Was it simply his own over confidence that led to Palpatine's destruction? Palpatine, who orchestrated a show in the republic in order for him to gain power, as well as have the most powerful apprentice protect him. Not only a fooled apprentice, but a weakened republic led to believe they needed a new regime to preserve the ideals of a controlled republic. If One who can accomplish so much, be lead to believe that his very own apprentice still had part of his original identity, not fully consumed by darkness, but be undetectable by Palpatine. How did he lose?
Registered: Nov 2004
Location: The Land of Confusion
I think that Palpatine in ROTJ was in not as good shape as in PT, when he was in his prime, plotting takeover and Jedi destruction. His megalomany and corruption took the better of him, he couldn`t imagine Luke and Rebellion being a threat that could challenge him.
__________________ Yet the lies that Melkor, the mighty and accursed, Morgoth Bauglir, the Power of Terror and of Hate, sowed in the hearts of Elves and Men are a seed that does not die and cannot be destroyed; and ever and anon it sprouts anew, and will bear dark fruit even unto the latest days.
"… his name is Melkor, Lord of All, Giver of Freedeom, and he shall make you stronger than they."
Sauron to Ar-Pharazôn
Palpatine lost for several reasons:
1. Overconfidance. The Emperor believed in he visions he had that Luke would bow before him.
2. Trust in Vader. He believed Vader wouldnt let emotion (Eg love) take hold. He also believed Vaders word that Skywalker would turn.
3. The will of the Force.
4. Old age (Darksiders age more rapidly than lightsiders)
5. Underestimating the Rebels odds against the Death Star and battle fleet. Proving again how effective one-man fighters were in the right hands.
6. Lukes abilities to resist the Darkside. Love for his sister, father, friends and life. Hatred towards the Emperor but realises before he kills his father.
7. Love. The love Vader held for his son for standing up to the Emperor. Love is what drives the light side but is a hard emotion to achieve. Vader achieved it by being proud of Luke for resisting.
Thats the shortened and sweetened version.
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1. Well thats the obvious. Palpatine would be very confident
2. His full trust in Vader? He believed Vader was fully consumed by the Darkside, and there was no longer any good in him...But it turned out, there was....
3. The darkside of the force. The good side of the force has it's powers too
4. wisdom comes with old age, but the overconfidence trait may be in some sort of a conflict with his darkside belief. I dont think cockyness can be beneficial even with the darkside
5. A single death star blown up didn't destroy the empire, nor would it if it was destroyed at the end of ROTJ, without Palpatine being destroyed as well.
6. Had nothing to do with ability. It was his faith in his father.
7. Vader found himself at the time, a redemption. saving his son led him back to the good side.
Luke felt the anger in Vader when he fought him in the ESB, experiencing the darkside as Vader fought Luke, Luke felt the anger, but he also felt somthing other than hate. Looking back, Luke viewed it as heart to let him live (Not to rule the empire as father and son). Vader was not stupid observing his son as he felt him. I'm sure Luke felt a learned resistance to the darkside from Yoda,. Vader knew this, and could have killed Luke, but decided not to, even though he had doubt that Luke wouldn't turn.