The Sith and Their Unhidden Affiliations: A Closer Look at Darth Vader and the Rule of Two

One of the intriguing aspects of the Star Wars universe is the concept of Sith. Unlike many of the characters in the story, Sith are often cloaked in mystery and seclusion. However, the narrative of Darth Vader and the Rule of Two challenges this notion. In this article, we will explore why Darth Vader, despite being a Sith, did not need to hide his affiliations and how the Rule of Two influenced this behavior.

The Myth of Hiding: Sith in Star Wars

Contrary to popular belief, Sith do not always hide their true natures. In the Star Wars saga, Darth Sidious (Palpatine) was initially shrouded in mystery, only revealing his true form once he had consolidated his power. This is not always the case, as evidenced by the character of Darth Vader.

Some characters in the Star Wars canon actively sought to maintain secrecy about their Sith affiliations for various reasons. For example, Sith were once bound by the Rule of Two, which stipulated that there should only be two Sith at a time: a master and an apprentice. This rule implied a need for secrecy, as the Sith’s power could be threatened if too many individuals knew about their practices.

The Rule of Two and Darth Sidious

Darth Sidious, the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic, rarely used his Sith name. Instead, he referred to himself as Palpatine. This behavior aligns with his desire to hide his true nature until he had the power to manipulate and control the galaxy. However, this is a departure from the original plan of the Rule of Two, which was to keep Sith affiliation hidden through careful secrecy.

The Shift in Darth Vader’s Behavior

By the time of the original trilogy, Darth Vader does not display the same level of secrecy that his master, Darth Sidious, does. This shift is particularly evident in a key scene from Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. When Vader declares, “the Death Star with its 'ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force,'” and is challenged by Han Solo with, “Don’t try to frighten us with your sorcerer's ways, Lord Vader. Your sad devotion to that ancient religion has not helped you…”

This confrontation reveals that Vader does not fear or attempt to hide his Sith affiliation. In fact, he expects his allies to be in awe of the Force and to understand the full extent of his power. This attitude is further demonstrated by Anakin's lack of scheming during the sequels. Unlike Palpatine, Anakin (Darth Vader) appears more straightforward and direct in his interactions, which suggests he did not need to hide his true self or his Sith identity.

The Rule of Two and Darth Vader's Affiliation

The Rule of Two implies that Darth Vader's affiliation with the Sith was known throughout the galaxy. By the time of the original trilogy, Vader has no need to hide his Sith identity, as it is no longer a threat to his position of power. Furthermore, the nature of Sith affiliation is such that it is not something one would naturally want to hide. The suppression of power and the use of deception are traits inherent to the Sith's philosophy, and Vader, who follows this path, does not seek to hide his true self.

Therefore, the fact that Darth Vader is seen openly displaying his Sith power and affiliation in the original trilogy is consistent with the values and characteristics of Sith. It challenges the notion that Sith must always remain hidden and provides a deeper understanding of the complex nature of the Star Wars universe.

Conclusion

The Star Wars saga is rich with themes of power, identity, and the complexity of personal and political alliances. The behavior of characters like Darth Vader and the workings of the Rule of Two are key elements that shape the narrative. By understanding these aspects, we gain a greater appreciation for the depth and detail of the Star Wars universe.