Was Darth Maul Intended to Succeed Sidious or Merely a Tool?

The infamous Darth Sidious, also known as Emperor Palpatine, saw Darth Maul as more than just another Sith apprentice. Historically, Maul has been portrayed primarily as a skilled assassin and enforcer, with Sidious seeking power and control rather than a true successor. This raises the question: was Maul initially intended to succeed Sidious, or was he only a means to an end in Sidious' grand scheme?

Maul's Role Beyond an Assassin

Unlike Count Dooku, who was discarded and referred to as a 'photon torpedo,' Darth Maul was seen as a valuable asset by Sidious. In comic books, Maul is described as a Sith who embodies the essence of the dark side - cunning, intimidating, and full of anger and hatred. Sidious even encouraged Maul to use a double-bladed lightsaber, which symbolized power that could eventually lead to succession.

Strategies and Potential of Darth Maul

The Star Wars: Clone Wars series and various books depict Maul as having very similar strategies and plans as Sidious, indicating potential for disrupting Sidious' plans had he remained more covert. Maul was proficient in all seven forms of lightsaber combat and was especially skilled in Form 7. His ability to use Force pushes in conjunction with attacks made him an formidable opponent, seen in The Phantom Menace.

Mastering Lightsaber Combat

Sidious believed it was crucial for Maul to master all seven forms of lightsaber combat not for defensive or offensive purposes, but to mock the Jedi. Maul became highly proficient in Form 6, a form that doesn't have a specific weakness. This skill made him a powerful adversary, able to hold his own against Sidious along with Savage Opress and to completely overwhelm two Inquisitors simultaneously.

Sidious' Agenda and Maul's Future

Despite his skill, Sidious quickly shifted his focus to Anakin Skywalker after Maul's defeat in The Phantom Menace. This shift suggests that, while Sidious had initially intended for Maul to succeed him, he eventually found a more promising candidate in Anakin. However, Maul's potential to be the most powerful Sith Lord in history cannot be overlooked, given his mastery of lightsaber combat and strategic acumen.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Darth Maul was undoubtedly intended to be Sidious' permanent apprentice, with the potential to become the most powerful Sith Lord in history. His role may have been more about power and influence than just a tool to achieve Sidious' goals, but Sidious' apparent prioritization of Anakin signifies a shift in his long-term plans. Nonetheless, Maul's legacy remains a testament to the significance of the dark side within the Star Wars universe.