Who is Meetra Surik? The Jedi Exile Explained

The galaxy is full of memorable figures known for their remarkable roles and abilities. Meetra Surik’s character is shown in Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. It’s the most intricate game in the Star Wars Legends continuity. Moreover, Meetra Surik was originally a customizable character in Knights of the Old Republic II, but later appearances in Star Wars: The Old Republic established a Canon version which is voiced by Emily Berry. This blog mentions her character, origins, rise as a Jedi, and her major role in galactic history. 

Early Life and Path to Jedi Order 

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Meetra Surik was a Force-sensitive child. Like other younglings, she was separated from her family and taken to the Jedi Enclave on Dantooine. Meetra Surik was trained by multiple Jedi Masters, including Kavar, Zez-Kai Ell, and Vrook Lamar, who later judged her during her exile.

In her Padawan days, Meetra demonstrated remarkable leadership abilities. Her fellows were drawn to her natural abilities. Some admired her behavior, while some disliked her intensity. However, Meetra had a unique ability to form deep Force bonds with others, which later became a crucial aspect of her journey. After the Mass Shadow Generator’s destruction at Malachor V, she unconsciously severed her connection to the Force to protect herself from the overwhelming suffering, making her a 'Wound in the Force.

Role in The Mandalorian Wars

The galaxy was thrown into chaos as the Mandalorian Neo-Crusaders initiated their destructive invasion. The Jedi Council, hesitant to get involved, worried that war would push the Jedi towards a dark fate. However, Meetra, seeing the devastation caused by the Mandalorians, could not remain quiet. 

Motivated by Revan, a Jedi Knight who opposed the Council, Meetra allied with his mission. She emerged as one of Revan's most dependable generals. She also demonstrated extraordinary strategic genius in engagements like the Second Battle of Dxun. Her leadership and combat powers changed the conditions of the war, winning her the respect and allegiance of Republic soldiers. 

Battle of Malachor: A Choice That Changed a Jedi's Fate

The conflict ended in disaster at Malachor V. It was a Sith planet infused with dark powers. To conclude the conflict, Meetra commanded the activation of the Mass Shadow Generator, a superweapon that annihilated the Mandalorian fleet—and a significant portion of the Republic's forces. This choice inflicted a severe injury on the Force, transforming Malachor V into a desolate wasteland. It left Meetra burdened with guilt and scarred by the haunting memories of death. The destruction of Malachor V left a lasting 'Wound in the Force,' and Meetra, unable to bear the pain and death around her, instinctively severed her connection to the Force. This self-imposed disconnection shaped her identity as the Jedi Exile. 

Exile from the Jedi Order

Meetra went back to the Jedi Council to confront the consequences of her choices made during the Mandalorian Wars. Even though her choice ensured a triumph for the Republic, the Council criticized her for ignoring their commands and for the horrors at Malachor V.

In resistance, Meetra stabbed her lightsaber into the stone floor of the Council chambers when instructed to surrender it. The Council banished her from the Jedi Order, and she was labelled as "The Jedi Exile." 

Lacking a Jedi title and mission, Meetra roamed the Outer Rim for almost ten years. She did not have the Force for guidance. Therefore, Meetra depended on her instincts and abilities to endure. Her period of solitude filled her with regret, wondering if her choices during the war were justified. 

The Jedi Purge and the Sith Triumvirate

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Years later, the galaxy encountered a new danger: the Sith Triumvirate, commanded by Darth Traya, Darth Nihilus, and Darth Sion. These Sith Lords began a campaign to destroy the Jedi Order, chasing its members to the verge of extinction in the First Jedi Purge. 

Meetra became engaged in the galaxy’s events again when she met the enigmatic former Jedi Master Kreia on the Republic cruiser Harbinger. Following an assault by Sith troops, Meetra fled alongside Kreia and the droid T3-M4, embarking on a journey to reconnect with the Force. 

Rebuilding the Jedi Order

After reestablishing her bond with the Force, Meetra Surik embarked on a significant quest. It was to gather the dispersed Jedi Masters and restore the Jedi Order, shattered by the Sith Triumvirate. The galaxy was still in danger from the First Jedi Purge. It required stability, and Meetra understood that reviving the Jedi was the only way to bring peace. 

