Summary
Emperor Palpatinesystematically eradicated the Jedi and their teachings, but one Force power posed a unique threat to his ambitions, forcing him to ensure it was forgotten forever. When Palpatine initiatedOrder 66, he didn’t just aim to destroy the Jedi physically; he sought to obliterate their legacy entirely. Through relentless propaganda and the erasure of Jedi teachings, Palpatine aimed to reshape the galaxy’s understanding of the Force, leaving no trace of the Jedi’s influence.
Surprisingly, Dark Horse Comics’Star Wars: Purge - The Tyrant’s Fistby Alexander Freed, Marco Castiello, and Andrea Chella reveals thatPalpatine feared one specificForce powerin particular. The issue sees Darth Vader pay particular attention to the Jedi ability to bond with animals, attempting to erase all memory of this power. The implication is that Palpatine feared this power more than any other; but why was that the case?
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Connecting Your Mind With Others Encouraging Empathy
Palpatine Likely Oppossed Two Specific Force Powers
Among the various Force abilities that Jedi could develop, two are often confused due to their similarities:Animal Bond and Force Empathy. Animal Bond, also known as Animal Friendship, Beast Control, or Beast Trick, is a Force ability that enables the user to control and influence animals. This power was particularly useful for calming creatures and using them as mounts or guard beasts. Taught to Younglings as a passive ability, Animal Bond allowed Jedi like Darth Bane and Anakin Skywalker to tame and command dangerous animals in critical situations.
There are similarities between Animal Bond and another Force power, Force Empathy, which - related to Force Sense - allows the Jedi to pick up impressions of an individual’s emotions, motivations, and even deeply guarded secrets. Unlike Animal Bond, this is not about controlling others but about understanding them; Anakin Skywalker used it infrequently, includng to locate his mother by sensing her pain from afar. That said, there are similarities, in thatboth powers involve understanding and appreciating another being’s perspective.
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Why Palpatine Feared This Power
Force Empathy As A Threat To The Sith’s Control
Emperor Palpatine recognized the threat that Force Empathy posed to his rule. This ability, which encouraged empathy and connection among Force-sensitive individuals, directly opposed the isolation and fear he needed to cultivate in his Empire. By sensing the emotions and motivations of others, Jedi could foster unity and understanding — values that were antithetical to Palpatine’s vision of control. The potential for Jedi to use Force Empathy to see through his manipulations made this ability particularly dangerous to his plans.
Palpatine aimed to prevent future generations from developing the empathy and connection that could challenge his authority
Palpatine’s determination to eradicate Force Empathy was part of his broader campaign to erase all Jedi teachings. By obliterating the knowledge of this power, Palpatine aimed to prevent future generations from developing the empathy and connection that could challenge his authority. Through relentless propaganda and the systematic destruction of Jedi records,Emperor Palpatineensured that the true potential of Force Empathy would be forgotten, further securing his grip on the galaxy.
Emperor Palpatine / Darth Sidious
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.
