Darth
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Template:Wiktionary In the fictional Star Wars universe, Darth precedes the title of a Sith Lord.
Contrary to popular belief, the word "Darth" is neither a Dutch nor German word meaning "dark" (donker and dunkel, respectively), although "Vader" is Dutch for "father". Also, Darth is often thought to be a combination of letters from the title 'Dark Lord of the Sith', but there is no basis in Star Wars canon for this. "Darth" may also be a portmanteau of "dark" and "death."
The term first appeared in the original script for Star Wars IV: A New Hope, which bore little resemblance to the final release of the film. In it, a "Darth Vader" appeared as an Imperial official who would be renamed Grand Moff Tarkin in the final film, with Darth Vader becoming the name of the menacing black-armored villain.
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In-universe history
In Star Wars, Darth Revan was the first known Sith Lord to use this title, though it is possible that he and Darth Malak were preceded by the mysterious Darth Andeddu. Unlike their successors, Revan and Malak prefixed the title to their own names instead of creating a pseudonym, as did Zannah 3,000 years later.
Film history
Prior to the release of Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace in 1999, the only known Sith Lord who carried the name "Darth" was Darth Vader. When Darth Sidious and Darth Maul were revealed in The Phantom Menace, the name took on its distinct association with the Sith, and has since appeared throughout all eras of Star Wars fiction.
In 1977, the year the first Star Wars film was released, Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope seemed to indicate that Darth was a name unique to Darth Vader. That is, Obi-Wan Kenobi says to Vader:
- "You can't win, Darth. If you strike me down, I shall become more powerful than you can possibly imagine."
However, Kenobi may have been being formal.
In light of later material, however, it now appears Darth Andeddu was the first Sith Lord named Darth, and all subsequent "Darths" renamed themselves in honor of him.
Cultural impact
Due to the popularity of Star Wars, the term Darth has entered the popular lexicon as a term for evil. Most references are still associated with the Star Wars universe.