Throughout her journey, Meetra made many friends. Few of them turned into her important allies. Many were connected to the Force. Meetra sought out surviving Jedi Masters to understand the destruction of the Order. Though she did not personally rebuild the Jedi, her actions in defeating the Sith Triumvirate paved the way for the Order’s restoration. Among her prominent companions were: 

• Atton Rand: A former soldier and smuggler with a complicated history. He eventually accepted his identity as a Jedi. 

• Visas Marr: A Miraluka who previously served Darth Nihilus. She found redemption and meaning alongside Meetra. 

• Bao-Dur: A Zabrak engineer tormented by his involvement in developing the Mass Shadow Generator. He pursued redemption through the Jedi way. 

Meetra's journey led her to significant sites linked to the histories of the Jedi and Sith. On Dantooine, she protected the Khoonda settlement and discovered traces of Jedi knowledge. On Onderon, she found herself involved in a civil war, supporting Queen Talia against Sith-supported troops. On Korriban, the ancient burial planet of the Sith, she faced persistent darkness and reconnected with the trials of confronting her inner demons.

Her attempts to revive the Jedi Order led her to confront the Sith Triumvirate, preparing her for her greatest challenges.

Defeating the Sith Lords

As Meetra Surik continued her journey, she faced the imminent danger of the Sith Triumvirate—a group of three Sith Lords who had thrown the galaxy into turmoil.

Darth Nihilus

Darth Nihilus was so engulfed by the dark side that he could drain the life from entire planets. He was the Lord of Hunger. His tremendous power, however, rendered him unstable, and his skills were ineffective against Meetra’s distinctive abilities. With her wisdom and fighting skills, she defeated him, bringing his reign of destruction to an end. 

Darth Sion

Darth Sion was the Lord of Suffering. He was consumed by his pain and rage. Meetra, realizing the pointless nature of battling him physically, urged Sion to release his suffering and accept death. 

Darth Traya

He was Kreia, who aimed to eliminate the Force. He thought it was the root of all conflicts. Within the core of Malachor V, Meetra triumphed over her old mentor in an intense confrontation. Before her death, Traya provided enigmatic glimpses into the galaxy’s destiny and the fates of Meetra’s companions.

With the Sith Triumvirate ending, the direct danger to the galaxy was eliminated. In addition, Meetra prepared herself for even tougher trials ahead.

The Final Search for Revan

Following the defeat of the Sith Triumvirate, Meetra Surik turned her attention to an even more formidable danger—the Sith Emperor. He was a mysterious and ancient figure whose schemes threatened the galaxy's survival. T3-M4 disclosed that Revan, Meetra's previous mentor, was apprehended and locked away on Dromund Kaas while probing the Sith Empire.

Determined to rescue Revan and reveal the Emperor’s schemes, Meetra traveled to the storm-laden planet of Dromund Kaas. In that place, she formed a partnership with Lord Scourge. He was a Sith Lord who had grown disenchanted with the Emperor’s reign. Together, they broke into the Emperor’s fortress. They intended to save Revan and stop the Emperor’s gloomy schemes.

Death of Meetra Surik

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In the throne room of the Emperor, Meetra and her companions encountered unbreakable strength. Meetra, T3-M4, and Lord Scourge confronted Darth Nyriss, one of the Sith Emperor’s closest allies. Nyriss struck Meetra down instantly with Sith lightning. Afterward, Scourge betrayed Revan, believing a future Jedi would be the one to defeat the Emperor.

Even though her life came to an end, Meetra’s sacrifice was meaningful. Her essence persisted, supporting Revan throughout his centuries of confinement and stalling the Emperor’s schemes sufficiently to provide the galaxy with a fighting opportunity. 

Legacy and Influence

Meetra Surik’s path had a significant and enduring effect on the galaxy. Her actions delayed the Sith Emperor’s catastrophic schemes for centuries. It allowed the Republic time to recover and reconstruct. The Jedi Order, diminished and divided by the Sith, started to regain its strength again due to Meetra’s efforts in bringing together its dispersed members and motivating a new generation of Jedi.

Even after death, Meetra's impact persisted. Her essence remained with Revan throughout his captivity, allowing him to withstand the Sith Emperor’s influence. Centuries later, during the Cold War between the Republic and the Sith Empire, Meetra's spirit reached out to Jedi and Republic troops, supporting them in their battle against evil.

While Meetra Surik remains a part of Star Wars Legends, hints like the mention of “Surik’s Blade” in The High Republic comics suggest her potential reintroduction into canon. Fans of Knights of the Old Republic eagerly anticipate the upcoming remake, which could further cement her role as one of the most pivotal figures in the Old Republic era.