Taron Malicos, portrayed by actor Liam McIntyre, is a character in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, whose journey reflects the tragic fall of many Jedi during the collapse of the Galactic Republic. Once a Jedi Knight, Malicos’ story takes a dark turn as war and desperation lead to his corruption by the Dark Side. Malicos plays a key role in Fallen Order, confronting the game’s protagonist, Cal Kestis, and serving as a stark example of the temptations that face even the most disciplined Jedi.
The Clone Wars and Fall of the Jedi
Taron Malicos, a formidable Jedi Knight, fought in the Clone Wars, a galaxy-wide conflict that consumed the Jedi Order. Malicos, like many Jedi, was thrust into the role of a general, leading clone troopers into battle. The constant exposure to war, death, and suffering took its toll, challenging the core tenets of the Jedi Code. During the final stages of the Clone Wars, Malicos’ fate took a dramatic turn with the execution of Order 66, the secret directive from Emperor Palpatine that resulted in the extermination of the Jedi.
Following the order, Malicos fled, managing to escape the massacre that claimed the lives of so many Jedi. Stranded, isolated, and disillusioned by the betrayal of the Republic he once fought for, Malicos crash-landed on the remote planet of Dathomir. This planet, steeped in dark energy and home to the Nightsisters, became the setting for Malicos’ descent into the Dark Side.
The Corruption on Dathomir
Dathomir, infamous for its strong connection to the Dark Side of the Force, had long been a place of power for the Nightsisters, a matriarchal group skilled in dark magicks. Upon arriving on the planet, Malicos encountered the remnants of this once-powerful order. He was drawn to the planet’s corrupting energy, which began to twist his mind. The years of isolation and the overwhelming presence of the Dark Side eroded his commitment to the Jedi path.
Rather than resist the seductive call of the Dark Side, Malicos embraced it, abandoning the Jedi Order’s philosophy. Viewing Dathomir as an opportunity to rise in power, Malicos sought to master the planet’s dark magicks and become its ruler. He manipulated and deceived the local inhabitants, particularly Merrin, one of the last surviving Nightsisters, hoping to use their ancient knowledge to consolidate his control over Dathomir.
Confrontation with Cal Kestis
When Cal Kestis, the protagonist of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, arrives on Dathomir, Malicos recognizes the young Jedi’s potential. Initially, Malicos attempts to persuade Kestis to join him, arguing that the Jedi Order is a relic of the past and that true strength lies in the power offered by the Dark Side. This manipulation is a classic tactic of fallen Jedi, echoing the strategies of Sith Lords who sought to turn others to their cause.
Malicos wields a pair of red lightsabers, a clear sign of his fall to the Dark Side. These sabers, standard for those who have embraced the Sith, symbolize Malicos’ complete abandonment of the Jedi ways. Malicos’ lightsaber combat is aggressive and dominated by Form V: Djem So, rather than the earlier assumption of Form II: Makashi. Form V is known for its strong, powerful strikes and relentless counterattacks, making it well-suited for overwhelming opponents in battle. Though Malicos may have studied Form VI: Niman as part of his Jedi training, a balanced form that integrates Force abilities with lightsaber combat, his fall to the Dark Side pushed him toward the aggressive techniques of Djem So.
Despite Malicos’ arguments, Cal Kestis refuses to be swayed by the former Jedi’s rhetoric. The two engage in a fierce battle, with Kestis ultimately defeating Malicos, aided by Merrin. Malicos’ downfall serves as a reminder of the dangers of power unchecked by morality, a common theme in the Star Wars universe.
Lightsaber Form and Combat Style
Taron Malicos was initially a practitioner of Form VI: Niman, a balanced lightsaber form that combines elements of all other lightsaber forms and integrates the use of the Force. Niman is practical for Jedi who often face multiple opponents or find themselves in varied combat situations. However, after his fall to the Dark Side on Dathomir, Malicos shifted to the much more aggressive Form V: Djem So. This form focuses on overpowering opponents with strong, offensive strikes while maintaining a solid defense, making it well-suited to Malicos’ new reliance on strength and power. His use of Djem So reflected his new philosophy of dominance through strength, rejecting the balance and restraint taught in Niman.
In battle, Malicos demonstrated a ruthless efficiency, using powerful strikes and aggressive maneuvers to overpower opponents. His mastery of the Dark Side gave him enhanced strength and the ability to manipulate the Force in destructive ways, such as summoning debris and launching Force attacks. The intensity of his combat mirrored the internal chaos and corruption that had consumed him.
Legacy of Taron Malicos
Malicos’ story highlights the tragic fate that often befalls Jedi who stray too far from the teachings of the Light. His fall echoes the stories of other Jedi who, when faced with the horrors of war and the collapse of the Republic, turned to the Dark Side in search of power or survival. In many ways, Malicos’ journey mirrors that of Anakin Skywalker, though on a smaller scale. Both were once promising Jedi who became consumed by the Dark Side, believing that it offered the strength needed to achieve their goals.
While Malicos was ultimately defeated, his presence on Dathomir left a mark. The planet, already steeped in darkness, became even more dangerous with Malicos’ influence. The story of Malicos serves as a cautionary tale for other Jedi, a reminder of the temptations that come with power and the importance of remaining steadfast in the Light, even in the darkest times.
Malicos’ legacy is that of a fallen Jedi whose lust for power and control led to destruction. The corruption on Dathomir claimed yet another victim, reinforcing the idea that the Dark Side is an ever-present threat to those who are not vigilant. For Cal Kestis, the defeat of Malicos was not just a victory in battle but a lesson in the dangers of straying from the Jedi path.
Taron Malicos remains a significant figure in the lore of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, serving as a pivotal antagonist in Cal Kestis’ journey and a powerful example of the dangers that lie within the Dark Side of the Force.
