Gar Saxon, voiced by Ray Stevenson in Star Wars Rebels and The Clone Wars, is a Mandalorian whose story is deeply intertwined with the rise of the Empire and the internal conflicts of Mandalore. As a fiercely loyal enforcer of the Empire, Saxon played a pivotal role in shaping the future of his people, serving the Emperor and leading Mandalore into a dark chapter under Imperial control. His life is a reflection of the Mandalorians’ struggles for power, honor, and survival.
Early Life and Rise to Power
Gar Saxon was born on Mandalore, a planet known for its warrior culture and proud traditions. The earliest years are not well-documented, but Gar Saxon first came into prominence during the Clone Wars, fighting for the Shadow Collective. This was an alliance led by the former Sith Lord Darth Maul. Saxon, along with his fellow Mandalorian warriors, fought under Maul’s banner after Maul seized control of Mandalore, overthrowing the previous leadership.
Saxon was a member of the elite group known as Maul’s Super Commandos. This group consisted of Mandalorians who painted their armor to reflect their loyalty to Darth Maul, adopting the red and black colors symbolic of the Sith Lord. Throughout Maul’s rule, Gar Saxon became a key figure, fighting in numerous battles to maintain Maul’s grip on power.
Loyal to the Empire
After the fall of Darth Maul and the end of the Clone Wars, Saxon’s allegiances shifted. When the Galactic Empire took control of the galaxy, Saxon pledged his loyalty to the new regime. Emperor Palpatine saw potential in Mandalore and needed a strong leader to govern the warrior planet. Gar Saxon was chosen as the Imperial Viceroy of Mandalore. In this position, Saxon enforced Imperial rule with an iron fist, suppressing any resistance from his fellow Mandalorians.
Saxon’s role as Viceroy earned him both fear and resentment among Mandalorians. The Mandalorian people, who once prided themselves on their independence and warrior spirit, were now being subjugated under Imperial control. Gar Saxon believed that siding with the Empire would bring stability and order to Mandalore, but many Mandalorians viewed him as a traitor to their way of life.
Conflict with Clan Wren
Gar Saxon’s tenure as Imperial Viceroy was marked by constant tension with Mandalorian clans who opposed Imperial rule. The most notable conflict arose with Clan Wren, led by Ursa Wren. Clan Wren was part of the Rebel Alliance, actively resisting the Empire’s grip on Mandalore. This rebellion culminated in several key confrontations between Saxon’s forces and Clan Wren, including a battle over the Darksaber, a legendary weapon in Mandalorian culture.
The Darksaber was a symbol of leadership, and whoever wielded it was seen as the rightful ruler of Mandalore. Gar Saxon sought to claim this weapon for himself, believing that its power would solidify his rule over Mandalore. However, the Darksaber was stolen by Sabine Wren, Ursa Wren’s daughter, and a pivotal figure in the fight against the Empire. Sabine’s actions sparked further unrest, and her eventual victory over Saxon marked a turning point in Mandalorian resistance.
Duel with Sabine Wren
The most dramatic moment in Gar Saxon’s story came when Sabine Wren challenged Saxon for the Darksaber. This duel was more than just a battle for a weapon—it was a fight for the future of Mandalore. Gar Saxon, fully armored and wielding his own weaponry, fought fiercely, but Sabine’s determination and skills ultimately bested him. Though Sabine initially spared Saxon’s life, the warrior’s fate was sealed by his own refusal to surrender.
Gar Saxon’s defeat was a symbolic end to his reign of terror. Although a warrior at heart, Saxon’s loyalty to the Empire blinded him to the suffering of his own people, and his downfall was inevitable.
Legacy and Impact on Mandalore
Gar Saxon’s legacy is one of division. To some, Saxon was a traitor who betrayed the proud traditions of Mandalore for personal power. By aligning with the Empire, Saxon brought shame to Mandalorian culture, which had always valued independence and strength. Under his rule, Mandalore became a vassal of the Empire, losing much of its autonomy and falling into a period of oppression.
However, Saxon’s actions also left a lasting impact on Mandalore’s political landscape. The divisions he created between Mandalorian clans—those who supported Imperial rule and those who resisted—would continue to shape Mandalore’s future for years to come. Even after his death, the effects of Saxon’s decisions could be felt in the power struggles that followed.
The Role of the Darksaber
Throughout Saxon’s story, the Darksaber plays a crucial role. This unique weapon is not just a lightsaber—it is a symbol of authority among the Mandalorians. Created by the first Mandalorian Jedi, Tarre Vizsla, the Darksaber represents leadership and the unification of the Mandalorian people. Saxon’s pursuit of the Darksaber was a clear indication of his desire to cement his control over Mandalore and the Mandalorian people.
Yet, the Darksaber slipped from his grasp, first into the hands of Sabine Wren and later into the hands of others who would seek to restore Mandalore’s glory. Gar Saxon’s failure to secure the Darksaber reflected his inability to truly unite Mandalore under his rule.
