Star Wars The Acolyte’s season finale had several fantastic moments. While the show never revealed any Sith throughout its eight episodes, albeit showing a short appearance of Darth Plagueis hiding in Qimir’s cave, it was implied that the former Sith Lord may have had ties with Qimir.
Many speculate that Darth Plagueis is Qimir’s Sith master. However, several notable factors say otherwise.
While he exhibits traits of the Sith, Qimir isn’t entirely Sith himself. He uses a helmet made of cortosis, which hides his thoughts and presence from Force-sensitive users, quite similar to how the Knights of Ren wore theirs. Qimir’s helmet is different from a standard Knights of Ren helmet; however, as it submerges its wearer in the Force, it amplifies the Force abilities of the wearer.
This is also one reason why Osha was able to foresee the future when she wore the helmet, albeit being overwhelmed by the dark Force imbued in it.
Qimir might very much be the first Ren, a different type of dark-side user who is strong with the Force. They are neither Jedi nor Sith, but each member of the knighthood is imbued with the power of the Force.
The Acolyte is set 100 years before the Phantom Menace, and Qimir’s relationship with Darth Plagueis will have to somehow stop in one way or another, as Darth Plagueis’ apprentice in the movies is already the sinister Darth Sidious or Palpatine.
Both of these Sith Lords have tampered with and experimented with immortality. Plagueis might just be using Qimir to collect acolytes to continue his experiments about dyads and Force-immortality.
This could be why Qimir started his knighthood and created the Knights Of Ren. Kylo Ren’s theme plays in Qimir’s scenes, possibly implying the connection of Kylo Ren to the mysterious stranger. Either way, it is known that Qimir had former training as a Jedi, with Vernestra confirming their connection as master and padawan.
Another factor is that Qimir’s lightsaber was destroyed during the battle with Jedi Master Sol. It is known that the Knights of Ren were established and named after Ren, a red lightsaber that became the symbol of the knighthood.
It is possible that Qimir was able to corrupt another kyber crystal, which eventually became the Ren. Star Wars fans will have to wait for The Acolyte Season 2 to confirm any existing theories surrounding the mysterious stranger.
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