The Establishment of the Sith Rule of Two

Fundamentally rooted in the dark side of the Force, the Sith are an elite order of Force-users, known for their ruthlessness and power. However, one frequently asked question in Star Wars lore is: Who established the Rule of Two for the Sith Order?

Believe it or not, the answer leads us to the pivotal figure of Darth Bane. Darth Bane, born as Dastari Vun, was a pivotal character in the Sith Order's history (Side note: Star Wars: The Old Republic and Star Wars: The Sith Lords).

The Historical Context

The Sith, initially comprising numerous members and several factions, had a troubled history. The chaotic nature of their leadership often led to internal conflicts and power struggles, resulting in the dwindling numbers of the Sith Order.

This situation continued until the dark sides of St'ningal and Phoc discovered the Rule of Two, which prohibited more than two Sith at any one time. As history would later show, St'ningal's approach was ineffective, as his rule led to his own death, and ultimately, the complete annihilation of the Sith Order. However, his heir, Darth Bane, recognized the flaws in this approach and sought a new, more refined solution.

The Rise of Darth Bane

Darth Bane was a brilliant tactician who understood the flaws of the Sith's chaotic nature. Fearing internal conflicts and the disintegration of the Sith Order, Bane sought to create an order that would allow him to lead unchallenged, providing a possible salvation for the Order. His solution was the creation of the Rule of Two.

According to the Rule of Two, there would only ever be two Sith at any given time: the Sith Tyranus (the Dark Lord of the Sith) and the Sith'ar (the Apprentice). Additionally, there should be no other Sith active, eliminating the risk of internal strife and furthering the secrecy and strength of the dual-agent calculus.

The Impact of the Rule of Two

The introduction of this rule, thus, had a profound impact on the Sith Order. Not only did it tighten their grip on power, but it also allowed for a more efficient use of resources and a clearer focus on enacting Bane's vision. The Rule of Two facilitated an environment where the Sith could operate without internal conflict, maximizing their chances of success.

Furthermore, it laid the groundwork for the Sith's resurgence in the centuries following the rule's implementation. The rule was designed not only to protect the Sith but also to empower them, making them more formidable and less prone to infighting. This made them formidable opponents and ensured their survival and influence for generations.

Legacy and Controversy

While the Rule of Two proved to be an effective strategy, it also brought about its fair share of controversy. The rule played a significant role in the internal power dynamics of the Sith, often leading to political tensions and, in some cases, treachery.

In conclusion, Darth Bane's establishment of the Rule of Two was a pivotal moment in the Sith's history. It marked a turning point, setting the stage for the Sith's return to prominence and shaping the power dynamics of the dark side for centuries to come. The rule's implementation led to a more organized and efficient Sith Order, solidifying their position as one of the most feared and respected forces in the galaxy.