star wars lore

The Star Wars Games That Quietly Shaped Canon

A cinematic holographic star map representing how Star Wars video games quietly influenced and shaped canon storytelling.

Not all Star Wars canon was forged on the big screen. Some of the most important ideas, characters, and concepts in the galaxy far, far away didn’t arrive with a theatrical release or a Disney+ premiere. They slipped in quietly—through controller prompts, dialogue trees, and mission briefings—often unnoticed outside gaming circles. Over the years, Star Wars games have acted as a kind of narrative testing ground. A place where new ideas could be explored without the pressure of box office expectations. And in more than a few cases, those ideas didn’t stay in games—they reshaped canon itself. Games as a Narrative Sandbox For decades, Star Wars games occupied a strange middle ground. They weren’t movies.They weren’t novels.And for a long time, they weren’t treated as “important” canon either. That freedom turned out to be their greatest strength. Developers could explore moral ambiguity, alternative Force philosophies, and unexplored eras of the…

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How Old Is Darth Maul? His Real Age Explained in Star Wars Canon

Cinematic illustration of Darth Maul at different ages across the Star Wars timeline, showing Maul in 54 BBY, 32 BBY, and 2 BBY with red lightsabers and battle-worn cloaks.

Few Star Wars characters feel as timeless—and as confusing—as Darth Maul.He first appeared as a near-silent Sith assassin in The Phantom Menace, seemingly died, returned years later driven by obsession, and eventually met his final end far from the galactic spotlight. That long, fractured journey raises a surprisingly common question: how old is Darth Maul, really? In Star Wars canon, Darth Maul is roughly 52 years old at the time of his final appearance. The answer isn’t complicated—but it does require looking at where Maul appears across the Star Wars timeline. Darth Maul’s Birth Year (Canon) In official Star Wars canon, Darth Maul was born around 54 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin). That places him firmly in the final decades of the Republic, growing up in the shadows long before the rise of the Empire. As a child, he was taken by Darth Sidious and trained in secret, molded…

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Ahsoka Season 2 Will Dive Deeper Into the Nightsisters of Dathomir

Nightsisters of Dathomir wielding green magic on their homeworld, representing deeper exploration of Nightsister lore in Ahsoka Season 2

One of Ahsoka’s most intriguing elements wasn’t a Jedi, a Sith, or even a familiar legacy character. It was the Nightsisters of Dathomir—and Season 2 is set to take them much further. According to Jane Edwina Seymour, who portrays Mother Lakesis, the next season will explore the Nightsisters “more fully and deeply” than before. That’s not a throwaway promise. It hints at a shift in focus that could reshape how this corner of Star Wars mythology is understood on screen. Why This Matters Now Season 1 of Ahsoka introduced the Nightsisters less as background lore and more as active players with their own agendas. They weren’t relics of The Clone Wars or Rebels. They were alive, strategic, and clearly operating on a long game. Season 2 appears ready to pay that setup off. For fans who’ve followed the Nightsisters across animation, novels, and games, this is the first time live-action…

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Somehow, Palpatine Returned

Emperor Palpatine and Poe Dameron in Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker with the quote “Somehow, Palpatine Returned”

The line everyone remembers — and Star Wars still hasn’t escaped There are movie lines that become iconic because they’re brilliant.And then there are lines that become iconic because… well… everyone stops and stares at the screen. “Somehow, Palpatine returned” belongs firmly in the second category. It’s not dramatic.It’s not clever.It’s not even especially informative. And yet, years later, it’s still one of the most searched Star Wars quotes on the internet — a meme, a punchline, and a shorthand for an entire era of frustration. Whether you love the sequel trilogy, hate it, or have achieved the rare state of peaceful acceptance, you know this line. You don’t even need context anymore. The line is the context. So why does it still matter? And why do people keep googling it in 2025? Let’s talk about it. Where the line comes from (and why it hit so wrong) The line…

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How the Star Wars Outlaws team recreated Sabacc and changed the approach to mini-games

