Key Highlights
- A key revelation from Adam Christopher’s “Master of Evil” explains why Emperor Palpatine was so diminished in The Rise of Skywalker.
- The Sith Rule of Two states that an apprentice is the key to a Sith Lord’s power, with the master using the apprentice’s anger and fear as fuel.
- Palpatine’s manipulation of Ben Solo into falling to the dark side did not result in another Sith apprentice, indicating he feared another betrayal.
- The Force Dyad between Rey and Kylo Ren was a significant factor that made Palpatine seek Rey’s help to possess her body using essence transfer.
The Power Dynamics of the Sith Rule of Two
Star Wars has long been known for its intricate lore, but recent revelations from Adam Christopher’s “Master of Evil” have shed new light on a fundamental aspect of Sith philosophy. According to this novel, a key to understanding Emperor Palpatine’s diminished state lies in the Sith Rule of Two, which posits that an apprentice is the fuel for a Sith Lord’s power. This rule explains why Palpatine was so desperate to possess Rey and how he managed to maintain his influence even after being resurrected on Exegol.
The Rule of Two: A Sith Lord’s Apprentice as Fuel
Christopher’s novel reveals that in the Sith tradition, a master uses an apprentice’s anger and fear as their source of power. The apprentice’s lust for power drives the master to greater heights, but when the apprentice eventually turns against them, it leaves the master without their primary fuel. In “Master of Evil,” Darth Vader enters a dark side vergence where he learns this truth, emphasizing that “The power of the dark side is the truth, but it is not a truth to be shared.” This insight helps explain why Palpatine was so weakened in The Rise of Skywalker; without an apprentice to fuel his power, he became vulnerable.
Palpatine’s Approach After Anakin’s Betrayal
After Darth Vader turned on his master and redeemed himself as Anakin Skywalker, the Sith Rule of Two was fundamentally broken. This revelation suggests that Palpatine never dared to train another apprentice after this pivotal moment. His manipulation of Ben Solo into falling to the dark side did not result in a full-blown Sith apprentice, indicating his fear of repeating the same betrayal. Instead, he sought other ways to maintain his power, such as seeking Rey’s help through essence transfer.
The Force Dyad and Essence Transfer
Palpatine’s desperation for another fuel source led him to seek Rey’s help. The novel “Master of Evil” explains that Palpatine could not simply possess Darth Vader or Luke in Return of the Jedi because their deaths did not instill hatred in them, which is required for essence transfer. However, Rey’s anger and determination made her a viable candidate. This technique allowed Palpatine to possess her body, though it was ultimately unsuccessful as Rey resisted his attempts.
The Importance of Anakin’s Redemption
Anakin Skywalker’s redemption not only changed the Force but also fundamentally altered the power dynamics within the Sith Order. The act of redemption broke the Rule of Two and left Palpatine without a reliable source of power. This explains why he was so diminished in The Rise of Skywalker, unable to simply pick up where he had left off after his original death.
Rey’s potential as a powerful Force user made her the one person who could stop him again, highlighting the significance of Anakin’s ultimate sacrifice.
“Master of Evil” repositions Palpatine and the Sith Order in a new light, underscoring the importance of Anakin Skywalker’s redemption and its long-lasting impact on the galaxy. This novel provides a deeper understanding of the complex power dynamics within the Star Wars universe, enriching our appreciation for the series’ intricate lore.
