One intriguing question revolves around the legendary Jedi Master Yoda and his fate after the rise of the Galactic Empire. A popular inquiry that often arises is whether Darth Vader, formerly known as Anakin Skywalker, knew that Yoda had survived the events of Order 66 and was still alive. Did Darth Vader Know Yoda Was Alive? Let’s explore the likelihood of Darth Vader’s knowledge regarding Yoda’s survival.
No, Darth Vader probably did not know Yoda was alive. He may have suspected it since Yoda’s body was not found during Order 66, but Vader does not act during the Original Trilogy under the assumption that he’s alive.
Groups of Inquisitors did not find any mention of Yoda, or the Dagobah System, during their searches. This means there may have been a slight hint of his survival.
If Darth Vader knew Yoda was alive after Order 66
During Revenge of The Sith, Order 66, a crucial part of Emperor Palpatine’s sinister plan, was executed to exterminate the Jedi Order. It marked the turning point in the Clone Wars, as the clone troopers betrayed and eliminated their Jedi generals. Yoda, being one of the most powerful Jedi Masters, was undoubtedly a primary target.
During this political turmoil, Yoda was able to get away. While Order 66 was taking place, Yoda was battling with Palpatine before ending the fight in a stalemate and retreating.
As the Republic fell, Yoda’s location was uncertain. Vader was likely aware that Yoda was fighting Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine), but Vader did not know his location after the stalemate. Though Yoda managed to escape the confrontation, his ultimate whereabouts were unknown to both the Empire and the audience. He may have traveled directly to the Dagobah System at this point to hide out.
Vader’s Search for Jedi Survivors
In the aftermath of Order 66, Darth Vader became the Emperor’s enforcer and played a crucial role in hunting down the surviving Jedi. Being a Sith Lord, Vader would definitely stay in tune with any findings related to the Jedi Order.
Still, there is no evidence in the films that Vader knew that Yoda had survived. If he did, it is highly probable that he would have informed the Emperor, who would have eagerly sought to eliminate the last remaining Jedi Master.
Throughout the Original Trilogy, Vader has no sense of Yoda’s location or current status. His primary focus is on finding Luke and destroying the Rebellion, so resources likely weren’t spent on finding Yoda’s body any more than finding other runaway Jedi. The Inquisitors mentioned nothing regarding Yoda to Vader during this time.
Their extensive search efforts and encounters with various Jedi never yield any information regarding the diminutive Jedi Master. This lack of evidence suggests that Yoda managed to remain hidden from both the Empire and Vader himself.
Based on the available information and narrative continuity, it is highly unlikely that Darth Vader knew Yoda had survived the events of Order 66. Yoda’s survival is not mentioned during the Original Trilogy, and Inquisitors have been unable to find Yoda and return him to the Empire.
So that’s the answer. No, Darth Vader probably did not know Yoda was alive.