Anakin Skywalker is a Jedi who served the Galactic Republic and trained as a Padawan under Master Obi-Wan Kenobi. As a child he was raised by his mother Shmi as well as worked as a mechanic / podracing pilot on the planet Mos Espa. He won his freedom from Watto after winning a podrace and departed with Jedi Master Qui - Gon Jinn. He later turned his back on them to join the Galactic Empire and became the evil leader known as Darth Vader. He is also the father of Jedi Luke Skywalker, the hero behind the Rebel Alliance. He first appeared in the film Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menance in 1999. Actor Hayden Christensen portrayed the character in Episodes II and III. The Mighty Mugg above portrays him in his suit from the Clone Wars with his lightsaber.