Vader is warned that if he takes his helmet off, he’ll pass away. But why can’t Darth Vader breathe?
Darth Vader can’t breathe because his lungs were burned on Mustafar. While battling Obi-Wan, Anakin is nearly burned alive. Wearing the Vader suit allows him to breathe with assistance.
It’s implied that Vader’s suit helps support his breathing, as well as alleviate pain from his burned and tarred limbs.
Why Darth Vader can’t breathe after fighting on Mustafar
Darth Vader’s heavy breathing is closely aligned to his character’s identity. However, have you ever wondered why he needs to breathe that way? After Luke defeats Vader, he warns him that removing the helmet will likely end his life.
This begs the question, why can’t Darth Vader breathe without his helmet?
Knowing the context of how Anakin became Vader can help answer this question. Anakin was a Jedi Knight who is tempted by the Dark Side and eventually becomes Darth Vader. He seeks power in order to save his wife Padme’s life. While fighting his mentor, Obi-Wan, Anakin is gravely injured. He loses his limbs and suffers horrific burns to his entire body.
Anakin placed in suit
To save his life, Anakin was placed in a suit that would keep him alive. The suit included a helmet that allowed him to breathe, among other things. The helmet covered Anakin’s head and connected to his suit via a series of tubes and wires. Without the helmet, Anakin would not have the assistance to breathe on his own.
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The helmet’s design is meant to provide a constant flow of oxygen to Anakin’s lungs. It’s likely the helmet can also filter out harmful gases, while simultaneously providing Vader with information about his surroundings. This info can include temperature, air pressure, and even the presence of toxins. The helmet also has a built-in speaker that allows Anakin to communicate with others.
If the helmet were to be removed, Anakin’s body would be unable to breathe on its own, and he would quickly die. The helmet is essential to his survival, and removing it would be certain death.
In conclusion, Darth Vader’s helmet is not just a cool accessory but a crucial part of his life support system. The helmet filters out toxins and helps Vader survive.
So that’s the answer. Darth Vader can’t breathe because his lungs were burned on Mustafar.