Star Wars Obliterates a Key Dark Side Artifact: Discover the Details

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone #4! The Star Wars universe is rich with formidable Sith artifacts, crafted to harness dark side energy, allowing Sith to propagate their corruptive influence and amplify their abilities over generations. Recently, one such potent artifact has faced permanent destruction, effectively eliminating its capacity to corrupt or empower.

In the latest installment, Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone #4, authored by Cavan Scott and illustrated by Vincenzo Riccardi, we follow Ty Yorrick—a former Jedi who has transformed into a monster hunter. Tasked by the Jedi Order, Ty embarks on a mission to examine a planet devastated by the Nihil. Upon arrival, Ty and her monster-hunting companion discover a Nihil ship that has crash-landed, but there’s no sign of the crew. Intrigued, they delve beneath the surface, only to encounter a far more ominous presence: the Hand of Siberus.

The Hand of Siberus is associated with Tey Sirrek, a former Guardian of the Whills who deviated from his monk-like duties, embracing a life of thievery and vigilantism. Although Tey first obtained the Hand in Star Wars: The High Republic #9, he mistakenly believes he is using its power against the Nihil. In a surprising twist, the once-dormant flora around him becomes animated; one of the sentient vines seizes the Hand of Siberus, leading to its eradication and the dissolution of its dark influence across the galaxy.

What Is the Hand of Siberus? Exploring a Powerful Sith Artifact

The Hand of Siberus: Origins in Star Wars: The High Republic #9

Although the Hand of Siberus made its debut in Star Wars: The High Republic #9 set in 382 BBY, its history stretches back much further. This ancient Sith artifact, which is believed to have originated during the Sith War around 5000 BBY, is named after the legendary Sith Lord, Darth Siberus. However, it remains uncertain whether she was involved in its creation or if it shares a mere coincidence in its naming.

The artifact is imbued with dark side energy, bestowing its wielder with formidable powers while simultaneously ensnaring them in a web of corruption. The allure of the Hand of Siberus poses significant risks to any who dare to use it.

The Surprising Demise of a Sith Artifact in Star Wars

Why the Hand of Siberus Could Have Shaped Future Star Wars Narratives

Iconic Star Wars characters celebrating together.

The abrupt conclusion of the Hand of Siberus within this issue is startling for many fans. Not only was its destruction unforeseen, but it also raises eyebrows regarding the decision to eliminate such a significant Sith artifact, which could have influenced the fabric of Star Wars lore for years to come. Other iconic ancient Sith artifacts, such as the Mask of Darth Momin and Fermata Cage, have historically played pivotal roles, enriching the narrative landscape of the franchise, making this development particularly poignant.

Ultimately, the story culminates in the Hand of Siberus being crushed by vines controlled by a ‘Lonto Plant-Mage’, bringing its journey to an unexpected end and removing the possibilities for future storytelling—imagine if a character like Darth Vader had been able to wield this gauntlet! Nevertheless, the galaxy of Star Wars arguably remains a safer realm with this dark artifact now eliminated.

Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures – Dispatches from the Occlusion Zone #4 is currently available from Dark Horse Comics.

Source & Images