The Rule of Two: Kylo Ren, Snoke, and the Sith Legacy

The Rule of Two, established by Darth Bane, was a cornerstone in the Sith lineage, shaping the path through which the dark side of the Force would be perpetuated. In Star Wars: Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, when Kylo Ren kills Supreme Leader Snoke, several questions arise regarding the adherence to this ancient tradition. Let’s delve into the complexities surrounding this pivotal moment.

Kylo Ren's Status and the Rule of Two

At the time of Snoke's death, Kylo Ren is not a fully realized Sith Lord. Although he has undergone training, his mastery is incomplete. This casts doubt on whether he qualifies as a true Sith apprentice ready to take on the mantle of a master. The Rule of Two traditionally requires both a master and an apprentice; without an apprentice at his side, Kylo Ren cannot fully embody the traditional Sith paradigm.

The Absence of an Apprentice

The absence of an apprentice is a clear deviation from the established structure. According to the Rule of Two, the continuation of the Sith legacy depends on a master-apprentice relationship. Kylo Ren’s decision not to immediately take on an apprentice indicates a potential shift in the Sith ideology. Instead of merely continuing the lineage, Kylo Ren is forging his own path, which could signify a redefinition of the Rule of Two.

Kylo Ren's Ambitions and the Sith Legacy

Kylo Ren’s actions suggest a desire to rule the galaxy according to his own vision, departing from the traditional Sith norm. This ambition is reflected in his expression that he wishes to rule in his own way rather than strictly adhering to Sith traditions. Such moves indicate a potential evolution of the Sith ideology, challenging the rigid adherence to the Rule of Two.

The Sith Legacy and Power Struggles

The Sith’s history is rife with infighting and betrayal. By killing Snoke, Kylo Ren might be continuing this legacy. The interplay between masters and apprentices, and the struggle for power, is a central theme in the Sith narrative. This moment could signify a departure from established Sith doctrine, opening new interpretations of power and leadership in the dark side of the Force.

Subverting Traditional Doctrine

However, one must consider the true intention behind the Rule of Two. Snoke did not claim to be a Sith; he was merely the puppet of the real Sith Lord, Darth Sidious. Darth Sidious, who was resurrected through the dark side ability he learned from his master, Darth Plagueis, used Snoke to further his evil plans. By killing Snoke, Kylo Ren fulfills the Rule of Two, making him worthy of the Sith legacy and preparing him for Palpatine's final evil plans.

Moreover, this act completes Kylo Ren's training in the dark side of the Force, establishing him as a legitimate successor to the Sith legacy. The Rule of Two stipulates that a Sith apprentice must kill the master to ascend, and this is precisely what Kylo Ren accomplished. Through this act, he strengthens the Sith legacy and becomes a more formidable dark lord, ready to align with Darth Sidious in his plans.

In conclusion, while Kylo Ren's actions do disrupt the traditional interpretation of the Rule of Two, they also reflect his complex character and the shifting dynamics within the Sith lineage. This moment signifies a potential departure from established Sith doctrine, providing new insights into the legacy and power dynamics within the dark side of the Force. The fate of the Rule of Two hangs in the balance, with Kylo Ren’s actions likely reshaping the Sith’s future.