I know this has been discussed ad nauseum and I searched a few times but couldn't find much. This just randomly popped into my head today after not thinking about it for a long time.
So, everyone who's connected in the galaxy must know the name Anakin Skywalker. Jedi Knight, war hero, etc. Anakin turns, kills Jedi, and becomes Vader. Of course Obi-Wan tells Luke that his father was killed in the Clone Wars.
Then I wonder what people around the galaxy think. Do they know Anakin became Vader? Did Obi-Wan and Yoda successfully cover up Anakin's turn to the dark side? If so, how would Vader's origin be explained to people who don't think/know he is Anakin?
I think I read one rationalization that Skywalker is a common name and people would have no reason to connect Luke to Anakin. Still, I can't wrap my head around it. If there was even a smidgen of knowledge that Anakin became Vader, it seems implausible that news wouldn't spread and eventually reach Luke one day.
If nobody really knew Anakin became Vader, how would Vader's rise to power be explained around the galaxy? Did people just think he was some hired goon who was working for the Emperor?
Dammit, I haven't thought about this kind of SW stuff in quite some time. I haven't followed any EU things (Clone Wars, comics, books, games, etc.) since before ROTS came out.
I guess I'm just wondering what is the fanbase consensus on this?