Star Wars Outlaws Sabacc mini-game featuring Kay Vess playing cards in a tense cantina gambling scene with dice and chips

Star Wars Outlaws surprised players not only with the scale of its world, but also with the unexpected reincarnation of the legendary card game Sabacc. Why did the developers need to rethink this iconic element of the universe, how difficult was it to integrate it into modern gameplay, and what did it bring to fans of cunning cosmic gambling games? The history and significance of Sabacc in the Star Wars universe Sabacc is not just a card game, but an important element of Star Wars mythology, one of the symbols of the underworld life of the Galaxy. It first appeared in early books and comics, and gained wide recognition thanks to the film “Solo: A Star Wars Story,” where the famous “Millennium Falcon” was at stake. Later, Sabacc began to appear in animated series, board games, and numerous fan projects. For fans of the franchise, the authenticity of this game…

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On This Day in Star Wars History: KOTOR II – The Sith Lords Released in 2004

Some anniversaries hit harder than others, and this one lands like a perfectly timed Force lightning strike:Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II – The Sith Lords released on this day back in 2004. Yes.Two.Thousand.Four. If you suddenly feel the aging effects of a thousand years in stasis like Revan in a kolto tank… same. But let’s talk about why KOTOR II still matters — not just as a classic RPG, but as one of the boldest (and darkest) stories ever told in Star Wars video games. The Sequel That Refused to Play It Safe Following the genre-defining success of KOTOR, developer Obsidian Entertainment took on the enormous challenge of crafting a follow-up — but instead of repeating the same formula, they decided to swing for the philosophical fences. KOTOR II wasn’t just “another adventure.”It was the Star Wars equivalent of a late-night existential crisis. And it was glorious….

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Reserve Your Signed Pablo Hidalgo Book at Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens – A Must-Have Moment for Star Wars Fans

Side-by-side covers of Star Wars reference books: “Star Wars: The Blueprints” with a technical schematic-style design, and “Star Wars: The Acolyte Visual Guide” featuring a close-up of a cracked, metallic mask.

If you love Star Wars lore, reference books, behind-the-scenes world-building, or collectible merch, you’ll want to mark your calendar. Pablo Hidalgo, one of the key architects behind modern Star Wars canon, is offering signed copies of his books as part of the upcoming Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens 10th-anniversary event. Hosted in Fordingbridge on December 7, 2025, this celebration honors a full decade since The Force Awakens relaunched the saga for a new generation. And now, fans have the chance to take home a signed piece of Star Wars history. What Is Thank the Maker: The Force Awakens? Thank the Maker is part fan event, part creator panel, and part deep dive into the making of Episode VII. It’s built around celebrating the film’s 10-year legacy — from the comeback of Han Solo and Chewbacca to the introduction of Rey, Finn, Poe, and BB-8. The event promises: For lore…

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Ghorman Massacre: The Star Wars Tragedy That Sparked a Rebellion

Star Wars illustration of the Ghorman Massacre showing Imperial walkers and stormtroopers firing on protesters, symbolizing the Empire’s brutal crackdown and the rise of the Rebel Alliance.

The Ghorman Massacre stands as one of the most notorious atrocities in Star Wars lore. It’s a fictional event, but its impact within the galaxy far, far away is very real to the characters who lived it. In a confident yet conversational tone, let’s break down what happened on Ghorman, why it mattered, and how this dark incident helped ignite the spark of open rebellion against the Galactic Empire. This isn’t your dry history lecture from the Jedi Archives; it’s an engaging look at a pivotal moment that changed the fate of the Star Wars galaxy. Imperial walkers and stormtroopers face down a massive crowd of peaceful protesters on Ghorman, exemplifying the Empire’s oppressive response that led to the infamous Ghorman Massacre. This brutal crackdown ended any illusion that dissent would be tolerated under Emperor Palpatine’s rule and became a rallying cry for the nascent Rebel Alliance. (In the Star…

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Grakkus the Hutt’s Lightsaber Collection Has a Secret Star Wars Connection

Close-up of Grakkus the Hutt wearing a necklace made of Lightsaber hilts in Star Wars Beyond Victory.

