Key Highlights
- The new novel “Star Wars: Master of Evil” sheds light on why Emperor Palpatine was weakened in Episode IX.
- Palpatine’s weakened state is attributed to the loss of Darth Vader, breaking the Rule of Two and leaving him without his apprentice’s power.
- Rey’s Force Dyad with Kylo Ren allowed Palpatine to regain some strength but the villain’s return remains controversial among fans.
- The novel provides insight into Palpatine’s complex relationship with Anakin Skywalker, emphasizing the importance of the Sith master-apprentice dynamic.
Revisiting Emperor Palpatine in “The Rise of Skywalker”
In 2019, when The Rise of Skywalker concluded the Star Wars saga, fans were left with a puzzling revelation: the resurrected Emperor Palpatine appeared significantly weakened. The film offered vague explanations, leading to much speculation and debate among the fan community.
Palpatine’s Condition Explained
A new canon novel, Star Wars: Master of Evil, authored by Adam Christopher, delves into the reasons behind Emperor Palpatine’s diminished state. According to the excerpt from the book, Palpatine’s strength was heavily dependent on his apprentice, Darth Vader. The text states:
“The power of the dark side is the truth, but it is not a truth to be shared.
Its secrets are to be gathered, hoarded, kept for the self. That is how it is meant to be. The master’s strength and power come from the anger and fear of his apprentice.
The master uses that power, absorbing the resentment, fueling the fire, focusing his power and his grip on the dark side. It is the apprentice that makes the master, not the master the apprentice.”
This passage highlights the symbiotic relationship between Palpatine and Vader, emphasizing how the Sith Lord’s presence was crucial to maintaining the Emperor’s power.
The Rule of Two and Its Impact
The novel explains that when Anakin turned on his master, breaking the Sith’s “Rule of Two,” it significantly weakened Palpatine. This concept, which has been a cornerstone in Star Wars lore since the prequels, was further complicated by the fact that Snoke may have been another failed clone or an entity from elsewhere.
According to Christopher’s narrative, Palpatine’s reliance on Vader as his apprentice made him vulnerable when the former Jedi turned. Without this powerful ally, Palpatine found himself in a weakened state, necessitating his resurrection through a clone body and the use of Rey and Kylo Ren’s Force Dyad.
Implications for Future Storylines
The return of Emperor Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker remains a contentious issue among fans. Some argue that it undid much of what Anakin and Luke had accomplished, while others see it as a necessary step to complete the saga. The novel suggests that Rey’s connection with Kylo Ren allowed Palpatine to regain some of his lost strength, but questions remain about the long-term implications for the Sith Order.
As the Star Wars universe expands beyond The Rise of Skywalker, fans and critics alike will continue to debate the significance of Emperor Palpatine’s return. The new novel not only provides a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations but also raises intriguing questions about the nature of power, loyalty, and redemption within the galaxy far, far away.
