One of the huge mysteries about Star Wars Episode 9 is undoubtedly the return of Emperor Sheev Palpatine, who was supposed to have been killed off in Return of the Jedi. Nevertheless, the teaser for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker ends with Luke Skywalker saying that "no one's ever really gone" as the Emperor laughs malevolently. So is it possible that Palpatine was always meant to come back? A new novel may have confirmed that the Emperor's fate was foretold in a Jedi prophecy.
Any Star Wars fan would be aware that there are several Jedi prophecies. After all, the most celebrated prophecy revolves around Anakin Skywalker being the Chosen One who will be Balance to the Light and Dark Side of the Force. However, it is hardly the only important prophecy that the Jedi studied about. One particular prophecy is highlighted in the Star Wars novel Master and Apprentice.
In the Claudia Grey book, Qui-Gon Jinn is still a young apprentice himself under Count Dooku, who was still a Jedi at the time. Qui-Gon becomes interested in the Jedi prophecies, noting that his Master is somehow obsessed with one that seems to reveal how one can attain immortality. At one point, Qui-Gon becomes concerned about Dooku as well as himself. After all, the prophecy states that, "He who learns to conquer death will through his greatest student live again."
Although it is a Jedi prophecy, many believe that it might actually be referring to the Sith Lords who have strived to achieve immortality. It immediately brings to mind how Palpatine once told Anakin Skywalker about the tragedy of Darth Plagueis and how the Sith Lord discovered the secret of resurrection. Although it is possible that the prophecy was pointing towards Plagueis, it would probably make more sense to be referring to the Emperor. But how would it play out in Star Wars Episode 9?
There is little doubt that Darth Vader is viewed as Palpatine's greatest student. Unfortunately, both of them died in Return of the Jedi. Nevertheless, some believe that the Emperor's Force ghost may have found another student in Snoke, who he trained and influenced to become the Supreme Leader of the First Order.
It's certainly a strange theory considering that all of these characters are already dead. On the other hand, Star Wars has already proven that Force ghosts can still influence and guide the living. It would be interesting to see if any of this is revealed in Star Wars Episode 9. In the meantime, it is best to take it with a grain of salt.
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker hits theaters on December 20.
