Death/Legends

"It's okay. Don't be afraid to say it—dead, death, the dead. It isn't going to go away, and if we don't face it, we'll just make it bigger than it really is. Can't live without death, can't die without life."

―Mandalorian soldier Kal Skirata

The deceased Padmé Amidala is drawn through the streets of Theed in a casket during her funeral.

Death is the cessation of life functions in a biological organism, permanently rendering it unresponsive to any external factors. The term "death" was also sometimes applied to droids damaged beyond repair. Sentient individuals (and perhaps all living beings), were known to enter a different plane of existence losing their consciousness and individuality. Some Jedi Masters such as Qui-Gon Jinn, however, could become one with The Force, and retain their identity after death. Other known practitioners include Obi-Wan Kenobi, Yoda, Vergere, Mara Jade Skywalker, Jacen Solo, Luke Skywalker, and Anakin Skywalker. It was a necessary and inevitable part of existence.

Causes of death

"It seems, in your anger, you killed her."

―Emperor Palpatine, telling Darth Vader about his wife's death

Death by blaster bolt

In most cases, death was caused by the major body parts within an organism simply "breaking down" from age and/or constant use. However, it could also be caused by irreparable damage to the major organs, such as them being ruptured, sliced, blasted, or similarly damaged. Death could also be caused by the loss of bodily fluids, such as blood, as they are required to ferry certain nutrients required for life to continue. In most cases this was oxygen, however a number of species breathed alternate substances ranging from methane to cyanogen. Suffocation could also bring about death, as it cut off the source of the required gas. If an organism entered an extremely hot or reactive area, their body could easily burn up and disintegrate, causing instant death.

Another cause was from cancers and infections, which occurred when dangerous bacteria and microbes took up residence in the host body, killing the flesh in that area, causing necrosis, and providing stable residence for more bacteria. Death was either caused by the bacteria getting into the bloodstream and causing necrosis in vital areas of the body, or the necrosis could simply spread and grow, literally compressing the vital organs until they ceased to function.

Suicide was the deliberate choice to end one's life. In certain other cases, death might occur if one simply no longer possessed the will to go on living, regardless of physical condition. Padmé Amidala was one such individual. Though droids could detect no organic damage to her physical body, Amidala passed away following her heartbreak at what had become of her husband, Anakin Skywalker, who had started going by the name Darth Vader, a Dark Lord of the Sith.

Finally, death could be brought by the complete annihilation of the body by forces such as experienced by a being inside an exploding starship or on a planet hit by a superlaser blast.

Death and culture

"Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those around you who transform into the Force."

―Yoda

Death by Force lightning at the hands of Emperor Palpatine

Tending to the dead constituted a significant part of culture. In many cultures, the bodies of the dead were buried either under the ground or in tombs, or burned to ashes during a funeral ceremony, attended by friends, relatives, and others who wanted to show their respect for the deceased and mourn their loss. The Jedi Order was known to cremate the bodies of their dead upon funeral pyres.

The attendance of funerals varied depending on the social status and notoriety of the dead individual. In 22 BBY, the funeral of Shmi Skywalker Lars, a former slave and later a moisture farmer's wife on Tatooine, was attended by a handful of friends and relatives: her premarital son Anakin Skywalker, her later husband Cliegg Lars, his son from a previous marriage Owen Lars, as well as Beru Whitesun, Padmé Amidala, and the droids R2-D2 and C-3PO. On the other hand, when Padmé Amidala, former Queen and Senator of Naboo, died in 19 BBY, her funeral was attended by an enormous procession of mourners, including Queen Apailana of Naboo, Boss Rugor Nass of the Gungans, and Representative Jar Jar Binks, her successor as Senator of Naboo; furthermore, the day of Amidala's death was deemed a national day of mourning in the Galactic Empire by Emperor Palpatine, himself a Naboo native.

Tusken Raider burial site on Tatooine

The Alliance to Restore the Republic honored their deceased officers with a space burial, where the coffin was released from a cruiser into the vacuum of space. These funerals were usually attended by many other Alliance personnel who served with the deceased.

Some cultures, such as the ancient Sith of Korriban, had a tradition to honor their deceased leaders by putting them to rest in spacious, well-decorated tombs or crypts, along with objects that were dear to them when they were alive, or could potentially aid them in afterlife. The Valley of the Dark Lords was an expansive collection of tombs belonging to numerous Sith Lords.

