Summary

The exact timing ofDarth Plagueis’death is reasonably significant in theStar Warscanon . The dingy Sith master of Darth Sidious aka Palpatine , Plagueis was a fabled Sith Lord who just recently made his on - screen introduction in the conclusion ofThe Acolyte . However , much of what was known about Palpatine ’s master has become a mystery following Disney ’s persistence purgation take after its leverage of Lucasfilm in 2012 with many stories becoming non - canon Legends . This include the events surrounding Plagueis ' end at the hands of Palpatine himself .

Darth Plagueis was first observe in 2005’sRevenge of the Sithduring Palpatine ’s attempts to seduce Anakin to the dark side . share with the untried Jedi " The Tragedy of Darth Plagueis the Wise " , it was revealed that Plagueis was so powerful that he could determine the midi - chlorians to create life and prevent those he handle about from pass , before he was finally kill by his own apprentice ( Palpatine ) . However , there ’s a disagreement between when Plagueis was murdered in Legends’Darth Plagueisby James Luceno and what ’s implied in the establishedStar Warscanon , one that changes much about Palpatine ’s origins .

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Liam Neeson as Qui-Gon Jinn from Star Wars The Phantom Menace, Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker from Star Wars A New Hope, Daisy Ridley as Rey from Star Wars The Force Awakens

When Darth Plagueis Died In Star Wars Legends (& What It Means For Palpatine)

Plagueis Didn’t Die Until The End of The Phantom Menace

In Legends’Darth Plagueis , it was revealed that Palpatine ’s Sith superior was a powerful Muun financier from the planet Munnilinst , known publicly as Hego Damask . Orchestrating event and the eventual fall of the Republic from the shadows , Plagueis finally bring out Palpatine and begins training him as his unexampled Sith prentice , Darth Sidious . Together , Plagueis and Palpatine manipulated events and ultimately play the long game , ensuring Palpatine ’s rise to political power as well as forging a means to destroy the Jedi Order . It was their " Grand Design " where Plagueis was meant to become co - premier , find from the shadows while Palpatine was the public face .

However , Palpatine does n’t obliterate Darth Plagueis in Legends until after Sidious becomes Supreme Chancellor , as seen inThe Phantom Menace . This means that Plagueis was still live and dynamic during the initial events of the pic , ordering Palpatine to ship his assassin Darth Maul to kill Qui - Gon Jinn and Obi - Wan Kenobi so that they could secureAnakin Skywalker as the Chosen One . This also means that Palpatine was still in service of Plagueis while take with the Trade Federation , as well as work behind the scenes to make a secret clone army for the future .

As such , this think that Palpatine was still acting per his skipper ’s active designs duringThe Phantom Menace . Rather than plainly forging his own schemes base on Darth Plagueis ' instruction , far more of the " Grand Design " come from Palpatine ’s Sith master than the flick ever let on . However , this is n’t what ’s established in the established canon .

Diego Luna as Cassian Andor in Andor season 2

When Did Darth Plagueis Die In Star Wars Canon?

It’s Implied Palpatine’s Master Was Killed Long Before The Phantom Menace

In the establishedStar Warscanon , it ’s implied thatPalpatine moves against his master presently before or after he drive Darth Maulas a child from Dathomir to start training the young Zabrak as his own Sith prentice . As such , this would imply that Plagueis was hit long before the event ofThe Phantom Menace . While no specific date is given for the slaying , it was probable around a decade before the events of the Skywalker saga , seeing as how 40 BBY was when Maul became Palpatine ’s learner . take in as how Anakin Skywalker was give birth in 41 BBY , perhaps Plagueis was killed in the same twelvemonth .

contribute this new andcanonical continuity for theStar Warstimeline , Palpatine likely orchestrated the confederation with the Trade Federation , his fitting as Supreme Chancellor , and the creation of the clone army on his own . Palpatine would have already been the Sith master for quite some time before his plans truly went into action at the dawn of the Skywalker saga . However , the overarching vision was likely forged alongside his master copy years before the details were hammered out and intrigue were put into motion .

Star Wars Canon (Probably) Takes The Better Approach For Palpatine’s Story

It Feels Stronger If Palpatine Is The Sith Master From The Very Start of the Skywalker Saga

Without a doubt , Darth Plagueis still being alive during the outcome ofThe Phantom Menaceas he was in Legends is quite compelling and a dynamic spin . It ensured that Plagueis got to see the fulfilment of his designs for Palpatine , even as his prentice to the chance to cuckold and kill him . However , Plagueis break down years before the Skywalker saga as he now does in the canyon is potential the right guidance to go , in effect give Palpatine far more deferred payment and agency as the Skywalker saga ’s sole mastermind and full embodiment of utter evil , rather than just fulfilling the wishing and design of his Sith master .

The senator for Naboo , Palpatine rose to force and influence during the dying days of the Republic . In realness , his public theatrical role was just a mask ; he was really Darth Sidious , nifty of the Sith Lords , and he used his political skill and Machiavellian cunning to bring down both the Republic and the Jedi . Palpatine ruled his Galactic Empire for decennium , until he was betray by his apprentice , Darth Vader . Even this was n’t enough to stop the Emperor , however , as he was resurrected by his followers - only to be defeated once again .

Emperor Palpatine laughing maniacally in Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith.

Palpatine and Darth Plagueis Custom Star Wars Image

Custom Image by Kevin Erdmann

Cover art from James Luceno’s Darth Plagueis novel.

Darth Plagueis looking out from behind a rock in The Acolyte (2024)

Ian McDiarmid as Emperor Palpatine in Star Wars Return of the Jedi

The senator for Naboo, Palpatine rose to power and influence during the dying days of the Republic. In reality, his public persona was just a mask; he was really Darth Sidious, greatest of the Sith Lords, and he used his political skills and Machiavellian cunning to bring down both the Republic and the Jedi. Palpatine ruled his Galactic Empire for decades, until he was betrayed by his apprentice, Darth Vader. Even this wasn’t enough to stop the Emperor, however, as he was resurrected by his followers - only to be defeated once again.

Star Wars

Emperor Palpatine/Darth Sidious