The Sith Eternal

The Sith Eternal is a secretive and powerful organization introduced in “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” This clandestine cult is dedicated to the resurrection and perpetuation of the Sith Order, operating from the shadows to restore the Sith to their former glory. The Sith Eternal plays a crucial role in the final installment of the Skywalker saga, revealing deep connections to the legacy of Emperor Palpatine and the dark side of the Force.

Origins and Philosophy

Origins: The Sith Eternal originates from the remnants of the Sith Order and the dark side adherents who survived the fall of the Galactic Empire. Following Emperor Palpatine’s apparent death in “Return of the Jedi,” loyalists and dark side cultists secretly worked to preserve his teachings and plan for his return. They established their base on the hidden Sith homeworld of Exegol, far from the prying eyes of the galaxy.

Philosophy: The Sith Eternal adheres to the core principles of the Sith: the pursuit of power, the embrace of the dark side, and the ultimate goal of galactic domination. They believe in the resurrection of the Sith and the eternal struggle against the Jedi and the light side of the Force. Their motto, “The Final Order,” reflects their ambition to establish an unchallenged Sith empire.

Key Elements and Activities

Exegol: Exegol, a dark and desolate planet in the Unknown Regions, serves as the headquarters of the Sith Eternal. The planet is shrouded in perpetual storms and hidden from the galaxy, making it the perfect location for the cult’s clandestine activities. Exegol houses vast Sith temples, dark side artifacts, and laboratories where forbidden Sith alchemy and dark science are practiced.

Resurrection of Palpatine: The Sith Eternal’s most significant achievement is the resurrection of Emperor Palpatine. Utilizing dark side rituals, cloning technology, and ancient Sith knowledge, they restore Palpatine to a form of life. However, his body is frail and decaying, requiring the essence transfer of his spirit into a new, more suitable host.

The Final Order: Palpatine’s plan, known as the Final Order, involves the creation of a massive fleet of Star Destroyers equipped with planet-destroying capabilities. This fleet, hidden beneath the surface of Exegol, is intended to enforce the Sith’s rule across the galaxy and crush any opposition. The Final Order represents the culmination of Palpatine’s long-term schemes for absolute power.

Knights of Ren: The Sith Eternal is closely associated with the Knights of Ren, a group of dark side warriors led by Kylo Ren. These warriors serve as enforcers and operatives for the Sith Eternal, carrying out missions and maintaining the cult’s influence throughout the galaxy.

The Rise of Skywalker and Key Events

Rey and the Sith Throne: In “The Rise of Skywalker,” Rey discovers her connection to the Sith Eternal through her lineage as the granddaughter of Palpatine. She travels to Exegol to confront her destiny and stop Palpatine’s plans. Palpatine attempts to persuade Rey to join him and assume the Sith throne, thereby allowing him to transfer his essence into her body and rule the galaxy through her.

Battle of Exegol: The climactic battle of Exegol sees the Resistance launching a desperate assault against the Sith Eternal’s fleet. Lando Calrissian and Chewbacca rally allies from across the galaxy to aid in the fight. Meanwhile, Rey, with the support of Ben Solo (formerly Kylo Ren) and the spirits of past Jedi, confronts Palpatine in the depths of the Sith citadel.

Defeat of Palpatine: Rey, drawing on the strength of the Jedi who came before her, rejects Palpatine’s temptations and uses their collective power to turn his own dark energy against him. Palpatine is ultimately destroyed, along with the Sith Eternal cult and their fleet, ending the Sith’s threat to the galaxy.

Legacy and Impact

End of the Sith: The defeat of the Sith Eternal and the destruction of Palpatine mark the definitive end of the Sith Order. This victory brings balance to the Force and fulfills the prophecy of the Chosen One, as Anakin Skywalker’s legacy is realized through his descendant’s actions.

Rey’s Journey: Rey’s confrontation with the Sith Eternal and her rejection of the dark side solidify her role as the new beacon of hope for the galaxy. By embracing her identity as a Jedi and the legacy of the Skywalkers, Rey ensures that the light side of the Force prevails.

Symbol of Resistance: The victory at Exegol serves as a powerful symbol for the galaxy. It demonstrates that even the most insidious and deeply rooted threats can be overcome through unity, courage, and the enduring spirit of resistance. The Resistance’s triumph inspires renewed hope and the possibility of a lasting peace.

The Sith Eternal represents the final, desperate bid of the Sith to reclaim dominance in the galaxy. Their defeat signifies the end of a long era of darkness and the dawn of a new chapter in the Star Wars saga. The legacy of the Sith Eternal and their influence on the galaxy underscore the themes of resilience, redemption, and the enduring power of the light side of the Force.