In Yuuzhan Vong society, death was accepted. They believed the manner in which you died was the most important. Those who died an honorable death in battle would bring pride to their Domain, but those beings who died shamefully would bring dishonor.

In Mandalorian culture, burials for the dead were uncommon, due to the inability for nomads to sustain cemeteries and the impracticality of bringing bodies with them on the move. However, the Mand'alor, leader of the Mandalorian clans, would be given a proper marked burial as a sign of respect, unless they chose otherwise. Mass graves and cremation were common when a body could be recovered, with the ashes later scattered, and one of the fallen's possessions—often their armor—kept in memorial; if a full set of armor couldn't be recovered, it was commonplace to retrieve smaller parts such as helmets, gloves, or plates instead. It was also Mandalorian custom to recite the names of loved ones and friends who have passed each night before sleep as a means of keeping their memory alive.

Death and law

Although death was considered a part of life, there were nonetheless instances where death was not tolerated, namely in the unlawful taking of life such as various forms of murder, including speciecide, the attempted extermination of an entire species. Some sentences given to lawbreakers also included the ending of the criminal's life, which is known as execution. This kind of sentence was usually reserved for very serious charges, such as treason. However, in some cases, particularly the Galactic Empire, executions were often carried out loosely. The Supreme Commander of the Imperial Forces and Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Vader in particular was rather infamous for often executing those under his command for various blunders they made.

Death and the Force

Qu Rahn appearing in a vision to Kyle Katarn

"There is no death; there is the Force."

―The Jedi Code

While all beings possessed, to some degree, a natural fear of death, as an undesirable and inevitable yet permanent condition, the Jedi, guided by the Jedi Code, learned to view death not as a tragedy, but merely as a part of the life cycle. The Jedi, viewing themselves as servants of the Force, were always ready to sacrifice their lives if necessary.

Some Force users were able to survive in spirit form after their physical body died and interact with living beings, as well as other dead Force-sensitives. This phenomenon mostly manifested itself in the form of Force ghosts, something which applied even to the Sith, like Marka Ragnos and Ajunta Pall whose spiritual forms lingered in the physical world for millennia.

Obi-Wan Kenobi becomes one with the Force upon his death at the hands of Darth Vader.

Several Sith Lords attempted to "cheat death" in their own ways: Darth Andeddu, as a spirit, used the Force to retain control over his physically dead and decaying body. Palpatine, also known as Darth Sidious, used a supply of clone bodies, so he could possess a new body after the previous one died. Other Sith have done the same, including Darth Sion, whose decaying body was held together by the dark side and his own hatred, Darth Nihilus, who transferred his consciousness to his armor, and Exar Kun, whose spirit was imprisoned in the Massassi Temple on Yavin 4. Karness Muur tried to cheat death by putting his spirit into a talisman, until it was destroyed by Cade Skywalker. Darth Krayt was able to use dark transfer to revive himself from death as well as pass Cade Skywalker through death and back to life again. Cade himself, though not a Sith, used his dark transfer ability to bring several others back from death. Perhaps the most complete attempt at achieving physical immortality was the creation of the midichlorian manipulation techniques of Darth Plagueis. The ability could be used to revive the dead, regenerate injuries, and could halt the aging of a practitioner, all without the use of any external resources or energy sources.

Lifespans

The term 'lifespan' was used in regard to rough estimates of the length of time a healthy organism belonging to a particular species would live before dying of natural causes. Various species had varying lifespans, from under ten years to almost a millennium. Some species, such as the Diathim and Talortai, were known to have indefinite lifespans. Long-lived species included Yoda's species, Netis, Hutts, Wookiees and Gen'Dai.

