After the execution of Order 66, the Jedi were nearly wiped out. However, some Jedi who survived the purge went into hiding, and a few Force-sensitive beings were turned into Inquisitors. The Inquisitors followed the commands of Darth Vader and wielded double-bladed lightsabers to instill fear across the galaxy.
This blog explores the origins and main missions of the Inquisitors. It shows how they became the Empire's toughest enforcers.
The Origins and History of the Inquisitors
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After the Jedi were betrayed by their clone troopers during Order 66, Darth Sidious and Vader wanted to wipe out any remaining Jedi. They captured and tortured some Force-sensitive beings to create a team of Inquisitors. After being corrupted, the Inquisitors were the puppets of the Empire.
Training Under Darth Vader
Vader trained the Inquisitors. He taught them lightsaber combat and dark-side abilities. He also tortured them physically and mentally to break their link with the light side of the Force. He turned their fears, pain, and regrets into anger. Vader wanted them immersed in the darkness to fulfill their mission of getting rid of the Jedi. He also engaged in duels himself to prepare the Inquisitors for deadly situations. The training was rigorous and established a hierarchy of fear among all members of the Inquisitors.
Inquisitors were encouraged to compete with one another, following the Sith rule of survival of the fittest. This led to betrayals during missions, ensuring only the most ruthless members survived.
Tools and Equipment of Inquisitors
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Unlike Jedi and Sith, the Inquisitors wielded spinning double-bladed lightsabers. They did not craft their sabers themselves, but their weapons were designed by the Empire. Different features were added to their lightsabers. For example, their weapons could spin in a fierce duel. They also had lifts for short flights, letting users escape danger or chase targets quickly.
Certain Inquisitors used their whirling lightsabers to sweep across brief distances, a method that enabled them to catch their enemies off guard or evade perilous scenarios. They also used probe droids with advanced technologies to locate the hidden Force-sensitive beings.
Moreover, the Inquisitors used dark-side powers like Force choke, Force push, and sensing fear and anger in their targets.
A Complete List of Inquisitors
The exact number of Inquisitors is unknown. However, twelve known members in the canon, each with a unique background, are mentioned below.
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The Grand Inquisitor
The Grand Inquisitor was once a Jedi Temple Guard who became one of the most reliable Jedi hunters. His tactical intelligence and brilliant fighting skills made him the head of the Inquisitorius. The Grand Inquisitor's pursuit of Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger was a key element in Star Wars Rebels.
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Second Sister
The Second Sister was once a Jedi Knight Cere Junda's apprentice. She emerged as one of the most perilous and clever Inquisitors, infamous for her hunt of Cal Kestis in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
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Third Sister
Reva was a Jedi youngling who became the Third Sister. She witnessed the slaughter at the Jedi Temple during Order 66, which shaped her story. She hated both the Jedi and Vader. Her hatred for the Jedi was because she considered them incapable of saving the Order. Throughout her life, under the mask of an Inquisitor, she had a mission to track down Obi-Wan Kenobi and avenge Vader.
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Fourth Sister
The Fourth Sister was an enigmatic Inquisitor who showed up in numerous Empire missions, especially in comics.
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Fifth Brother
The Fifth Brother was a fierce Inquisitor. He often worked with the Seventh Sister. His strength and combat skills made him a tough opponent for Jedi like Kanan and Ezra in Star Wars Rebels.
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Sixth Brother
The Sixth Brother was recognized for his mercilessness and cleverness. He held an important position in the Ahsoka novel, where his encounter with Ahsoka Tano resulted in his demise. Ahsoka cleansed his kyber crystals to forge her white lightsabers.
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Seventh Sister
The Seventh Sister was a smart Inquisitor. She was great at using droids to find her targets. Her rivalry with Ezra Bridger in Star Wars Rebels made her a key character in the Inquisitorius.
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Eighth Brother
The Eighth Brother was assigned to track down Darth Maul on Malachor. His mission ended unsuccessfully during the decisive confrontation with Maul, Kanan, and Ahsoka.
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Ninth Sister
The Ninth Sister was a massive Dowutin who took pleasure in the chase and loved causing fear. She confronted Cal Kestis several times in Jedi: Fallen Order.
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Tenth Brother
The Tenth Brother, who was once Jedi Master Prosset Dibs, succumbed to the dark side after losing his trust in the Jedi Order. He met his demise while on a mission to control Force-sensitive beings.
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The Eleventh Brother
The Eleventh Brother was introduced in the Star Wars roleplaying gaming material. He participated in hunting down Jedi during the early days of the Empire, but little is known about his ultimate fate.
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The Twelfth Brother
The Twelfth Brother was referenced in Star Wars expanded content. His origins and eventual destiny are still unknown.
