Have you ever wondered why Darth Maul, the fearsome Sith Lord, rarely used the legendary Darksaber, even though it was a mighty symbol of power?
The Darksaber is more than just a weapon; it’s a piece of Mandalorian history, steeped in authority and reverence.
When Maul took control of this black-bladed saber, he didn’t just gain a weapon, but a mantle of leadership that tied him to a complex web of politics and power.
Yet, despite its significance, Maul often chose his trusted double-bladed lightsaber for battles.
Let’s find out why he made this choice.
Table of Contents
Origins of The Darksaber
The Darksaber isn’t just any lightsaber; it’s a legendary symbol of power and leadership, deeply embedded in the lore of Mandalorian culture.
Created by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian to join the Jedi Order, this unique weapon with its striking black blade became a historic artifact, preserved initially by the Jedi.
After being reclaimed by the Mandalorians from the Jedi Temple, it emerged as a symbol of authority and heritage.
It was passed down through generations within the Vizsla family lineage, making its wielder not just a warrior but a leader revered by Mandalorian clans.
Darth Maul’s Acquisition of the Darksaber During the Clone Wars
During the turbulent era of the Clone Wars, Darth Maul’s path crossed with the Darksaber as he sought to expand his power.
Seizing the Darksaber from Pre Vizsla through combat, Maul did more than just take possession of a weapon; he claimed a mantle of leadership.
His acquisition of the Darksaber was a calculated step towards gaining the loyalty and command of Vizsla’s forces.
Once in power, the role of the Darksaber evolved from a mere weapon to a symbol of authority for Maul.
Leading the Shadow Collective, an alliance of the galaxy’s most formidable crime syndicates, required a balance of fear and respect.
Why Darth Maul Stops Using The Darksaber
Losing Interest in Leadership
By acquiring the Darksaber, Maul not only got a cool new weapon but also became the leader of Vizsla’s warriors.
However, this leadership didn’t last long.
Maul was soon defeated by his former master, Darth Sidious, and taken captive, losing control over the Darksaber for a while.
After escaping from Sidious, Maul didn’t try to get back the Darksaber right away.
Instead, he focused on other things like trying to get revenge on his enemies and uncovering dark secrets of the Force.
Eventually, Maul left the Darksaber in his secret lair on a spooky planet called Dathomir.
This shows that Maul’s interests had shifted from leading the Mandalorians to pursuing more personal goals.
The Great Purge of Mandalore
The Great Purge of Mandalore was a tragic event where many Mandalorians were attacked and defeated, leading to disarray among their ranks.
This event happened after Maul’s time with the Darksaber but it highlights why the concept of leading Mandalorians became even more complicated.
The Purge showed that control over Mandalore and its people was fragile and could be lost easily, perhaps reinforcing Maul’s decision to distance himself from Mandalorian politics.
A Shift in Mandalorian Politics
By the time of Star Wars Rebels, the Darksaber had been picked up by Sabine Wren, a young and brave Mandalorian girl.
This was a time of great trouble for the Mandalorians, and leadership was shifting.
Maul probably realized that leading Mandalorians wasn’t his path anymore, especially as he grew more obsessed with his own plans and less interested in Mandalorian politics.
When he realized that the Darksaber and what it stood for—leadership and power over Mandalore—no longer served his purposes, he was able to let it go.
Preference for Double-Bladed Lightsabers
One possible hypothesis is that Darth Maul’s preference for double-bladed lightsabers over traditional single-bladed weapons significantly influenced his infrequent use of the Darksaber.
The double-bladed lightsaber, aligning with his aggressive and acrobatic combat style, was consistently his weapon of choice.
With a weapon like this, Maul could handle many enemies at once and adapt quickly to lots of action, which was super important when he was in charge of the Shadow Collective.
Even though the Darksaber was really important and powerful, Maul often chose his double-bladed lightsaber for big fights because he was so good with it.
Maul’s choice shows he liked to stick with what he knew best, especially in tough fights.
This shows Maul was practical, always choosing the best tool for the job to help him win fights and stay on top in his dangerous world.