Star Wars fans love a good deep-cut detail, and the team behind Star Wars: Beyond Victory has delivered a gem worthy of a Hutt’s treasure hoard. If you’ve seen Grakkus the Hutt’s new look in Beyond Victory, you probably noticed the string of Lightsaber hilts draped around his neck — a bold fashion statement even by galactic crime lord standards. But here’s the kicker: those hilts aren’t just random trinkets. They’re actually crafted from Lightsaber parts seen in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. A Collector With Taste (and Terrifying Strength) Grakkus has always been the galaxy’s most dangerous collector of Jedi relics. In Beyond Victory, he’s gone full power-trip mode — literally wearing his trophies as jewelry. The design team revealed that each hilt was inspired by fallen Jedi weapons scavenged across the Outer Rim, blending bits and pieces straight from Fallen Order’s in-game models. It’s a subtle crossover that…

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Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Released on This Day in 2003 – Here’s Why It Still Rules the Galaxy

The Ultimate Knights of the Old Republic Modding Guide for 2025

Cue the opening crawl and crank up the John Williams-inspired score—Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (KOTOR) hit store shelves on July 16, 2003, and gaming in the galaxy far, far away has never been the same. This wasn’t just another Star Wars game. It was the game that convinced a generation of gamers and RPG nerds that Star Wars could tell deeper, darker, and more player-driven stories than ever before. And let’s be honest: 21 years later, we’re still debating Revan’s morality over drinks like it’s a sabacc tournament on Nar Shaddaa. The Game That Let You Choose the Light… or Burn It Down Developed by BioWare before they became synonymous with galaxy-spanning space operas (hello, Mass Effect), KOTOR dropped players into the Old Republic era—thousands of years before Vader was a twinkle in Palpatine’s eye. Instead of the usual Jedi vs. Sith binary, KOTOR asked a more…

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A New Order 66 Survivor Emerges in Legacy of Vader—Meet Grandea

Kylo Ren battles Grandea in Legacy of Vader #6 comic cover with fiery background

Star Wars lore just got richer. A fresh face—Grandea, a Jedi survivor of Order 66—emerges in Legacy of Vader #6, landing squarely between The Last Jedi and Rise of Skywalker. Written by Charles Soule, the series sheds new light on Kylo Ren’s hunt for identity and power… and it might just tip the scales of the entire saga. What You Need to Know: Grandea’s Big Reveal Set on the frigid Mid‑Rim world Lahtee, Legacy of Vader #6 brings Kylo and his mysterious guide Vaneé to a remote cantina, where they cross paths with Grandea, a Jedi who survived the purge decades ago. Vader knew of her existence but never pursued her—too busy focusing on Luke. Fast-forward, and now Kylo is on the scene, lightsaber drawn. But Grandea isn’t just any old Jedi. She disarms Kylo, ignites her blade in his face, and stares him down. It’s a classic moment: experienced survivor versus…

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🎉 Wookieepedia Turns 20: Two Decades Mapping the Star Wars Galaxy

Celebratory digital illustration of Wookieepedia's 20th anniversary with a glowing galactic data archive hologram

Two decades ago, when Star Wars fandom was thriving in forums and gaming cafés, a group of determined superfans launched something wild: an open, collaborative encyclopedia for all things Star Wars. That project became Wookieepedia, and today it celebrates 20 years and over 200,000 articles chronicling the galaxy far, far away. From Modest Beginnings to Galactic Repository Wookieepedia didn’t launch with corporate backing or studio support. It was built from scratch by fans who cared enough to detail obscure Jedi Orders, species found only in one comic panel, and the difference between a Lambda-class shuttle and a Sentinel-class lander. Its growth wasn’t driven by hype—it was driven by passion, pageviews, and people who believed no character was too minor to document. 200,000 Articles Strong: The Depth of the Galaxy Hitting 200,000 entries isn’t just a technical stat—it’s a cultural marker. It reflects a shared obsession with cataloging every known piece…

