Why one Force power threatened everything Palpatine was trying to build

Emperor Palpatine Systematically eradicated the Jedi and their teachings, but one Force power posed a unique threat to his ambitions, forcing him to ensure that it was forgotten forever. When Palpatine initiated Order 66, he didn’t just aim to destroy the Jedi physically; He sought to completely wipe out their inheritance. Through relentless propaganda and the erasure of Jedi teachings, Palpatine aimed to reform the galaxy’s understanding of the Force, leaving no trace of the Jedi’s influence.

Surprisingly, Dark Horse Comics’ Star Wars: The Purge – The Tyrant’s Fist By Alexander Freed, Marco Castiello and Andrea Chella reveals that Palpatine is afraid of one specific Force power in particular. In this issue, Darth Vader pays particular attention to the Jedi’s ability to bond with animals, trying to erase all memory of this power. The implication is that Palpatine feared this power more than any other; But why was that the case?

Connecting your mind with others encourages empathy

Palpatine is likely up against two specific Force powers

Among the various Force abilities that Jedi can develop, two are often confused due to their similarities: Animal bond and force empathy. Animal Bond, also known as Animal Friendship, Beast Control, or Beast Trick, is a Force ability that enables the user to control and influence animals. This power was particularly useful for taming creatures and using them as mounts or guard animals. Animal Bond, taught to younglings as a passive ability, allowed Jedi like Darth Bane and Anakin Skywalker to tame and command dangerous animals in critical situations.

There are similarities between Animal Bond and another Force power, Force Empathy, which—related to Force Sense—allows the Jedi to pick up impressions of an individual’s emotions, motivations, and even deeply guarded secrets. Unlike Animal Bond, this is not about controlling others but about understanding them; Anakin Skywalker used it on rare occasions, including to locate his mother by sensing her pain from afar. That is, there are similarities in this Both powers involve understanding and appreciating another being’s perspective.

Why Palpatine feared this power

Force Empathy as a threat to the control of the Sith

Emperor Palpatine recognized the threat that Force Empathy posed to his rule. This ability, which encourages empathy and connection between Force-sensitive people, directly opposes the isolation and fear he needs to cultivate in his empire. By sensing the emotions and motivations of others, Jedi can foster unity and understanding—values ​​that are antithetical to Palpatine’s vision of control. The potential for Jedi to use Force empathy to see through his manipulations made this ability particularly dangerous to his plans.

Palpatine’s determination to eradicate Force empathy was part of his broader campaign to erase all Jedi teachings. By erasing the knowledge of this power, Palpatine aimed to prevent future generations from developing the empathy and connection that could challenge his authority. Through relentless propaganda and the systematic destruction of Jedi records, Emperor Palpatine ensured that the true potential of Force Empathy would be forgotten, further securing his grip on the galaxy.