Warning: Contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures - Echoes of Fear #4!ManyStar Warsfans might think that the Sith represent the Jedi’s greatest weakness, as they are agents of the dark side who have brought about a number ofJedi Purges throughoutStar Wars’ history. However, while it is true that the Sith are the dark opposites of the Jedi, they weren’t always the Jedi’s greatest concern. Indeed, there’s anotherthreat to the Jedi that’s arguably even worse than the Sith, and now, the Jedi have finally found a way to defeat it with one powerful artifact.
InStar Wars: The High Republic Adventures - Echoes of Fear#4 by George Mann and Vincenzo Federici, two young Jedi Knights ofthe High Republic Eraalong with their older Jedi mentor are searching for an Echo Stone. But, not just any Echo Stone, these three Jedi are after the one that was placed inthe Rod of Ages. And, in this issue, they have finally found it.
The Jedi tracked the Rod of Ages to a remote planet that the Jedi haven’t visited in many years, and they did so by sifting through chapters of forgotten Jedi history stored away in the Jedi Archive. The Rod of Ages was believed to have been destroyed, but after getting to the planet and sensing the great power in the force this artifact held, the three Jedi ventured into a vast catacomb where they eventually found what they were after. And that means they can finally defeatthe greatest threat facing the Jedi during the High Republic Era: the Nameless.
What Is Star Wars’ Rod of Ages, & How Will It Help the Jedi Defeat the Nameless?
The Jedi’s Greatest Enemy & Weapon in Star Wars, Explained
The Rod of Ages is a scepter that not only acts as a housing for an Echo Stone, but is also a means through which a Force-user can safely channelthe Echo Stone’s cosmic power. An Echo Stone has the ability to strengthen one’s powers in the Force to the point where it can practically give someone the power to reshape reality. However, using the Echo Stone has negative consequences. Best-case, the stone drains them of their life force slowly after every use, shortening their life expectancy by decades. Worst-case, the stone obliterates the person trying to use it immediately.
The Rod of Ages allows Force-users to channel the Echo Stone’s power safely, making this artifact a powerful tool for the Jedi - especially against the Nameless.The Nameless are beast-like creatures that feed on the Force, making Force-sensitive individuals their natural prey. And right now, the Nameless are being controlled by the Nihil, who are waging war against the Republic for control of the galaxy during this era. Only the Rod of Ages can sever the Nihil’s control over the Nameless, which means the Nameless will no longer be a direct threat to the Jedi during this conflict.
The Rod of Ages is an Artifact Star Wars Fans Could Be Seeing in the Future
Ancient Artifacts are Frequently Popping Up in the Current Star Wars Continuity
While it will be exciting to see how the Rod of Ages will help the Jedi neutralize the Nameless and defeat the Nihil, it will arguably be more interesting to see how the Rod of Ages will continue to impactStar Warscanon, even in the current continuity. Many other ancient artifacts are popping up inmodern-dayStar Warsstories- including the Fermata Cage and theMask of Darth Momin- so the same could be done with the Rod of Ages. Could the likes of Luke Skywalker, Ahsoka Tano, or even Kylo Ren get the chance to wield this artifact?
Who Do the Sith Fear More Than the Jedi? There’s Only One Person
The Jedi and Sith are sworn enemies, so the Sith should have a healthy fear of their enemy, but not more than they should fear 1 person in Star Wars.
The idea that the Rod of Ages will make a comeback in the currentStar Warscanon is an exciting one, but first thing is first, and right now, the Rod of Ages is about to be used by the Jedi of the High Republic Era to solve the Jedi’s worst weakness: the Nameless.
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures - Echoes of Fear #4by Dark Horse Comics is available now.
