Who is Darth Maul? The Dark Side’s Fearsome Apprentice

Darth Maul is among Star Wars lore's most fearsome and sorrowful characters. Ray Park depicts him in live-action, and Sam Witwer voices him in an animated series. Maul’s tale revolves around suffering, betrayal, endurance, and vengeance. He appears first in The Phantom Menace, then in the Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. This blog delves into Maul’s tale of the never-ending pursuit of enemies and his lasting impact on the galaxy. 

Early Life on Dathomir

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Darth Maul belonged to the planet of Dathomir, a realm rich in dark-side power. His species, the Zabraks, were recognized for their fighting skills along with their bond with the Force. Maul was one of three siblings, born into a tribe of Nightbrothers—the male fighters who served the formidable Nightsisters, Force-sensitive witches who ruled Dathomir. 

Maul's mother, Talzin, was the head of the Nightsisters. She had a distinctive connection to the dark side, which turned her into an ally and, eventually, a competitor to Darth Sidious. 

Becoming the Apprentice of Sidious 

Sidious arrived on Dathomir during his ascent to power, acknowledging Talzin’s abilities in the Force. He assured her of significant power among the Sith but deceived her by choosing Maul as a child. Sidious saw Maul as the ideal student to help him carry out the Sith Grand Plan. He secretly taught Maul the intensity of darkness that resulted in Maul being filled with anger for the Jedi. 

Maul’s Double-Bladed Lightsaber and Combat Style 

Maul crafted a distinctive weapon to channel his intensity in combat. With his double-bladed lightsaber, he became proficient in the seventh lightsaber form, Juyo. He was an expert in unpredictable fighting styles, assassination, and intelligence gathering. Following the order of Sidious, he removed dangers from the Siths' schemes, setting the stage for Sidious’s bigger plans. All of Maul’s initial missions helped him increase his hatred for the Jedi. 

Darth Maul in The Phantom Menace

Maul first appeared in Star Wars: Episode I—The Phantom Menace. During this period, the Sith were thought to be extinct, yet Sidious employed Maul as his hidden tool to advance his plans. 

Sidious assigned Maul the mission of finding Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Queen Padme Amidala, who had fled Naboo following the Trade Federation's attack. Maul’s fearsome appearance was characterized by his red and black markings, yellow Sith eyes, and pointed horns. He quickly established himself as an unforgettable antagonist during the famous Duel of the Fates on Naboo.

Apparent Death in Duel of the Fates 

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During the Duel of the Fates, Maul battled with Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, showcasing his unmatched fighting abilities with his dual-bladed lightsaber. He killed Qui-Gon before Obi-Wan. However, his excessive self-assurance resulted in his downfall. Obi-Wan, driven by sorrow, wielded Qui-Gon’s lightsaber to cut Maul in two, causing him to fall into a reactor shaft. 

Sidious thought Maul was dead, and his defeat signified the end of Sidious’s intentions to employ him as a disciple. However, Maul's tale was definitely not finished.

Survival and Madness on Lotho Minor

Although Maul was split in two, he continued to live on. His intense hatred for Obi-Wan and his link to the dark side sustained his existence. He was discovered in a garbage pile on Lotho Minor, a barren planet filled with junk. There, Maul fell into insanity; his form transformed into rough robotic spider-like limbs.

For many years, Maul's thoughts were filled with anger and hopelessness. He turned into a mere echo of his previous self, existing solely on instinct. His recollections of Sidious abandoning him and being defeated by Obi-Wan tormented him, intensifying his desire for vengeance.

Rescue by Savage Opress and Return to Dathomir 

After many years, Maul's sibling, Savage Opress, discovered him on Lotho Minor. Savage, educated in the dark side by Mother Talzin and Count Dooku, aimed to bring his family together to regain their strength. He returned Maul to Dathomir, where Talzin employed her magic to restore Maul’s broken mind and body.

Maul received a new set of cybernetic legs, regaining his mobility. With his mind regained, Maul’s hatred for Obi-Wan ignited more fiercely than before. He promised to revenge on the Jedi who had defeated him. 

Building The Shadow Collective: Maul’s Rise to Power

To fight the Jedi and the Sith, Maul and Savage organized a force and began a reign of terror across the galaxy. Maul brought together various criminal groups, such as the Pyke Syndicate, Black Sun, and the Hutt Clans, establishing the Shadow Collective. This criminal organization provided Maul with the necessary resources to start a war. 

Maul’s most significant victory during this period was seizing control of Mandalore. After defeating Pre Vizsla, the Mandalorian leader, in a one-on-one conflict, Maul took possession of the Darksaber. It was a legendary weapon that the Mandalorians believed symbolized power. Using the Darksaber, Maul claimed leadership of Mandalore, solidifying his authority. 

Confronting Darth Sidious

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Maul's increasing power caught the eye of Sidious, who regarded his old apprentice as a danger. In a clash on Mandalore, Sidious engaged in a personal duel with Maul and Savage. Despite their collective power, the brothers could not stand against Sidious. Savage was killed, and Maul was captured.

Sidious chose to spare Maul's life, planning to utilize him to reveal Mother Talzin's schemes. However, Maul eventually managed to escape, carrying on with his quest for power. 

The Siege of Mandalore

Maul's tale reached a new climax during the Siege of Mandalore, one of the last confrontations of the Clone Wars. Maul predicted the decline of the Jedi and the emergence of the Galactic Empire. He tried to lure Anakin Skywalker to Mandalore, aiming to eliminate him and destroy Sidious’s schemes.

Maul also encountered Ahsoka Tano. They fought in a breathtaking lightsaber battle, with Ahsoka eventually seizing Maul. However, the execution of Order 66 enabled Maul to flee once more, leaving Ahsoka and the Jedi to confront their fate. 

Maul’s Final Years: Star Wars Rebels

Years later, Maul reemerged in Star Wars Rebels. He exploited the young Jedi Ezra Bridger, intending to employ him as a tool in his schemes for vengeance. Maul pursued the secret to supreme power and ultimately discovered Obi-Wan Kenobi’s location on Tatooine. Their confrontation under the dual suns of Tatooine was short but meaningful. 

Death and Legacy 

Maul tried to defeat Obi-Wan using the same techniques he used for Qui-Gon Jinn but failed! In his last moments, he confirmed from Obi-Wan that he was protecting the Chosen One, and upon confirmation, he said, "He will avenge us" and died. 

Maul’s death changed the galaxy forever. His thirst for power and revenge shaped his tragic life, making him a fascinating figure in the Star Wars saga. With his double-bladed lightsaber, combat skills, and clever mind, he frightened both Jedi and Sith. In the end, his story showed the cost of vengeance and the dangers of living only for revenge.