Key Missions and Battles
Throughout their time, the Inquisitors played an important role in the galaxy. They participated in several missions to secure the Empire's dominance. For example, the Second and Ninth Sister hunted Cal Kestis relentlessly in Jedi: Fallen Order. The defining moment occurred when Cal fought with the Ninth Sister on Kashyyyk and overpowered her.
Another critical mission was the search for Obi-Wan Kenobi, where the Third Sister, Reva, pursued him obsessively, leading to multiple confrontations. Her failure, however, resulted in her turning against Darth Vader, leading to her exile.
The pursuit of Kanan Jarrus and Ezra Bridger was another major campaign, with the Grand Inquisitor personally leading the charge. This ultimately ended in Kanan’s victory, forcing the Grand Inquisitor to take his own life rather than face Vader’s wrath.
One key moment for the Inquisitors was the Battle of Malachor. The Seventh Sister, Fifth Brother, and Eighth Brother faced off against Darth Maul, Ahsoka Tano, and Kanan Jarrus. They aimed to seize a Sith artifact, but their plans ended in disaster. The remaining Inquisitors met their deaths that day.
The Fall of the Inquisitors
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The Inquisitorius eventually fell as their usefulness to the Empire waned. Many were killed in battle, while others, like the Grand Inquisitor, were discarded by the Sith once they failed in their missions. The catastrophic defeats on Malachor, where several Inquisitors were lost, signified a critical moment that drastically impaired the organization.
As the Rebel Alliance became more powerful, the Sith redirected their attention to bigger battles, resulting in the remaining Inquisitors losing significance. Their failure to neutralize key threats such as Obi-Wan Kenobi, Ahsoka Tano, and Cal Kestis revealed their shortcomings.
The Legacy of the Inquisitors
The Inquisitors were among the most frightening figures from the Imperial era. Their harsh methods and mastery of the dark side made a lasting mark on the Star Wars galaxy. Yet, despite their power, they failed in their ultimate mission. Their fall paved the way for the Rebellion, proving that the Jedi could never truly be extinguished.
FAQ's
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Who are all the Inquisitors?
The Inquisitors were dark side agents serving the Empire, trained to hunt surviving Jedi. Known members include the Grand Inquisitor, Second Sister, Third Sister, Fifth Brother, Seventh Sister, and others. They operated as elite Force-wielding enforcers. Their ranks constantly changed as many died or were replaced.
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Why did Jedi become Inquisitors?
Most Inquisitors were fallen Jedi captured after Order 66. They were tortured, broken, and turned to the dark side by Darth Vader. The Empire reshaped their pain into loyalty. They became hunters of their former allies.
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Why are the Inquisitors called sisters?
Some Inquisitors used titles like "Sister" or "Brother" as rank designations, not family ties. These titles symbolized their place in the dark order hierarchy. It also erased their past identities as Jedi. The naming system made them tools rather than individuals.
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What exactly are Inquisitors?
They are dark side operatives working for the Galactic Empire. Their purpose was to track down surviving Jedi and Force-sensitive children. They were not true Sith, but they were trained in similar powers. Think of them as elite dark side assassins.
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Who are Inquisitors in Star Wars?
In the Star Wars universe, they are a secret force-hunting division led by the Grand Inquisitor. They appear in shows, comics, and games as recurring antagonists. Their spinning sabers and black armor make them instantly recognizable. They symbolize the Empire’s fear of Jedi returning.
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Are Inquisitors Sith?
No, they are not Sith. The Sith are a specific dark side order with strict rules and lineage. The Inquisitors merely serve them, acting as agents. They wield dark side powers but lack true Sith status.
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Are Inquisitors Jedi?
They were once Jedi, trained by the Jedi Order. After capture and corruption, they abandoned Jedi teachings. Their lightsabers turned red after bleeding their crystals. In spirit and allegiance, they became the opposite of Jedi.
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Inquisitors vs. Sith: what’s the difference?
The Sith are masters of the dark side, while Inquisitors are servants. Sith pursue power and rule the galaxy. Inquisitors enforce Sith will and hunt enemies. The hierarchy is clear: Sith command, Inquisitors obey.
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How many Inquisitors are there?
The exact number isn’t confirmed, but canon shows at least a dozen. Some are only mentioned in comics or briefly on screen. Many died during missions or internal conflicts. Their ranks were constantly replenished with new recruits.
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Who is the Grand Inquisitor?
The Grand Inquisitor was the leader of the group and a former Jedi Temple Guard. He oversaw missions and trained other Inquisitors. He appears prominently in Star Wars Rebels. His authority made him second only to Vader in their chain of command.
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Are Inquisitors Force sensitive?
Yes, every Inquisitor is Force-sensitive. The Empire only recruited those who already had Force potential. For example, Third Sister Reva and Fifth Brother both wielded Force powers. Without that ability, they could never function as Jedi hunters.
