The word “Darth” has been part of theStar Warsfranchise since the beginning, leading fans to ask about its meaning and which Sith Lord used the title first. When audiences were introduced to Darth Vader in 1977, it appeared that this was just his name, especially since Ben Kenobi called him “Darth.” However, George Lucas always intended for Vader to be a Dark Lord of the Sith, and theStar Warsprequel trilogyrevealed more about Sith customs. Rather than being exclusive to Vader, every Sith had the title “Darth,” a tradition that continued in subsequentStar Warsmedia.
The originalStar WarsExpanded Universe, now known as “Legends,” offered possible explanations for what the word “Darth” means. Some stories even speculated on its origin and the Sith Lord who first called themselves “Darth,” adding greater depth to Sith lore. While this history is no longer confirmed in the officialStar Warscanon, some details may still apply due to references in certain stories. There is also a definitive canon explanation for what Darth means, why the Sith adopted it, and how it aligns with their philosophy inStar Wars.
“Darth” Is From The Sith Language
A word with many possible meanings
Before the Sith Order used “Darth”, it was a word from the red-skinned Sith species.According to the canon reference guideStar Wars Made Easyby Christian Blauvelt,“Darth loosely translates to “Dark Lord,“making it a fitting title for a Sith. Once they had committed to the ways of the dark side,aSith apprentice would take the title “Darth” along with a new name to symbolize leaving their old life behind. Sith Lords like Darth Vader took this to an extreme, referring to Anakin Skywalker as if he were a different person.
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In theStar WarsLegends timeline, the origin of the word “Darth” was unknown, leading to several theories.SeveralStar Warsprojects suggested that “Darth” came from the Rakata languageand was either a corruption ofDaritha, meaning “emperor,” or a combination ofdarr(triumph/conquest) andtah(death), symbolizing “triumph over death” or “conquest through death.” Of course, none of these theories were proven, leaving the meaning and origin of “Darth” a mystery in the Legends timeline.
Darth Andeddu Is Believed To Have Been The First To Use The Title
At least in theStar WarsLegends timeline
While the first Sith Lord to use the “Darth” title in canon is unknown,Star Wars: Jedi vs. Sith: The Essential Guide to the Forceby Ryder Windham suggested that it was Darth Andeddu in Legends. Known as the “Immortal God-King of Prakith,” Andeddu ruled for centuries like a deity, though he remained paranoid of other Sith Lords stealing his collection of Sith lore.Andeddu also possessed the ability to transfer his essence into another body, something both Darth Bane and Darth Sidious would attempt to achieve thousands of years after his death.
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Andeddu still exists in theStar Warscanon, mentioned inStar Wars Adventures: Return to Vader’s Castle#2 by Cavan Scott. With so little known about Andeddu in canon, it’s unclear if he is still considered the first Sith Lord to go by “Darth,” especially when he was referred to only as “Andeddu” in the comic. Perhaps a futureStar Warsstory or reference guide will delve more into the ancient history of the Sith and clarify where the word “Darth” came from and which Sith Lord used it first.
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
