Darth Bane's Intentions and the Evolution of the Sith Order

The popular belief often surrounds the idea that Darth Bane's primary goal was to utterly destroy the Sith Order, but the reality is more complex. In fact, Bane sought to reform and streamline the Sith, understanding that in-fighting and internal conflicts had weakened the Order significantly.

Understanding Bane's Motives

Honestly, no, I don’t think Bane wanted the Sith Order to be destroyed. Instead, he was a victim of the destruction of the life he was raised in. Bane recognized the flaws in the Old Sith Order, marked by greed, hatred, and mistrust that led to its eventual downfall. As a survivor of the once-proud order, Bane understood the need for a new approach to avoid the same fate.

Reforming the Sith

Bane's approach to reforming the Sith was radical but necessary. He did not rebuild the Order in the traditional sense but rather rewrote the rules. Through his famous and infamous "Rule of Two," he ensured that the Order could never again be destroyed from within. The Rule of Two stipulated that there could only be two Sith Lords at any given time—a Master and an Apprentice. This structure minimized internal conflicts and ensured that the power remained balanced and focused.

The Rule of Two

While the Rule of Two seemed to limit training and the number of Sith, it did not preclude the possibility of an Apprentice teaching others. However, Bane stressed caution, as it was crucial that potential rivals to the Master were not identified prematurely. An Apprentice could train Assassins in the Dark Side, but these individuals were not Sith. Instead, they were Dark Side Wielders who were not bound by the specific religious practices and teachings required of Sith. Only when an individual was formally recognized as an Apprentice and had proved their capability to kill their Master did they become a Sith Lord.

The Salvaging of the Sith Order

Contrary to the popular belief, Darth Bane actually wanted to save the Sith Order. The reason for the Sith's struggles to conquer the galaxy was their internecine conflicts, which made the Order weaker and gave the Jedi the upper hand in the final confrontation. All but one Sith survived the collapse of the Order, and that survivor was Bane himself. Bane envisioned a Sith Order that could thrive by eliminating internal strife and adopting his new Rule of Two.

Conclusion

The Rule of Two was a strategic and necessary evolution of the Sith Order. By reforming the structure and minimizing internal conflicts, Bane hoped to restore the strength and effectiveness of the Order. This approach not only aligned the Sith with their goals but also ensured a more stable and balanced power dynamic, free from the pitfalls of past eras.