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The Last Jedi Skipped Mark Hamill’s Tragic Luke Skywalker Backstory — And It’s Heartbreaking

Mark Hamill interviewed about The Last Jedi, seated and discussing Luke Skywalker’s character evolution

Long before The Last Jedi hit theaters, Mark Hamill had crafted a deeply personal—and profoundly dark—backstory for Luke Skywalker. One that never made it to screen. While Rian Johnson’s version of Luke shows a disillusioned Jedi Master in exile, Hamill imagined a man crushed by personal tragedy, not just failure. This alternate backstory was so emotionally heavy that it would have changed everything we knew about Luke’s motivation in the sequel trilogy. A Devastating Family Story That Was Never Canon During an interview on NPR’s Bullseye with Jesse Thorn, Hamill revealed that he created a psychological framework to understand why Luke would abandon the Jedi and retreat to Ahch-To. His reasoning? Love, grief, and unimaginable loss. “I thought, what could make someone give up a devotion to what is basically a religious entity, to give up being a Jedi? Well, the love of a woman.”— Mark Hamill via Nerdist In…

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The Star Wars Galaxy Map Is Back—And It’s Fully Interactive

Official Star Wars Galaxy Map banner with highlighted planetary regions

Well, well, well. Look what the Holonet dragged in. StarWars.com has officially restored the interactive map of the Star Wars galaxy, and it’s more polished than a Naboo senator’s landing platform. Whether you’re plotting a hyperspace route to the Outer Rim or just trying to remember where the heck Exegol is, this digital starmap is the new gold standard for galactic navigation. Click to explore the map here:👉 https://www.starwars.com/star-wars-galaxy-map A Canon-Approved, Ever-Expanding Holomap This isn’t just a pretty graphic with some dots and text overlays. The interactive map on StarWars.com is official, meaning it’s blessed by the lore overlords at Lucasfilm. Each planet’s location is canon-aligned, positioned precisely according to the current Star Wars timeline. And here’s the kicker—it’s not static. According to the site, the map will be updated regularly as new planets are revealed in upcoming shows, movies, comics, and games. That includes everything from deep cuts like…

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TL-50 Heavy Repeater: Andor’s Surprise Live-Action Debut

TL-50 Heavy Repeater Weapon Stats – Star Wars Battlefront

Andor Episode 10, titled “Make It Stop,” brought a hidden gem to the Star Wars universe’s live-action fold: the TL-50 Heavy Repeater. For hardcore Star Wars gamers, this isn’t just any blaster—it’s a weapon with serious history. The TL-50 first made its debut in Jedi Outcast, a classic game from 2002 that solidified its place in Star Wars gaming lore. Later, the weapon found new life in DICE’s Star Wars Battlefront games, reimagined with stunning graphics and devastating firepower. Now, thanks to Andor, it’s officially part of live-action canon. The Origin Story: Jedi Outcast The TL-50 Heavy Repeater was first wielded by Kyle Katarn, the rogue Jedi turned mercenary who became a fan-favorite in the Jedi Knight series. In Jedi Outcast, the weapon was known for its insane rate of fire and devastating power. It wasn’t just a blaster; it was a room-clearer. The secondary fire mode unleashed a concussive…

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Admiral Motti: The Frustrated Face of Imperial Bureaucracy

Admiral Motti wasn’t just arrogant—he was the voice of Imperial bureaucracy

When Admiral Motti scoffed at Darth Vader’s “sorcerer’s ways” during that iconic scene in A New Hope, it seemed like just another example of Imperial arrogance. But let’s dig deeper: what if Motti’s snarky dismissal wasn’t born out of sheer ignorance, but out of years of bureaucratic slog and relentless Imperial oversight? Especially now, with Andor Season 2 shedding light on the inner workings of the Empire’s bureaucratic machine, Motti’s frustration feels more justified than ever. The Grind of Imperial Bureaucracy: Andor’s Perspective Imagine life as an Imperial officer. Your days are spent buried in logistics reports, troop deployment schedules, and endless strategy meetings. You’re not just sitting around, twirling your mustache and cackling evilly—you’re overseeing massive military projects that span entire star systems. The Death Star wasn’t built overnight; it was a 20-year slog of financial maneuvering, secret construction, and endless paperwork. Andor Season 2 did a brilliant job…