Appearances

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi — The Golden Age of the Sith Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi — The Fall of the Sith Empire Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi — The Freedon Nadd Uprising Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - Dark Lords of the Sith Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi — The Sith War Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords Star Wars: The Old Republic Template:TOR Template:TOR Template:TOR Template:TOR Template:TOR Template:TOR Knight Errant Darth Bane: Path of Destruction Darth Bane: Rule of Two Darth Bane: Dynasty of Evil Darth Plagueis The Wrath of Darth Maul Restraint Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones Star Wars: Clone Wars Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film) Star Wars: The Clone Wars junior novelization Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Clone Cadets" (Mentioned only) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Supply Lines" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Rookies" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Downfall of a Droid" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Gungan General" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Storm Over Ryloth" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Cargo of Doom" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Bounty Hunters" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Zillo Beast Strikes Back" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Landing at Point Rain" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Weapons Factory" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Legacy of Terror" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Brain Invaders" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Lightsaber Lost" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Mandalore Plot" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Voyage of Temptation" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Duchess of Mandalore" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Death Trap" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Lethal Trackdown" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "ARC Troopers" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Sphere of Influence" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Hunt for Ziro" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Heroes on Both Sides" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Senate Murders" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Monster" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Witches of the Mist" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Overlords" (Mentioned only) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Altar of Mortis" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Ghosts of Mortis" (Vision to Anakin Skywalker) Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Citadel" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Counterattack" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Citadel Rescue" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Padawan Lost" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Wookiee Hunt" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Shadow Warrior" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Nomad Droids" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Darkness on Umbara" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The General" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Plan of Dissent" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Carnage of Krell" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Slaves of the Republic" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "A Friend in Need" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Deception" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Box" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Massacre" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Bound for Rescue" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Revival" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "Sabotage" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Lawless" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Jedi Who Knew Too Much" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "The Unknown" Star Wars: The Clone Wars — "An Old Friend" Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith The Paradise Snare "The King's Requiem" — Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook (Mentioned only) "Only One of Her Kind" — Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook (Mentioned only) Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (video game) Han Solo at Stars' End Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II (comic) Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope Template:SWG Under a Black Sun "Trouble Brewing" — Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook Debts to Pay Beyond the Rim The Jewel of Yavin (Mentioned only) Star Wars: Rebellion Splinter of the Mind's Eye (Mentioned only) Otherspace "Phantoms in the Dark" — Strongholds of Resistance Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back junior novel Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back novel The Empire Strikes Back: A Storybook (Mentioned only) Star Wars 40: The Empire Strikes Back: Battleground Hoth Star Wars 45: Death Probe Star Wars 55: Plif! Star Wars 64: Serphidian Eyes "Safehouse Besh" — Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook (Mentioned only) Shadows of the Empire novel Shadows of the Empire audiobook (Bantam Doubleday Dell Audio Publishing) Shadows of the Empire audiobook (Talking Book Publishers Inc.) Shadows of the Empire comic Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Ertl minicomic "The Weekly Luncheon" — Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook (Mentioned only) "A Very Special Meal" — Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook (Mentioned only) "A Brief Visit to Rodia" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) "Jungle Hunt" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) "Provincial Problems" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) "Street Drama" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) "A Trip to the Country" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide "A Case of Mistaken Identities" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide "The Regalia of Office" — Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook (Mentioned only) "Partners No More" — Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook (Mentioned only) "Let's Go!" — Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook (Mentioned only) "Slave Raid" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) "An Invitation to Defect" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) "A Most Deadly Hunt" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) "The Ganjuko Graveyard" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide "Ion Cannon Parts" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) "Will the Last Person Leaving Vergesso Turn Off the Lights?" — Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide (Mentioned only) The Long Arm of the Hutt Star Wars 75: Tidal Star Wars 76: Artoo-Detoo to the Rescue Star Wars 80: Ellie Star Wars Annual 3: The Apprentice Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi novel Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi junior novel Star Wars 89: I'll See You in the Throne Room "The Package" — Twin Stars of Kira Dark Empire 2: Devastator of Worlds Legacy 5: Broken, Part 4 The Tale of the Aiwha Pod

