Darth Bane is a monumental figure in the Star Wars universe, responsible for the survival of the Sith through some of the most critical and dark moments in their history. Known for creating the Rule of Two, Bane ensured the continuity of the Sith by focusing their strength and ambition on a single master and apprentice at any given time. But who exactly was Darth Bane, and how did this Sith Lord come to reshape the very structure of the Sith Order?
Origins and Path to the Dark Side
Born on the desolate mining planet of Apatros, Bane grew up as Dessel, the son of a miner. Life on Apatros was harsh, and Dessel learned to survive in a world of violence and brutality. Dessel’s Force sensitivity was strong, and those who crossed him often met unfortunate ends due to the power within. This raw strength eventually caught the attention of the Sith, who were always on the lookout for potential candidates to join their ranks. Dessel was recruited into the Sith Brotherhood of Darkness, led by Lord Kaan, and trained at the Sith Academy on Korriban.
During the time of the Brotherhood, the Sith Order was vast and chaotic, with many members vying for power. Bane, however, grew disillusioned with the infighting and the flawed leadership of Lord Kaan, who preferred unity among the Sith rather than their traditional path of conquest through strength. This internal chaos led to Bane’s belief that the Sith were doomed to fail unless drastic measures were taken.
The Rule of Two: Reshaping the Sith Order
Bane’s epiphany came after studying the ancient texts of Darth Revan, an even older and legendary Sith Lord. Realizing that the Sith’s power was diluted by the sheer number of individuals in the Brotherhood, Bane developed a philosophy that would change the Sith forever: The Rule of Two. This rule dictated that there would only ever be two Sith at any time—one master and one apprentice. This would ensure that the apprentice would eventually grow strong enough to challenge and overthrow the master, keeping the Sith Order sharp and powerful.
Bane’s vision led him to destroy the Brotherhood of Darkness, culminating in the devastating thought bomb on Ruusan. This dark side technique annihilated both the Sith and Jedi forces present, wiping out the chaotic remnants of Kaan’s Brotherhood and ensuring that Bane’s new order could rise from the ashes.
With the Brotherhood gone, Bane stood as the sole surviving Sith and set about finding an apprentice who could carry on the tradition. The Sith would now work in the shadows, manipulating events from behind the scenes until they were ready to strike at the Jedi and the Republic once more.
The Training of Darth Zannah
Bane’s philosophy required a worthy apprentice, and that apprentice came in the form of a young girl named Zannah. Zannah’s potential in the dark side was undeniable, and Bane took her under his wing, training her in the ways of the Sith. The relationship between master and apprentice in the Sith Order was built on mutual ambition and the knowledge that one day, the apprentice would attempt to overthrow the master.
Bane trained Zannah to be powerful enough to one day kill him, and Zannah grew into one of the most formidable Sith in history. Under Bane’s tutelage, Zannah mastered the use of Sith sorcery, a rare and dangerous skill that further solidified her power.
As the Rule of Two dictated, Zannah would eventually challenge Bane for the mantle of Dark Lord of the Sith. Their climactic battle determined the future of the Sith, and while sources conflict on the outcome, Zannah ultimately succeeded, ensuring the continued survival of the Sith and their secret plot to overthrow the Jedi.
Legacy and Impact on the Sith Order
Darth Bane’s legacy lived on long after his death. The Rule of Two created a streamlined and efficient Sith Order, one that avoided the infighting and self-destruction that had plagued the Brotherhood of Darkness. By keeping the Sith hidden and concentrated in power, Bane’s doctrine allowed them to slowly work toward the destruction of the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic.
Generations later, the Sith would rise again under the leadership of Darth Sidious, who followed the Rule of Two to the letter. The culmination of Bane’s vision came when Sidious manipulated the Clone Wars and brought about the fall of the Jedi, establishing the Sith-led Galactic Empire.
Though Bane’s methods were ruthless and his vision uncompromising, there is no denying the profound impact he had on the Sith. Without Bane, it is likely the Sith would have continued to weaken through internal strife, making their eventual triumph over the Jedi impossible.
Lightsaber and Armor
Bane was known for wielding a red-bladed lightsaber, as was the tradition among the Sith. His skill in lightsaber combat was formidable, often relying on sheer power and aggression to overwhelm his enemies. However, what truly made Bane dangerous was his mastery of Sith techniques and strategies. Bane also utilized ancient Sith armor, which offered protection in battle and further enhanced his connection to the dark side of the Force.
The Sith armor Bane wore was not just a relic from the past but a tool of empowerment. Infused with the dark side, this armor made Bane nearly invulnerable to physical attacks and allowed him to channel pain and suffering into strength. This enhanced his ability to endure in combat and made Bane a terrifying opponent on the battlefield.
Bane’s Influence on the Future Sith Lords
Darth Bane’s influence over the Sith extended far beyond his lifetime. His Rule of Two became the cornerstone of Sith philosophy for a thousand years, shaping the course of Sith history. Lords such as Darth Plagueis, Darth Sidious, and Darth Vader would all operate within the framework that Bane established. This continuity ensured that the Sith always remained a threat, even when they were believed to be extinct by the Jedi.
Even in death, Bane’s teachings influenced future Sith Lords through the Holocron he left behind. This device contained vast knowledge of the dark side and the philosophy that Bane had honed during his lifetime. The holocron became a source of power and guidance for those who followed in his footsteps, ensuring that Bane’s wisdom was never lost to time.
