DARTH REVAN AND THE KNIGHTS OF THE OLD REPUBLIC EXPLAINED

Darth Revan, a pivotal character in the Star Wars universe, is central to the narrative of the video game ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’ (KOTOR). Originally a Jedi, Revan believed the Jedi Order should intervene in the Mandalorian Wars, contrary to the Jedi Council’s stance. Revan and his friend Alek (later known as Darth Malak) led Jedi followers and Republic forces against the Mandalorians, eventually defeating Mandalore and discovering a Sith manipulation. Contrary to the initial belief that they turned to the dark side during the Mandalorian Wars, Revan and Malak were actually manipulated and turned by the Sith Emperor after their victory. The Emperor then sent them back to the galaxy as advance agents for an invasion, tasking them with locating the ancient Rakatan Star Forge to construct a fleet of warships. The game’s plot revolves around the player character, who is revealed to be Darth Revan, suffering from amnesia. This amnesia was not accidental but a result of the Jedi Council’s plan to use Revan against Malak. The player rediscovers their past throughout the game. While this twist was groundbreaking at the time of the game’s release in 2003, it is now widely known due to numerous spoilers over the years. A live-action adaptation of KOTOR would need to rework this plot twist to maintain its impact, given the character’s well-known identity and the common trope of amnesia in role-playing games. Revan’s character and the world of KOTOR have significantly influenced the Star Wars franchise, particularly in defining the Sith. While the game itself did not introduce the Sith Code, it played a crucial role in developing Sith lore, including Revan’s teachings and the Rule of Two later developed by Darth Bane. These elements have become cornerstones of Sith mythology in both Legends and canon. It’s important to note that while KOTOR itself is not part of the current Star Wars canon, Revan as a character has been mentioned in canon sources. This includes references in ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – The Visual Dictionary’ and the novel ‘Shadow of the Sith’, indicating his existence in canon but without detailed integration into canon stories. This nuanced approach to Revan’s canon status showcases the enduring legacy of the character and the game, even as the Star Wars universe continues to evolve.

Filipino Translation:

Si Darth Revan ay isang key na character sa Star Wars universe, na sobrang importante sa kwento ng video game na ‘Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic’ o mas kilala sa tawag na KOTOR. Dati siyang Jedi na naniwala na dapat makialam ang Jedi Order sa Mandalorian Wars, na contrary sa gusto ng Jedi Council. Si Revan at ang kaibigan niyang si Alek (na mas kilala bilang Darth Malak) ang nanguna sa mga Jedi followers at Republic forces laban sa Mandalorians. Sa huli, natalo nila si Mandalore at nadiskubre nilang may Sith manipulation pala clue. Contrary sa unang paniniwala na naligaw sila sa dark side habang nasa Mandalorian Wars, si Revan at Malak talaga ay minanipula at pinabagsak ng Sith Emperor matapos ang kanilang tagumpay. Sinugo sila pabalik sa galaxy bilang advance agents para sa invasion, at binigyan ng mission na hanapin ang ancient Rakatan Star Forge para magtayo ng fleet ng warships. Ang kwento ng game ay umiikot sa player character, na ni-reveal na si Darth Revan na suffering from amnesia. Hindi accident ang amnesia kundi plano ng Jedi Council para gamitin si Revan laban kay Malak. Sa game, unti-unting nade-discover ng player ang kanilang past. Bagamat nung release ng game 2003, mind-blowing ang twist na ‘to, ngayon madami na ang may alam dahil sa dami ng spoilers sa mga nakaraang taon. Kung magkakaroon ng live-action adaptation ng KOTOR, kailangan i-rework ang plot twist para di mawala ang impact, lalo na at kilalang-kilala na ang identity ni Revan at ang amnesia ay madalas na trope sa mga RPG. Malaki ang influence ni Revan at ang world ng KOTOR sa Star Wars franchise, lalo na sa kung paano nidefine ang Sith. Kahit hindi nito specifically na-introduce ang Sith Code, naging significant ito sa pag-develop ng Sith lore, kasama na ang teachings ni Revan at ang Rule of Two na later dinevelop ni Darth Bane. Naging parang cornerstone na ‘tong mga elements na ‘to sa Sith mythology sa Legends at canon. Note na kahit hindi part ng current Star Wars canon ang KOTOR mismo, si Revan namention na sa ilang canon sources. Kasama na dito ang references sa ‘Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker – The Visual Dictionary’ at sa novel na ‘Shadow of the Sith’, na nag-indicate na existing si Revan sa canon pero wala pang detailed integration sa canon stories. Itong nuanced approach sa canon status ni Revan ay nagpapakita ng enduring legacy ng character at game, habang tuloy pa rin ang evolution ng Star Wars universe.

Darth Revan, KOTOR’s Greatest Sith Lord, Explained was first published here.