What is a Force Vergence?
The Acolyte has revealed a brand-new Force vergence in the Star Wars galaxy, a rare nexus of power with ties to the unique twins Osha and Mae Aniseya. The Acolyte episode 7 builds upon the mysteries the show has already introduced regarding the creation of the twins Mae and Osha Aniseya, as well as the origins of their power in the Force.
It's been revealed why the Jedi were on Brendock in the first place. Jedi Masters Indara, Torbin, Sol, and Kelnacca were assigned by the Jedi Council to investigate Brendock, a world that had once been desolate but was now teeming with new life, 16 years before the events of The Acolyte in the present. Believing the cause to be a key vergence in the Force, the Jedi seeking this nexus of power is what led to their discovery of Mae, Osha, and the Witches of Brendock led by Mother Aniseya.
Force Vergences: Powerful Hotspots in the Star Wars Galaxy
In the Star Wars canon, vergences are physical hotspots of great power in the Force. As such, they often became sites of major conflict between the Jedi Order and the Sith Empire during the Old Republic, each seeking to claim control over various locations and worlds rich in the Force as each locus found could amplify the powers of Force-sensitive beings, grant impressive visions, and more.
These Vergences could also be focused around different aspects of the Force, be it light, dark, or neutral. The Jedi believed Brendock contained a vergence in the Force, one that they must seek out and study due to its great power. The Jedi were on Brendock for weeks, studying the planet's composition and new plant life with various devices and the like, only for Sol to eventually discover Mae and Osha, their shared gifts in the Force, and the cult of witches raising them.
Dark Side Dominance
While there are Vergences that are based in the light, most of the known vergences in the Star Wars canon are centered around the Dark Side. This includes the Cave of Evil on Dagobah where Luke faces a vision of Darth Vader in Empire Strikes Back, a key vision showing him his worst fears while also foreshadowing the future reveal that Vader was his father.
Likewise, Ahch-To had its own Dark Side vergence despite being the site of the First Jedi Temple (the Mirror Cave as seen in The Last Jedi). This highlights that even places associated with the light can harbor a dark side presence, highlighting the complex nature of the Force and its potential for both good and evil.
Force Vergences in Star Wars History
Beyond the location-based vergences described above, past vergences in the Star Wars canon have also been objects and even people. As the Chosen One, Anakin Skywalker himself was described by Qui-Gon Jinn as a vergence in The Phantom Menace. Likewise, the Skywalker saber itself became a vergence, as seen when Rey first touched the blade and received a major vision in The Force Awakens.
It does seem like a Force vergence is responsible for the creation of Mae and Osha and their unique presence in the Force as one being separated into two. It appears as though Aniseya herself manipulated the vergence to achieve this impressive feat, though to what end and how the twins were meant to save the witches remains unclear. That said, it's also possible that Mae and Osha became a vergence themselves, perhaps even being a rare dyad in the Force (not unlike Kylo Ren and Rey in the sequel trilogy). The implications of this for the future of the Force and the ongoing conflict between light and dark are sure to be explored in the remaining episodes of The Acolyte.
The Importance of Force Vergences
Force vergences represent potent points in the Force, attracting the attention of both the Jedi and Sith. Their existence signifies a natural nexus of power that can be harnessed for good or evil. The discovery of a new vergence in The Acolyte adds another layer to the Star Wars universe, suggesting the Force is full of mysteries and wonders yet to be uncovered.
As The Acolyte continues to explore the mysteries of the Force, we can expect to see more examples of vergences and their impact on the galaxy. The influence of these powerful hotspots on both individuals and events is a testament to the Force's constant presence and influence in the Star Wars universe. The Acolyte offers a fascinating look at the Force's complexities, highlighting its powerful potential and the enduring battle between light and dark.
