The evil sect ofStar Warsvillains known as theSithare a dangerous group of dark side users that have battled the Jedi and their light side associates for centuries, with their drive to become the ultimate power in the galaxy trumped by their unrelenting will never to die. And in a Star Wars comic from almost three decades ago, it wasrevealed exactly why Sith, likeEmperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious, try their hardest to stay alive indefinitely.
Having a thousand-year-plus history that dovetails with the Jedi’s differing beliefs and utilization of the Force, the Sith are constantly seeking the means to acquire immortality, with thedark tale of Darth Plagueis, in particular, influencing Palpatine’s desire to live forever — a feat made possible thanks to his personal cloning program.
In the now non-canon but still incredibly influential story featured in 1995’sStar Wars: Empire’s End #1,Palpatine is forced to reflect on what the afterlife means fora member of the Sith, with it being revealed that the experience is “to live forever like an open wound.”
The Sith Afterlife Is Like Living as an “Open Wound,” Something Palpatine Wants To Avoid at All Costs
Star Wars: Empire’s End #1- 1995 (Tom Veitch and Jim Baikie)
A horrifying detail revealed when Palpatine,in a deteriorating clone body, is told to calm himself after a botched attempt at destroying Luke Skywalker sends him off the deep end, Palpatine is reminded by his lackey that “calmness can lengthen the life span of the clone,” with the narration clarifying how Palpatine doesn’t “relish the prospect of death without reincarnation.” Explaining how“…disembodiment in the dark side is perpetual madness… as if to live forever like an open wound, experiencing terror without respite,” this description of the Sith’s afterlife is noted as something Palpatine wants to postpone “at all costs."
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Redefining Palpatine and the Sith’s unwillingness to die, this Legends story turns Palpatine’s conquest of the galaxy into a far more desperate attempt to avoid infinite pain and disembodiment, with the idea of him dying and going to Chaos, a dark region of the Netherworld of the Force that acts as Hell in Legends lore, all the more reason to keep breathing. Unable to rule the galaxy if he’s dead before it can happen,the idea of Palpatine trying to extend his years well past his expiration date eventuallymade its way into Star Wars canon, for better or worse.
Palpatine’s Drive to Never Die Makes Sense Knowing His History as a Sith Lord
Seemingly killed during the climax ofStar Wars: Return of the Jedi, Palpatine — utilizing a similar cloning backup plan — cheated death inStar Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, showing just how prescient this Legends comic moment was, withPalpatine’s fear of the afterlife giving fans a far better perspective on his movie counterpart’s actions. While it’s true the reception of this plot point wasn’t exactly celebrated when revealed, the idea behind aSith— specificallyEmperor Palpatine— never wanting to pass on because of what their afterlife is like is a reasonable but still entirely deserving detail inStar Warslore.
Star Wars: Empire’s End #1is available from Dark Horse Comics/Marvel Comics.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
The senator for Naboo, Palpatine rose to power and influence during the dying days of the Republic. In reality, his public persona was just a mask; he was really Darth Sidious, greatest of the Sith Lords, and he used his political skills and Machiavellian cunning to bring down both the Republic and the Jedi. Palpatine ruled his Galactic Empire for decades, until he was betrayed by his apprentice, Darth Vader. Even this wasn’t enough to stop the Emperor, however, as he was resurrected by his followers - only to be defeated once again.
