Darth Plagueis and the Rule of Two: An Exploration of Master-Apprentice Relations in Star Wars

Introduction to Darth Plagueis and His Connections

Among the complexities of the Star Wars universe, the role of the Sith Lord Darth Plagueis stands out as both enigmatic and intriguing. In the context of the Star Wars Expanded Universe (referred to as Legends) and now canonical material, Plagueis, also known as Darth Plagueis the Wise, is remembered for his betrayal and extermination by Palpatine. This article delves into the specifics of Plagueis's apprenticeship and his status as a figure within the Sith tradition, particularly emphasizing the concept of the Rule of Two.

The Identity of Darth Plagueis’s Master

While the identity of Darth Plagueis's master is not definitively outlined in the lore, indications suggest that he was trained under the lineage of Darth Bane. The tradition established by Bane emphasizes the Rule of Two, which dictates that there should always be a master and an apprentice. However, the specific identity of Plagueis's master remains shrouded in mystery, adding to the mystique surrounding this controversial Sith Lord.

The Legendary Sith Master Tenebrous

In the Legends continuity, sources point to Tenebrous as Plagueis's master. Tenebrous, a shadowy Sith Lord, was known for secretly training an illegal apprentice named Venamis. This relationship underscores the secretive nature of the Sith Order. It is important to note that while Tenebrous is mentioned as Plagueis's master in Legends, this aspect has not been confirmed in the Disney canon.

The Rule of Two in Sith Lore

The Rule of Two is a key concept within Sith philosophy, as established by Darth Bane. According to this rule, the Sith Order should comprise one master and one apprentice, ensuring the Rule of Two serves as a vital principle. This rule was intended to preserve the Sith Order's strength and influence, but the practice was not always followed rigidly, especially in the Legends continuity.

Erarroth and Sidian’s Appointments in Sith History

While Tenebrous trained the legendary Darth Plagueis, another interesting case in point is the training of Darth Sidious. In the Legends continuity, Darth Sidious initially pursued training a Sith Lord named Erarroth. However, Erarroth proved to be ineffective and left the Order, making way for another apprentice named Sidian. These instances demonstrate the challenges and complexities involved in finding the right apprentice to train under.

Palpatine and Darth Maul: The Rule of Two in Action

When examining the transfer of power within the Sith, the relationship between Darth Sidious and Darth Maul is particularly enlightening. In both the Disney canon and the Legends continuity, Sidious's apprentice was Darth Maul. However, the exact relationship between Master and apprentice varies between these continuities. In the canon, Sidious murdered his master, Darth Plagueis, before taking on Maul, thus adhering to the Rule of Two. In the Legends continuity, Maul was trained as a Sith assassin while Sidious was still an apprentice to Plagueis, thus breaking the rule.

The Unique Case of Darth Vader

The unique relationship between Darth Sidious and Darth Vader further illustrates the complexities of the Sith Order. While Vader did not adhere strictly to the Rule of Two, Sidious saw him as a suitable successor to ensure the continuation of the Sith lineage. Sidious still considered Vader a worthy successor, ensuring the legacy would be passed on through their bond, even as Vader was a dual apprentice to Sidious.

Conclusion: Sith Succession and the Unpredictability of Power

The dynamics of the Sith Order, as exemplified by figures like Darth Plagueis, Darth Sidious, and Darth Maul, reveal the intricate and sometimes unpredictable nature of Sith succession. While the Rule of Two provides a formal structure, the actual practice of choosing and training apprentices often involves personal quests, complex power plays, and tragic circumstances. This exploration of these relationships highlights the depth and complexity of the Sith culture in both the Legends and Disney continuities of Star Wars.