“The Third Jedi Purge”: How Star Wars Established an Epic Story Ready for a Comeback

Star Wars is a saga deeply entrenched in conflict, where battles across the galaxy frequently embroil the Jedi. This iconic group often engages in heroic endeavors—whether through the valiant acts of individuals like Luke Skywalker, Ezra Bridger, and Kanan Jarrus against the Empire, or through large-scale wartime efforts such as the Clone Wars and the Jedi-Sith Wars. However, the narrative takes a darker turn with a particularly haunting episode: the Third Jedi Purge.

Set in the distant future—between 130 and 138 ABY—Star Wars: Legacy #1, authored by John Ostrander and illustrated by Jan Duursema, introduces readers to this grim chapter. The issue begins with the ferocious assault of the One Sith on the New Jedi Order, marked by a singular, grim aim: total annihilation. The clash results in countless Jedi casualties, yet surprisingly, half of them manage to escape, seeking refuge in secret Jedi Temples that had been established as a precautionary measure against such dark times.

While the Third Jedi Purge undeniably resulted in tragic losses for the Jedi, it ultimately did not succeed in its goal. The surviving Jedi regrouped, launching a counteroffensive against the One Sith in the following years, a mission that culminated in the defeat of their leader, Darth Krayt, effectively dismantling the dark side faction.

Wait… The THIRD Jedi Purge? What Were the Other Two in Star Wars?

Star Wars’ Clone Wars & Old Republic Eras Had Their Own Jedi Purge

As a celebrated moment within the Star Wars legacy, the Third Jedi Purge elicits curiosity regarding its predecessors. Many fans quickly recall the Second Jedi Purge, infamously known as the Great Jedi Purge, which occurred during the Clone Wars—often regarded as one of the franchise’s most captivating eras.

The Great Jedi Purge was meticulously orchestrated by Sheev Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious. Through masterful manipulation of both the Senate and the Jedi, he incited a deceptive war, ultimately leading Clone Troopers to fulfill a tragic directive: Order 66. This command resulted in the mass slaughter of Jedi across the galaxy, effectively decimating the Order.

The First Jedi Purge, occurring long before the Clone Wars, transpired during the era of the Old Republic (3954 – 3951 BBY).Instigated by the Sith Triumvirate—Darth Nihilus, Darth Traya, and Darth Sion—this purge marked a dark period characterized by the systematic extermination of Jedi. The catastrophe peaked with Darth Nihilus’s genocide of the Jedi population on the planet Katarr, annihilating a significant portion of the Order.

Which Jedi Purge was the Most Detrimental in Star Wars?

Every Jedi Purge was Tragic, but One Easily Stands Out as the Worst

Each Jedi Purge undeniably inflicted grave damage upon the Jedi Order, with countless lives lost at the hands of the Sith. Moreover, the Sith grew dangerously potent following each purge, reinforcing the idea that whenever the dark side flourishes, it signifies a significant blow to the Jedi. However, the Great Jedi Purge remains the most catastrophic for several reasons.

Unlike the swift recoveries seen after the First and Third Jedi Purges—where surviving Jedi managed to organize and re-establish the Order—the Great Jedi Purge led to a prolonged period of Jedi absence from galactic affairs. While remnants of the Order like the Lost Jedi emerged from the First Purge, guided by Meetra Surik to eventually defeat the Sith Triumvirate, the devastation following the Great Jedi Purge left a vacuum for decades, giving rise to the Empire and delaying the revival of a stronger Jedi Order.

The Third Jedi Purge NEEDS to Happen in Star Wars Canon

The Third Jedi Purge Only Happened in Legends, & the First Proves It Can Be Canon

Sith Lords of Star Wars' Old Republic Era.

While the Great Jedi Purge might be viewed as the most tragic of the three, the aesthetic qualities of the Third Jedi Purge elevate it to a different level of engagement. Drawing parallels to the epic Jedi-Sith Wars, this conflict showcases intense combat between substantial Jedi and Sith forces. Unfortunately, this pivotal moment currently exists only within the realms of Star Wars Legends.

Interestingly, the First Jedi Purge, also rooted in Legends, has found its way into the Star Wars canon through various media, such as the acclaimed Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords. Recent canonical endeavors, including comic books that feature Darth Nihilus and episodes from the Clone Wars series, further integrate elements of the Old Republic into present-day canon. This sets a promising precedent for the inclusion of the Third Jedi Purge.

Adapting the Third Jedi Purge into canon will not be straightforward, as several specifics tied to Legends—like Cade Skywalker—do not transition seamlessly. However, the need for this compelling narrative to resurface in the canon landscape is urgent; its reintroduction is a cry echoed by fans since its debut in the Legends timeline.

Source & Images