The Star Wars universe has been constructed incrementally over time, with George Lucas never anticipating the monumental success of the franchise during the creation of the original film. Consequently, certain elements can feel slightly disjointed from one another. An example of this is the term "Sith," which has acquired a secondary meaning due to the introduction of a species that gave rise to the name. In the vast Star Wars galaxy, there exists a plethora of alien species, with many relegated to mere background details. However, a select few have made significant, albeit often negative, contributions to the universe, as even a world dominated by pure evil is bound to have its share of bad actors.
Who are the Sith?
What was Sith Culture Like?
Originating from the planet Korriban, the Sith emerged almost 100,000 years before any events in the Star Wars franchise. With skin that darkens as they age, their appearance is intimidating, with predatory facial features, tendrils that hang from their cheeks, bone spurs, dangerous claws, pointed teeth, and small horns. Their unique physiology grants them superior senses compared to humans, with some having the ability to hear better than other species. However, their greatest advantage lies in their innate connection to the Force, with the highest rate of Force-sensitivity among almost any species. This symbiotic relationship with the Dark Side of the Force enables them to perform feats beyond the capabilities of any other race.
The Sith were a constantly warring race, with primitive rituals that included the sacrifice of sentient beings and a deep-seated fear of anything foreign. The hierarchy of Sith society was rigidly set, with caste roles so entrenched that they were almost like different species. At the bottom were the slaves, often used as sacrifices and buried alive with their masters. Above them were the warriors, engineers, and priests, each with physical traits that suited their specific purpose. Mobility between castes was unheard of, and the majority of Sith lived and died within their assigned roles. However, their mastery of the Dark Side allowed them to create powerful weapons and artifacts that were unmatched in the galaxy. Their history was recorded, but it was often incomprehensible to outsiders due to the alien perspective. Violence, competition, and strife were the norm on Korriban, until one powerful ruler managed to unite the warring factions and completely upend the established order of Sith society.
Adas, a Sith with charcoal-black skin, rose to power around 28,000 BBY. He was groomed to be the chosen one of his species and demonstrated unparalleled talents in combat, engineering, and magic as he aged. Adas became the Sith'ari, an unmatched being and the undisputed king of his people. Although his ascension required bloodshed, his reign lasted over 300 years. Adas was believed to be immortal by the Sith, and they thought his empire would last forever. However, the Rakatan Empire invaded Korriban with technology far beyond that of the Sith. Fortunately, Adas led the battle with his massive black battle ax and drove off the invaders. By seizing the Rakatan's advanced technology, Adas granted the Sith access to hyperspace travel, allowing them to spread their empire across the galaxy. Though the fight cost Adas his life, it paved the way for the Sith to become a dominant force in the universe.
How did the Sith Get Their Name?
Following Adas' demise, the Sith were plunged into chaos. Their lives were consumed by perpetual warfare, further intensified by the advent of more advanced weaponry. Korriban rapidly became uninhabitable, and the Sith were forced to seek new homelands, leaving their former planet as a macabre graveyard. While new leaders emerged to take control of the Sith, none could match Adas' sheer power. However, an unforeseen group of ambitious individuals arose to fill the void. Dark Jedi flocked to Korriban, seeking to harness the power of the Dark Side in pursuit of their own ambitions. To their surprise, they found a native population of Force-sensitive warriors and wizards, and the Sith opened their eyes to the true potential of the Dark Side. Although formidable in their own right, the Sith were ultimately overpowered by the Dark Jedi. The renegade knights then proclaimed themselves the new Sith Lords of Korriban, adopting the name of the people they now ruled.
The concept of the Sith race presents a fascinating examination of the Force's true essence. As a group intrinsically tied to a fundamental malevolence, their existence would undeniably be one of constant conflict and turmoil. While there is a wealth of untapped potential within the Sith Empire, much of the current material has been rendered non-canon. Despite their association with sinister sorcery, the Sith's origins are rooted in a distinct species that provided them with a comprehensive education in the ways of darkness.
