WHO IS DARTH REVAN IN STAR WARS CANON?
Revan—who spent much of his life as Darth Revan—occupies an unusual place in Star Wars lore. Much of Revan’s story is told across two games: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic (2003) and Star Wars: The Old Republic (2011), with the latter expanding on his posthumous legacy and the creation of the Order of Revan.
The various twists and turns of his life make his annals among the most intriguingly complex, blending documented events with disputed history. Yet much of this history has been officially consigned to the apocryphal status of Legends, along with many other figures and events preserved in games, novels, and comics no longer considered canon.
Opinions of Darth Revan’s personality and his status in the fan community are equally mixed. Although Revan remains a relatively obscure character, he is an object of fascination among a small but fervent portion of fans (especially those familiar with the popular game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic).
Even devoted Revan supporters debate which elements of his story should be brought into official canon and which should remain part of Legends lore. More than a few fans have expressed a desire to see Revan’s entire warts-and-all biography enter official canon.
So, who is Darth Revan, and what is the official canon of Revan’s character, anyway? To explore that question, it’s essential to investigate the entire history of this notable character, examining what is confirmed in canon and what’s still considered legend.
JUMP TO SECTION
The Legend of Darth Revan
According to some sources, Revan was a human male who lived around the time of the Mandalorian Wars. Born in the Outer Rim Territories, he was discovered as a child to be Force-sensitive, which earned him admission to the Jedi Order and initiated his training. Revan’s personality as a youth was one full of high energy and an eagerness to learn; as a result, Revan eventually ascended to the rank of Jedi Knight. During his years as a Padawan, he also befriended another student, Alek, who would much later undergo a dramatic transformation into the infamous Darth Malak.
Always a brilliant military tactician, as well as a forceful personality, Revan was unhappy with the conduct of the Jedi Order during the Mandalorian Wars and took it upon himself to form the Jedi Crusaders (sometimes called the Revanchists). His Revanchists, whom he guided with help from his companion Alek (Malak), soon won many important victories against the Mandalorians.
Revan’s Star Wars lore highlights how his bold leadership and growing influence pushed the boundaries within the Jedi ranks. Revan and Malak’s success forced the Jedi Council to grant the renegade Revanchists a degree of official recognition, although it was clear that the elders were not pleased with Revan’s defiance of their orders.The Old Republic Revan story continues to serve as a pivotal foundation in Star Wars Legends, with many fans hoping to see more of this era incorporated into the official canon.
The Dark Lord of the Sith
Darth Revan went on to defeat Mandalore the Ultimate at the Battle of Malachor V—a significant turning point in the conflict. But his victory, though a crushing blow to the Mandalorians, led to disaster for Revan. While exploring the Unknown Regions in the aftermath of the battle, Revan and Malak turned to the Dark Side under the influence of Darth Vitiate, the Sith Emperor from Star Wars: The Old Republic.
Now renamed Darth Revan and Darth Malak, the two soon proved to be too headstrong for Vitiate to manage. They broke free from his dominion and formed a Sith Empire dedicated to vanquishing the Jedi Order. They nearly accomplished this in a bloody conflict known as the Jedi Civil War. But Revan was betrayed by Malak, who assumed full control of the Sith Empire.
Rejoining the Republic
Captured by Jedi Knight Bastila Shan, Revan had his mind wiped of his memories of his Dark Lord past. He assumed duties aboard the Endar Spire, a cruiser affiliated with the Galactic Republic Navy. When the Endar Spire was attacked by the Sith (under the command of Darth Malak), Revan, along with several other Jedi, barely escaped death.
Revan eventually underwent training again as a Jedi Padawan and formed a close bond with Bastila Shan. His newfound peace was shattered when he and Shan were captured by the still-at-large Malak. Revan defeated Malak at the Battle of Rakata Prime, along the way managing to save his beloved Shan from falling to the Dark Side. His martial prowess demonstrated in this battle inspired the Order to grant Revan the title of Prodigal Knight.
However, the Dark Side was not yet done with Revan in his Star Wars journey. Plagued by disturbing memories of his Sith past, Revan returned to the Unknown Regions to search for clues, but was imprisoned by the Sith. He would remain their captive for many years until he was set free by the Republic, only to be slain by the Empire while he attempted to send an army of droids out to exterminate the Sith.
The Order of Revan
Even this was not the end of Revan in the Star Wars galaxy. His mind had been effectively split by the torture he had endured while in Sith captivity. This resulted in something akin to a dual afterlife: part of Revan became one with the Force, but the other went over to the Dark Side and maintained corporeal form. This dark half assumed control of the fanatical Sith cult Order of Revan, which had been founded by Tari Darkspanner in his honor.
He promptly set the Order of Revan on the path to eliminate Vitiate, the Sith Emperor, in a reckless plan that involved reviving his physical body to effect a final annihilation. This plot was opposed by both Republic and Empire forces alike, including Satele Shan, a descendant of Revan and Bastila Shan.
After many trials, Revan would finally succeed in this goal, with aid from Vitiate’s many enemies. Revan’s long and fractured journey arrived at its terminus when he fully became one with the Force.
Is Revan a Jedi or a Sith?
In Legends, Revan alternated between allegiance to the Jedi and the Sith at various points during his tumultuous life. However, most of these exploits are of questionable veracity—they have not been confirmed as canonical.
What has been confirmed as canon is that there was a Sith Lord named Revan. His name is known to Sith cultists, who sometimes utter it, along with those of other famed Sith, as part of a chant or incantation. The Sith’s Revan Legion (also called the 3rd Legion) takes its inspiration from this revered figure as well.
Revan’s lasting popularity among fans has earned him a spot in Hasbro’s Star Wars Black Series. The Star Wars Black Series Darth Revan action figure is part of a collector-focused line that celebrates major characters across canon and Legends. The release of the Star Wars Black Series Revan figure underscores how much influence the Expanded Universe and game-related merchandise continues to have, even for a character whose whole backstory isn’t officially canon.
Despite Revan’s Star Wars history, it remains to be seen whether more of his Old Republic-era story will enter official canon. You can discuss this topic, as well as others relevant to the Star Wars universe, over at SaberForum.com, the Ultrasabers’ discussion board. And if you’re interested in building and purchasing your own battle-ready lightsaber, be sure to explore Ultrasabers’ vast product inventory.