The True Sith Lord: Beyond Kylo Ren

Often, discussions around the Sith Lords in the Star Wars universe refer to Kylo Ren as the reigning Sith. But, is Kylo Ren indeed the Sith Lord we know after Darth Sidious and Darth Bane’s rule? Let's unravel the complexities surrounding this question.

The Rule of Two and Sith Mastery

The Sith, in the Star Wars lore, adhere to a strict rule known as the "Rule of Two." This doctrine is enforced by Darth Bane, one of the most significant figures in Sith history. According to the Rule of Two, only a Sith master is allowed to name another Sith, and an apprentice can ascend to the rank of master only through the execution of their previous master in the name of the dark side.

Kylo Ren: A Complex Character

Kylo Ren, the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, briefly served under Supreme Leader Snoke before becoming the next Darth Vader. Despite his connection to the dark side and his affiliation with the Knights of Ren, Kylo Ren does not fully meet the criteria to be considered a Sith Lord by the Rule of Two. He has not been appointed by a current Sith master and has not executed his master in the dark side's name. Thus, his Sith status is seen more as a temporary alliance rather than a permanent one.

The Death of Darth Sidious and Darth Vader

When Darth Sidious used his death trap on the Death Star, he escaped from the physical body to the Mortis realm. Although he managed to survive this endeavor, he needed a vessel to manifest in the physical world. Meanwhile, Darth Vader, having already died and taken the mantle of Darth Sidious, left no legal heirs in the Sith order following his death on the Jedi Temple. Therefore, the Sith lineage was virtually non-existent post-Vader and Sidious.

The Significance of Darth Bane

Darth Bane implemented the Rule of Two to maintain the Sith's long-term survival in the face of galaxy-wide collapse. Before Bane, the Sith were numerous and were in a constant state of civil war. Bane’s legacy ensures that there is always a balance of power between the Sith master and their apprentice, and this is why Kylo Ren, having not fulfilled the Rule of Two, cannot claim the mantle of a true Sith Lord in the traditional sense.

Conclusion

In the Star Wars universe, the title of Sith Lord is not only a matter of lineage but also a matter of adherence to the strict Rule of Two. Kylo Ren’s character, although dark and ominous, still falls short of the criteria required to be a true Sith Lord due to the rule set by Darth Bane. The Sith legacy, as we know it, is not without its complexities, and understanding the Rule of Two is crucial to grasping the true scope of Sith power within the galaxy.