Why Did Exar Kun Not Adopt the Title of Darth?

Exar Kun, a prominent figure in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, did not adopt the title of Darth. This decision can be attributed to several factors, including the historical context, his own identity and legacy, as well as philosophical and cultural reasons. Let's delve deeper into these aspects to understand why Exar Kun preferred a unique title over the Sith designation of Darth.

Historical Context

Exar Kun was an active Sith who thrived during a period when the Empire was less structured than it would become in later eras. The title "Darth" was not widely recognized or used during Kun's era. Porphyry Rudor, a historian from the Mandalorian areas, noted that the Sith Empire was not known to the galaxy, and the term 'Darth' was not in circulation at the time.

Exar Kun had no ties to the old Sith Empire, which was first revealed in the Great Hyperspace War in the Empress Teta system, long after his own rise to power. He likely did not assume the title of Darth because he had no prior knowledge of its existence or significance.

Identity and Legacy

Exar Kun sought to establish a unique identity and legacy distinct from the more structured Sith traditions. As a powerful Jedi who turned to the dark side, he wanted to assert his dominance in a way that reflected his own approach to power and the Force. This independent spirit is evident in his choice of a unique title, distinct from the structured Sith hierarchy.

Philosophical Differences

The title 'Darth' was associated with the hierarchical structure of the Sith, which Kun found wanting. Exar Kun's philosophy was more aligned with the idea of individual power and knowledge, rather than adhering to a strict Sith hierarchy. This divergence in philosophy from the typical Sith practices may have influenced his decision to avoid the title.

Cultural Significance

The title 'Darth' held cultural significance within the Sith to denote a high rank or an elite membership. However, Exar Kun may have felt that the title did not fully capture the essence of his identity or the unique path he took. He preferred to establish his own identity, free from the constraints of the pre-existing cultural symbols and titles.

Retcon and Lore Evolution

More recent editions of the Star Wars lore have established that the title 'Darth' was not in use during Exar Kun's time. The title gained significance with the prequel trilogy, where it was first used for characters like Darth Sidious and Darth Vader. Before this, Sith characters such as Marka Ragnos, Ajunta Pall, Ludo Kress, and Exar Kun used their real names or aliases, indicating a different cultural context for Sith in earlier times.

Exar Kun did not follow a practice that did not exist in the comics and other media until the prequel trilogy was introduced. His decision not to adopt the title 'Darth' was a reflection of the cultural and historical context of his era. It highlights the evolution of Sith lore and the changing dynamics of the Force within the Star Wars universe.

In conclusion, Exar Kun's refusal to adopt the title of Darth can be attributed to a combination of historical context, personal identity, philosophical differences, and cultural significance. His unique approach to the dark side and the Force allowed him to establish his legacy independently, free from the constraints imposed by the Sith title.