The Rule of Two in Star Wars: An Analysis of Sith Apprenticeship
The Rule of Two in Star Wars: An Analysis of Sith Apprenticeship
The rule of two has been a cornerstone of the Sith Order in the Star Wars universe, where only a master and an apprentice are allowed to exist. However, several instances in the films and novels have shown that this rule is often more of a suggestion than a strict guideline. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of Sith apprenticeship, exploring the saga of Darth Plagueis and Darth Sidious, and why the rule of two may not be as inviolable as it appears.
The End of Darth Plagueis and the Beginning of Darth Sidious
The rule of two is often violated, as evidenced by the fate of Darth Plagueis and the rise of Darth Sidious. In the events leading up to Episode I: The Phantom Menace, Darth Plagueis, a powerful Sith Lord, was killed by Darth Sidious, who later became Emperor Palpatine. Despite this apparent violation of the rule of two, it is important to consider the timeline and circumstances leading up to this event.
According to canon, Palpatine was elected Supreme Chancellor in 22 BBY, long after the death of Darth Plagueis. This timeline suggests that Plagueis was not alive during the events of Episode I, making the rule of two irrelevant in this context. Furthermore, the emergency powers granted to Palpatine in 22 BBY would have required Plagueis to be dead for these powers to be effective, as he would have vetoed them.
Count Dooku's Perspective on the Rule of Two
Count Dooku, often referred to as Darth Tython, offers a unique perspective on the rule of two. In the novelization of Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, it is mentioned that Dooku did not fully subscribe to the rule of two, as evidenced by his actions in the prequel trilogy. Dooku’s character, however, is complex, as he is not an apprentice to Plagueis or Sidious but an individual who sought to mediate the conflict between the Jedi and the Sith.
In the Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition novel, it is revealed that Dooku's choice to side with Palpatine (Darth Sidious) was based on a deeper understanding of the Sith Order, which shifted from the rule of two to a more strategic approach.
The Sith's Violation of Their Own Rules
The Sith have a history of breaking their own rules, with the most notable example being Darth Bane, who established the rule of two but ultimately broke it himself. In his final battle, Bane defied his own rule by sacrificing himself to save his apprentice, Zannah, from the Jedi. This act demonstrated that the Sith, despite advocating for the rule of two, are often more interested in achieving their goals than adhering to their own guidelines.
Other examples include Darth Plagueis, who trained another apprentice without adhering to the rule of two. His actions highlighted the futility of strict adherence to the rule, as it did little to prevent the Sith from accumulating power and influencing the galaxy.
The Sith's tendency to violate their own rules can be attributed to their manipulative nature and their unrelenting pursuit of power. They are often more willing to bend or break their own guidelines to achieve their objectives, as exemplified by Bane and Plagueis.
The Jedi vs. Sith: Discipline and Power
The Jedi, on the other hand, are known for their unwavering adherence to their code and teachings. While the Sith may claim that the rule of two makes them more powerful, the Jedi's strict discipline and unity have allowed them to maintain a balance and resist the temptations of the dark side.
While the Sith may have a more powerful rule, their constant backstabbing and betrayal suggest that they are far from invincible. The Jedi's adherence to their code, while often viewed as rigid, has allowed them to maintain stability in the galaxy despite the power and influence of the Sith.
However, the Sith's bending of the rule of two may have led to their eventual downfall, as it created a power imbalance and allowed individuals like Yoda and the Jedi to make crucial decisions that ultimately led to the collapse of the Sith Order.
The rule of two, while a powerful concept in the Sith Order, is more of a guideline than a strict law. The Sith's violations of this rule highlight their manipulative nature and their quest for power, which often leads to their downfall.
Understanding the rule of two in the context of Star Wars provides insight into the complexities of the Sith Order and the Jedi. While the Sith may claim that the rule of two makes them more powerful, the Jedi's adherence to their code demonstrates that discipline and unity can be just as powerful, if not more so.