to the limits of his dark side abilities.
Vader’s initial assault upon Infil’a is devoid of the calculated precision expected from a seasoned Sith. Instead, he embodies the frantic violence of a man ravaged by recent trauma. The haunting memories of the Jedi Temple, the torment of Padmé’s betrayal and loss, compounded by the physical injuries he sustained on Mustafar, fuel his every strike. Each movement in this intense battle becomes a manifestation of his inner turmoil—a violent repudiation of both his past life and the Jedi values he once cherished. The confrontation transcends mere victory; it symbolizes a cathartic release of an immense, unrelenting pain.
This Duel Illustrates How Vader’s Hatred Extended Beyond the Jedi Order
Darth Vader’s Actions Occur Just Days After the Events of Revenge of the Sith
Kirak Infil’a stands not only as a Jedi but symbolizes something much deeper for the newly minted Darth Vader—a lingering connection to light, compassion, and the Jedi principles that Anakin Skywalker tragically betrayed. By seeking to extinguish Infil’a and seize the kyber crystal from his lightsaber, Vader aims to eliminate more than just a potential threat to the Empire; he is fundamentally erasing the last remnants of his former self. Infil’a’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding innocent lives, along with his firm belief in the Force’s goodness, serves as a painful reminder of the path Anakin left behind.
Vader’s relentless pursuit, paired with his brutal methods in this confrontation, underscores his total disconnection from his past. His bloodlust extends beyond the Jedi Order; it represents a profound hatred for the embodiment of everything he has lost and now despises.