Sources

Star Wars Word Puzzles Star Wars: The Roleplaying Game "Boba Fett: Mystery Man in Not-So-Shining Armor" — Star Wars Galaxy Magazine 1 Galladinium's Fantastic Technology "Cracken's Rebel Operatives" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 10 "Wanted by Cracken" — Star Wars Adventure Journal 10 Shadows of the Empire Sourcebook The Secrets of Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire 1996 Topps Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Card: Xizor Greets Vader) (backup link) 1996 Topps Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Card: Xizor's Dirty Handiwork) (backup link) 1996 Topps Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Card: Luke's Taken Prisoner) (backup link) 1996 Topps Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Card: Dash Fires the Guide) (backup link) 1996 Topps Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Card: Luke Blocks Xizor's Fire) (backup link) 1996 Topps Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Card: Guri Goes Toe-to-Toe with Luke) (backup link) Shadows of the Empire Planets Guide Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Pack: Luke Skywalker (In Imperial Guard Disguise)) (backup link) Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Pack: Prince Xizor) (backup link) Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Pack: Boba Fett vs. IG-88) (backup link) (Indirect mention only) Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire (Pack: Darth Vader vs. Prince Xizor) (backup link) Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Embossed Metal Collector Cards (Card: ISSUE 3: Wanted: Luke Skywalker) (backup link) Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire Embossed Metal Collector Cards (Card: ISSUE 5: The Trap is Set) (backup link) Wretched Hives of Scum & Villainy Cynabar's Fantastic Technology: Droids Gundark's Fantastic Technology: Personal Gear Star Wars: The Art of the Brothers Hildebrandt "The Anzati" — Star Wars Gamer 1 "Quinlan Vos: Jedi Without a Past" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Vilmarh Grahrk: A Devil of a Smuggler" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) The Dark Side Sourcebook "Rescued Aliens: Swamp Slug and Stone Mite" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) Lana Beniko’s Journal: Darth Arkous on The Old Republic's official website (backup link) Fate of the Jedi: Dramatis Personae Star Wars Trading Card Game — Attack of the Clones (Card: Poggle the Lesser (A)) (backup link (http://www.tradecardsonline.com/img/cards/swtcg/180/big/101.jpg) not verified!) (As execution) "Dark Blue" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Mood Swings" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Arms & Equipment Guide Extras!" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Komari Vosa" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Anakin's Living Ship" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Mountain Nerf" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Hutt! Hutt! Hutt!" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Darth Malak" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Cydon Prax" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Boba Fett (NJO Era)" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Voss Parck" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Furry and Fury" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Universe Preview 1" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Universe Preview 8" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Universe Preview 9" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Saga Edition Web Enhancement: Devaronians" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Power Beyond Belief" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Planet Hoppers: Phindar" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) "Planet Hoppers: Cathar" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) The Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia "Planet Hoppers: Skako" (original article link) on Wizards.com (content now obsolete; backup link) Book of Sith: Secrets from the Dark Side The Essential Guide to Warfare The Essential Reader's Companion The Droids Re-Animated, Part 1 on StarWars.com (article) (backup link) Star Wars: Edge of the Empire Core Rulebook Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Dr. Evazan) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Nute Gunray (★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Rancor (★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Stormtrooper (★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: J'Quille) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Obi-Wan Kenobi (★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Po Nudo) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Rute Gunnay) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Tion Medon) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Acklay) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Asajj Ventress) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Coleman Trebor) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Dexter Jettster (★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Nebit (★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Nicanas Tassu (★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Nute Gunray (★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Padmé Amidala (★★★, Tatooine)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Rancor (★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Shaak Ti) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Zam Wesell) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Emperor's Royal Guard) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: IG-88B (★★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Obi-Wan Kenobi (★★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Darth Maul (★★★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Jabba the Hutt (★★★★★)) Star Wars: Force Collection (Card: Padmé Amidala (★★★★★)) So Uncivilized: Great Gunslingers in Star Wars, Part 1 on StarWars.com (article) (backup link) Viva Space Vegas! The History of the Marvelous Wheel, Part 1 on StarWars.com (article) (backup link) The Bounty Hunter Code: From the Files of Boba Fett Enter the Unknown "Rogues Gallery: Clearance for Immediate Launch" — Star Wars Insider 146 Slugthrowers: An Overview of Popular Music and Musicians in a Galaxy Far, Far Away, Part 2 on StarWars.com (article) (backup link) Suns of Fortune Dangerous Covenants Star Wars: Age of Rebellion Core Rulebook Fly Casual Strongholds of Resistance Strike fear on the Battlefield with the Dread Warlord Cartel Pack on The Old Republic's official website (backup link) Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Galactic Empire Conversion Kit (Card: Saber Squadron Ace) (Reissued in TIE/in Interceptor Expansion Pack) Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit (Card: Cartel Executioner) Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit (Card: Dalan Oberos (Kimogila)) Star Wars: X-Wing Second Edition — Scum and Villainy Conversion Kit (Card: Torani Kulda)

Notes and references

File:TheDeathofAgenKolar.jpg

Death by a lightsaber blade

External links

• Death on Wikipedia

In other languages

• español
• Latina
• Türkçe
• українська