How long did it take Darth Vader to recover from his fight with Obi-Wan?

While the precise timeline of Darth Vader's recovery from his battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi on the Death Star is not explicitly detailed in the canonical films, an extensive exploration of the broader Star Wars mythology and related media raises intriguing questions about its aftermath and impact.

The Immediate Aftermath

Immediately following the climactic duel on the Death Star, Darth Vader was left in a state of significant trauma and physical disfigurement. Though Emperor Palpatine intervened and kept Vader alive, equipping him with a biomechanical suit, the recovery process would not be immediate or complete. The muscular and skeletal damage sustained during the battle would necessitate an arduous rehabilitation.

The Role of Cybernetics

Despite the advanced cybernetic enhancements, Vader's recovery was far from total. Relying heavily on the suit to maintain his physical form, he was plagued by ongoing pain and discomfort. The prosthetic limbs and mechanical augmentations provided necessary support, but they also came with limitations and vulnerabilities.

The Psychological Impact

The psychological toll of the battle with Obi-Wan, and the subsequent and permanent loss of his original identity as Anakin Skywalker, would remain with Vader. The psychological wounds were just as deep as the physical ones and took a significant toll on his psyche. As he lingered in a perpetual state of anguish, his actions and decisions were often guided by a resolute anger.

Long-Term Health and Weaknesses

Healthwise, the injuries sustained in the Mustafar battle continued to impact Vader, necessitating a reliance on his mechanical suit for breathing. This reliance was highlighted during an encounter on the planet Byss, where a padawan, Antinnis Tremayne, took advantage of Vader's vulnerability by disabling his respirator. Despite his strength and the power of the Dark Side, Vader's weakened state due to his injuries made him vulnerable to these kinds of strategic attacks.

Life of Suffering and Anger

The Emperor's deliberate decision to withhold full healing of Vader’s injuries appears to have served a larger strategic purpose. By keeping him in a state of constant pain and suffering, the Emperor manipulated Vader's anger and diminished his potential. However, this constant state of physiological and psychological turmoil ensured that Vader's emotions, particularly his rage, were channeled into a relentless pursuit of power and control.

Conclusion

The journey of recovery for Darth Vader after his battle with Obi-Wan was far from simple or straightforward. It required a constant balance between physical rehabilitation, psychological healing, and the unyielding grip of his past traumas. Yet, it was this ongoing struggle that shaped his identity as the iconic villain of the Star Wars saga, making him a character of profound complexity and enduring fascination.