Who is Darth Sion? The Immortal Lord of Pain

Darth Sion was introduced in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. Since his appearance in the game, Darth Sion has been regarded as one of the most fearsome Sith Lords who used his anger and hatred as a source of his power. Through his mastery of the dark side of the Force, Sion formed a unique relationship with pain. He used this to bind his shattered body together and achieve a state of immortality.

This article is going to explore the story of Darth Sion, from his origins and the secret behind his immortality to his legacy in Sith lore.

Origin

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There is no information about Darth Sion’s early life.  His story begins as a Sith Marauder during the Great Sith War. It is in this war he became more prominent. The war was started by the fallen Jedi Freedon Nadd and continued under the leadership of another fallen Jedi, Exar Kun. Darth Sion did not participate in this war directly, but his story developed after this war. 

Becoming Immortal: Power Through Pain

Following the Sith Lord’s defeat in the Great Sith War, Sion refused to accept death. But instead, he used the dark side of the Force to embrace his pain and hatred which transformed him into an Immortal Lord of Pain. 

However, Sion’s immortality came at a big cost. His body was always in a state of decay and he constantly burned in agony. 

Joining Revan and Malak

During the Jedi Civil War which was led by Revan and Malak, Darth Sion joined the remnants of the Sith to fight against the Jedi. However, the Siths were defeated once again by the Jedi. After this, Revan turned back to the light side of the Force which Sion viewed as a betrayal. This further deepened his connection to the dark side. Over time, he rose to prominence as one of the most feared Sith Lords in the galaxy.

The Sith Triumvirate

After being defeated by the Jedi, Darth Sion joined forces with Darth Nihilus and Darth Traya (Kreia) and together they formed the Sith Triumvirate. They Operated out of the Trayus Academy which was on Malachor V. Together, the Sith sought to annihilate the Jedi Order, ushering in the First Jedi Purge. Sion’s immortality and relentless pursuit of Jedi made him a central figure in the Sith’s campaign of terror.

Betrayal to Darth Traya

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Despite their initial unity, the Triumvirate was not destined to last. Sion and Nihilus eventually betrayed Traya. Sion’s ambition and power led him to become a more independent force within the Sith, but he was still bound to the Sith's goals of eliminating the Jedi, alongside Nihilus.

Conflict with Meetra Surik on Korriban

Sion’s first significant encounter with the Jedi Exile, Meetra Surik, was on the desolate Sith world of Korriban. Seeking out Jedi Master Lonna Vash, Surik found herself trapped within the ruins of the Sith Academy, where Sion was waiting. Upon confronting Sion, Surik realized the Sith Lord’s regenerative abilities. Despite striking him down several times, Sion rose again as his body healed by the Dark Side of the Force.

This battle left Sion with a deep respect for Surik, who had defied him and escaped despite his power. His admiration, however, quickly turned to hatred as he struggled with the emotions Surik stirred in him. He began to see her as a weakness, much like his former master, Kreia, who had betrayed him. 

Final Confrontation on Malachor V

Sion’s final moments came on Malachor V, the same world where his journey with the Sith Triumvirate began. By this point, Kreia had returned to Malachor, reclaiming her title as Darth Traya after betraying Meetra Surik. Kreia manipulated Sion into preparing for Surik’s arrival at the Trayus Academy but she intended to test her apprentice once more. 

When Surik arrived, Sion warned her to flee, believing that Kreia would destroy her as she had destroyed him. Despite his warning, they fought, with Surik striking Sion down repeatedly. But each time he fell, Sion rose again, defiant and determined to prove his strength. 

Fall of Darth Sion

It was not Surik’s lightsaber that ultimately defeated Sion but it was her words. She convinced Sion that his dependence on the Dark Side and the pain were a form of weakness and not strength. She also told him that Kreia never truly respected and trusted him.

In a moment of clarity, Sion realized that his existence was one of endless suffering, not power. Accepting this truth, Sion finally let go of his hatred and allowed himself to die, finding peace for the first time in his life. 

Legacy of Darth Sion

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Even after his death, Darth Sion’s legacy endured. His mastery over pain and his use of the dark side of the Force to achieve immortality had left a lasting impression on the Sith lore. Despite his life being defined by suffering, his death became an act of acceptance and liberation.

The Baran Do sages, who were a group of Force-sensitive Kel Dor, later left offerings in his name as they acknowledged his influence in Sith history. Sion’s story remains a cautionary tale of the dark side’s corruptive power and the cost of embracing pain as a way of strength.

FAQ’s 

Who was Darth Sion? 

Darth Sion was a formidable Sith Lord who appeared in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. In the game, he was known for his mastery of using pain and suffering as his strength to fight against his opponents. 

Is Darth Sion still alive? 

No, during his final confrontation with Surik on Malachor, he accepted his death after he let go of his immense hatred and pain. 

How did Darth Sion become immortal? 

Darth Sion became immortal by embracing his immense pain and hatred. He built a strong connection with the dark side of Force to hold his scattered body parts together and cheat death repeatedly. 

Who was the master of Darth Sion? 

Darth Traya, also known as Kreia, was the master of Darth Sion. He learned the philosophy of pain and power under her leadership. However, Sion betrayed her along with Nihilus and exiled her from their Sith Order. 

When did Darth Sion die? 

When Darth Sion realized that his endless agony and immortality were a weakness, not his strength, he let go of the hatred and pain and died. 

Why is Darth Sion called an immortal lord of pain? 

Darth Sion is called an immortal lord of pain because he used the Dark Side of the Force, fueled by his hatred, anger, and physical suffering, to keep his body together despite being gravely injured

Is Darth Sion canon? 

Darth Sion appeared in the official Star Wars game: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. However, after Disney acquired Lucasfilm, all books, comics, and other media were considered Legends continuity and not canon. 

Who defeated Darth Sion?

Darth Sion was defeated by the Jedi Exile, Meetra Surik. He was unable to be defeated in a battle but a dialogue of Surik made him realize that his immortality was not a strength but a curse. He released the dark force that was keeping him alive and died. 

When did Darth Sion first appear in Star Wars? 

Darth Sion first appeared in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords, a video game that is part of the Star Wars Legends continuity. 

Why does Darth Sion look like this? 

Sion’s decayed appearance is the result of his body being repeatedly shattered in battle and held together by the dark side. This left him with a zombie-like appearance, reflecting the torment that kept him alive.

How powerful was Darth Sion? 

Darth Sion was incredibly powerful. He was a great warrior and very passionate about completing his missions. Sion had an immense power to bear pain; he was decaying but used his sufferings as his strength, which ultimately strengthened his connection to the dark side to the extent that he became immortal.