Palpatine called his Sith master "Darth Plagueis the Wise," but why?
In the Star Wars canon, palpatine—also known as Darth Sidious—referred to his Sith master as "Darth Plagueis the Wise." This title had great significance, not only a haphazard selection. Palpatine personally conferred this title upon Darth Plagueis in the non-canon Legends continuity. This is a result of Plagueis's extraordinary skills and wisdom, which Palpatine greatly appreciated and aimed to copy. Particularly his ability to control midi-chlorians to impact life and death, Plagueis was renowned for his mastery of the dark side of the Force. A talent that captivated and intrigued Palpatine, he could even stop those he cared about from passing death. Palpitine considered Plagueis as a wise and strong master deserving of the title "The Wise". This title captured Palpatine's respect and wonder for his master's knowledge and ability.
What capacities possessed Darth Plagueis?
On the dark side of the Force, Darth Plagueis possessed remarkable power. His mastery of midi-chlorians—the microscopic life forms found in all living entities—which were linked to the Force—was well-known Plagueis could change these midi-chlorians to affect life and death. By so "hijacking" the natural flow of life and death, he could even stop the deaths of people he loved. In the Force, he also had great power and could accomplish feats including mental manipulation, weather control, and even creation of life. Plagueis was a powerful and influential Sith Lord with these skills; his apprentice, Palpatine, dubbed him "The Wise."
Was the title for Darth Plagueis ironic for Palpatine?
Palpatine's title for Darth Plagueis was not sarcastic. He really thought Plagueis was wise and gifted. The title "The Wise" honored Palpatine's respect and wonder for his master's knowledge and ability. Palpatine loved his master's power and ambition even though he finally turned on Plagueis. The title was meant to be a real recognition of Plagueis's skill and impact on the dark side of the Force.
Why was "Grand Design" by Darth Plagueis significant?
The carefully thought-out "Grand Design" of Darth Plagueis was a means of bringing about the demise of the Jedi Order and a new galaxy ruled by Sith. This scheme called for controlling people and events to cause strife inside the Republic. Seeing the Jedi Order as a challenge to his goals, Plagueis aimed to take advantage of their flaws. His scheme was to take advantage of political unrest, coordinate cosmic strife, and finally bring about the fall of the Republic. Carefully carried out over generations, the "Grand Design" was a complicated and sophisticated plan that reflected Plagueis's long-term vision and strategic acumen. As Plagueis's pupil, palpatine was instrumental in implementing this design and finally helped to destroy the Republic and create the Galactic Empire.
Where might I find more information about "Grand Design" and Darth Plagueis?
James Luceno's non-canon Legends book "Darth Plagueis" offers a thorough examination of both the "Grand Design" and Darth Plagueis's life. This book explores Plagueis's beginnings, ascent to prominence, and friendship with Palpatine. It also offers understanding of his lessons and ideas, his mastery of the dark side of the Force, and his final death at the hands of his own apprentice. This book is a great source if you would want further knowledge about Darth Plagueis and his complex scheme for planetary dominance. Keep in mind, though, that this material comes from the Legends continuity and isn't regarded as canon in the present Star Wars chronology.
How did Palpatine get influenced by Jedi Plagueis?
Palpatine was greatly inspired by teachings of Darth Plagueis. Emphasizing its power and ability for manipulation, plagueis taught his apprentice a great awareness of the negative side of the Force. He imparted to Palpatine the values of ambition, guile, and patience in reaching his objectives. Plagueis also shared his expertise of the "Grand Design," the painstakingly created scheme for the collapse of the Jedi Order and the ascent of the Sith. These lessons ingrained in Palpatine a merciless ambition and a long-term vision for galactic dominance, so molding him into the strong and cunning Sith Lord he would become.