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No Underwear in Space: The Iconic Star Wars Costume Anecdote of George Lucas and Carrie Fisher

Setting the Stage: Star Wars, 1977 and Princess Leia’s Costume In 1977, a 19-year-old Carrie Fisher donned Princess Leia’s flowing white gown on the set of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. This now-iconic dress was long, shapeless, and undeniably white. Fisher later confessed she wasn’t a fan of the outfit – “I wore that damn white thing for the whole first movie!” she quipped, lamenting that it was the only costume Leia got to wear. The young actress’s frustration is understandable; the dress was not only plain but also presented some unique wardrobe challenges. Despite Star Wars being a space fantasy, creator George Lucas was oddly concerned with certain “realistic” details. One such detail was the matter of undergarments (or lack thereof) in outer space. The costume’s thin fabric and the bright studio lighting made traditional underwear problematic – any visible lines or straps would have disrupted…

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How Old Is Syril Karn? Uncovering the Age of Andor’s Most Determined Bureaucrat

Syril Karn dressed in Imperial attire during a tense moment in Andor. His belief in law and order drives his actions, despite his naive trust in the Empire's ideals of justice.

Syril Karn, the guy who practically screams “I follow protocol” with every fiber of his being, is one of the standout characters from Andor. If you’ve ever watched him meticulously pour his cereal while plotting his next career move, you’ve probably wondered: How old is Syril Karn? Who Is Syril Karn? Before we crack open the galactic age book, let’s talk about who Syril Karn actually is. Introduced in Andor, the Star Wars series that dives deep into the gritty underbelly of rebellion and Imperial politics, Syril is a Corporate Security officer with a knack for micromanagement and a taste for rigid discipline. If there were a Galactic Employee of the Month award, he’d probably frame it and set it on his desk next to his Imperial Handbook. How Old Is Syril Karn? The Official Answer Good news for those who love concrete answers! According to Dawn of Rebellion: The…

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The Tragedy of Syril Karn: Star Wars’ Most Misguided Idealist

Syril Karn walking the streets of Ferrix in Andor, representing his rigid belief in order and justice. His path intersects with the Rebellion, leading to tragic consequences.

In a galaxy full of rebels, smugglers, and Sith Lords, it’s rare to find someone like Syril Karn. He wasn’t a power-hungry bureaucrat or a malicious Imperial officer. He was, in every sense of the word, the Empire’s useful idiot—a man driven not by power, but by a steadfast belief in law and order. His arc in Andor is a powerful exploration of how good intentions can be weaponized by authoritarian regimes, turning justice into oppression without the pawns ever realizing it. Who Is Syril Karn? Syril Karn, portrayed by Kyle Soller, starts his journey as a Deputy Inspector for the Preox-Morlana Corporation. His mission is straightforward: enforce the law. But for Syril, this isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. He genuinely believes that maintaining order and bringing criminals to justice is the right thing to do. This isn’t an act of self-aggrandizement; it’s a deep-rooted conviction. When Cassian Andor…

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How Did Galen Erso Die? A Look at the Tragic End of the Death Star’s Architect

Ah, Galen Erso. The man who somehow managed to design the most feared weapon in the galaxy with a built-in ‘Oops!’ button. If you’ve ever watched Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Galen’s death was a key turning point in the film, but it’s more than just a plot device—it’s a moment that ties together the moral conflict and sacrifices that define the Star Wars saga. The Man Behind the Death Star Before we get into the “how,” let’s touch on the “who.” Galen Erso was an Imperial scientist—well, reluctantly so. His expertise in energy and kyber crystals made him the perfect candidate to design the Death Star’s superlaser. But Galen wasn’t your typical mad scientist; he was more of a reluctant genius held against his will. Imagine being forced to build the universe’s largest gun while wishing you were back home making…

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The Kalkite Conspiracy: Did Galen Erso Sabotage the Death Star from the Start?

