Warning! This article contains SPOILERS for Star Wars: The Acolyte episode 5.

The Acolyte may have just changed the main purpose of Darth Vader’s helmet 47 years later. When The Stranger’s helmet was knocked off his head by Jecki in The Acolyte episode 5, “Night,” his face was not the only thing revealed. Now, almost half a century after audiences saw the first masked figure in Star Wars, there’s more to learn about why some enemies of the Jedi wear helmets.

In 1977, George Lucas first introduced the masked Vader, terrifying audiences ever since. Through subsequent movies like The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith, it was revealed that Vader’s helmet is not just for intimidation, but also for his own survival. After his defeat at the hands of Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar, the Emperor’s apprentice was left with critical injuries, and he relied on his suit and helmet to keep him alive. But after this week’s episode, it seems Vader’s helmet might also be used for another purpose.

Sith Helmets Aren’t Just For Decoration

They block Sith from the Force, preventing their minds from being accessed by others

Besides hiding his identity, Quimir used his helmet to shield his mind from the Jedi. During a lull in the fighting in episode 5, Master Sol demands that the Sith Lord reveal his face. He responds:

And let you read my thoughts? No. No. No.

Quimir uses his mask to block Jedi mind tricks from being used on him. It’s known that these mind tricks can still penetrate through some helmets, as Jedi have been able to trick many stormtroopers (seems like those aren’t the helmets the Sith are looking for). Maybe, however, there’s something about Sith masks that can negate a Jedi’s greatest weapon: the Force.

And if that’s the case, Vader’s helmet could probably do the same thing. This would certainly be useful for him when hunting down Jedi after the fall of the Republic. Perhaps the helmets of other Sith, like Darth Bane or Darth Nihilus, possess the same abilities. Of course, it would be difficult to penetrate the mind of a Sith Lord, even without a mask – but the extent of Quimir’s powers are still unknown; he could still be early in his learning of the Sith ways.

Darth Vader’s Helmet Is A True Symbol Of The Dark Side

In design and functionality, Vader’s helmet represents pure evil

The sloped design of the sides and back of Vader’s helmet is reminiscent of the ancient Sith armor. The lower apparatus was designed to provide his iconic, menacing voice. Through the crimson-tinted eyeholes, Vader literally sees red, and now it’s known he also uses the helmet to shield his mind from the Jedi. The design is immediately frightening to anyone who looks at it, making it clear that this character is a powerful dark-sider.

But his armor also represents the fallacies and restrictions of using the dark side. Vader is essentially stuck in his suit, as he would be unable to breathe or use his limbs without it. His face is hidden from the world. Most view him as less than human, since so much of him is cybernetics. Had he not chosen the dark side, he would not have been restricted to this suit.

There is still so much unknown about the Sith, especially during this point in the Star Wars timeline. More about Quimir’s helmet may be unveiled over the last three episodes of the season. With The Acolyte episode 5, however, revealing that the mask can block the Force, the entire lore of Sith helmets has been flipped on its head.

The Acolyte releases every Tuesday on Disney+ at 9 PM ET.