Luke Skywalker's First Challenge Following the Return of the Jedi: Acolytes of the Beyond
With the downfall of Darth Vader and the defeat of Emperor Palpatine, the galaxy—which had been on the verge of disintegrating under the harsh governance of the Galactic Empire—found a ray of hope. But it would be difficult to completely eliminate the seeds of violence created during the Sith Lords' rule. A fresh menace surfaced following the Battle of Endor, directly challenging Luke Skywalker and the fledgling Jedi Order.
Acolytes of the Beyond: The Acolyte Cult's Rise
A mysterious sect known as the Acolytes of the Beyond rose from the ashes when the Empire broke apart and fell. Under the leadership of Yupe Tashu, an ardent supporter of Emperor Palpatine, this Sith cult dedicated itself to honoring the memory of fallen Sith Lords by gathering, storing, and remembering their artifacts. Driven by a perverted devotion to the Sith way and intense religious zeal, the Acolytes of the Beyond swiftly established themselves as a formidable force.
A Danger to the Jedi Order and the Stability of the Galaxy
The ultimate aim of the Acolytes was the Sith's resurgence, which put them at odds with the New Republic's attempts to bring about peace. They were a serious threat to the galaxy's precarious stability, and their menace went well beyond the borders of the New Republic. Their nefarious actions, motivated by an uncontrollable zeal, were directed towards the Jedi Order, with a particular focus on Luke Skywalker, the last living Jedi Knight.
Luke Skywalker's Problem: Dealing with a Sith Threat by Himself
Luke Skywalker encountered the Acolytes of the Beyond, a deadly foe, while he was tasked with restoring the Jedi Order. Skywalker lacked an army, in contrast to the New Republic, which depended on armed forces to exterminate remaining Imperial forces. With just his Force powers and the wisdom of the old Jedi books to help him, he took on the Acolytes alone.
The Acolytes' Ascent and the Last Stand in the Battle of Jakku
The Acolytes' ascent to prominence in the run-up to the crucial Battle of Jakku, the decisive battle of the Galactic Civil War, is revealed in the upcoming Star Wars limited series, Star Wars: Battle of Jakku – Insurrection Rising. The show explores the ruins of the Empire and their valiant fight against the emerging New Republic, offering a glimpse into the turbulent time that followed the destruction of the second Death Star. The Acolytes of the Beyond took advantage of the unrest in the area to grow in power. They attracted supporters and gathered supplies, which helped them play a big role in the Battle of Jakku.
The Sith's Legacy: Acolytes of the Beyond
A testament to the enduring history of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine, the Acolytes of the Beyond signified a perilous return of the Sith. With their activities driven by a perverted philosophy that threatened to throw the galaxy back into anarchy, they represented the dark side of the Force. In order to secure the survival of the galaxy and their own Order, Luke Skywalker and the young Jedi Order had to face the threat posed by the Acolytes, who served as a clear reminder of the Sith's everlasting ambition and drive to power and conquest.