The Kalkite Conspiracy: Did Galen Erso Sabotage the Death Star from the Start?

The Death Star wasn’t just a weapon; it was a symbol of Imperial dominance. But what if the Empire’s most feared superweapon was hamstrung from the very beginning by its own chief engineer? Enter: Galen Erso, the man responsible for the station’s reactor core design. And here’s where the conspiracy theory kicks in—what if the entire hunt for Kalkite on Ghorman was a deliberate act of sabotage orchestrated by Erso himself? What Is Kalkite, and Why Was It So Important? Kalkite is a rare mineral native to the planet Ghorman, renowned for its energy-generating properties. According to Imperial documents, it’s a key component in coating reactor lenses for maximum energy output. The Empire’s obsession with Kalkite extraction from Ghorman led to aggressive mining operations, destabilizing the planet’s infrastructure and leading to massive unrest. And yet, for all its supposed importance, Kalkite is never mentioned again after the Death Star’s initial…

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Dedra Meero in Andor: Ice-Cold, Methodical, and Weirdly Relatable

Dedra Meero in Andor: A Chillingly Human Look at Star Wars Fascism

There are plenty of villains in Star Wars, but few strike the same nerve as Dedra Meero. Introduced in Andor as a mid-level bureaucrat in the Imperial Security Bureau, Dedra isn’t your typical dark-side enforcer. She doesn’t choke subordinates or twirl a cape. Instead, she builds power the old-fashioned way: one well-documented memo at a time. And that’s what makes her terrifying. But also, strangely… relatable? Who Is Dedra Meero? Dedra Meero is an ISB officer who quickly rises through the Imperial ranks thanks to her intellect, ambition, and complete devotion to authoritarian order. She sees connections where others see paperwork, detects rebellion where others see petty theft, and, unlike most of her superiors, actually does her job. Played by Denise Gough, Dedra is a walking case study in how fascist regimes thrive on obsessive overachievers. She’s not evil because she enjoys pain (though she tolerates a fair amount). She’s…

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The Tragic Case of Tay Kolma: Star Wars: Andor’s Unsung Casualty

Tay Kolma

When “Andor” introduced Tay Kolma, the reaction was mixed. Here was a new character who wasn’t a soldier, a spy, or a senator. He was a banker from Chandrila, a friend from Mon Mothma’s past who offered a lifeline for her financial rebellion against the Empire. Yet Tay’s story would turn out far more complicated—and devastating—than it first appeared. Who is Tay Kolma in Star Wars: Andor? Tay Kolma, portrayed by Ben Miles, is not your typical Star Wars character. He’s no Jedi wielding a lightsaber or bounty hunter with a jetpack. Instead, he’s a relic of Mon Mothma’s safer, more naive days—before political subterfuge and galactic rebellion swallowed her life whole. A childhood friend turned financial fixer, Tay agrees to help Mon create a “foundation” to move funds covertly to the Rebellion. At first glance, Tay seems like a useful if slightly worn-out ally. But as the story unfolds,…

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The Most POWERFUL Sith Artifact In All of Star Wars

There are many dangerous and destructive ancient artifacts developed by the Sith. But there is one that is far more dangerous and destructive than even the Death Star! Do you know which one it is? If not, you have to watch this video to be enlightened. I don’t know about you but as a Star Wars fan, I love learning more about the Star Wars universe and this is one YouTuber that puts out some of the best videos for just this purpose. Check out this video from The Stupendous Wave that will explain everything you need to know about this most powerful Sith artifact in all of the Star Wars universe. If you love hearing about ancient Sith lore, this video is for you. He has many other great Star Wars Explained videos that you’ll want to check out as well, if you enjoy his stuff as much as we do….

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