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

The Acolyte has introduced a new character who brutally cut down seven Jedi in his first ever appearance – and he seems to have big connections to several dark side groups, including the Sith. The Stranger, or Qimir as he was known before The Acolyte episode 5, has instantly made ripples in the Star Wars community. His action scenes have gained a lot of attention, but one of his most prominent Sith connections actually has to do with his armor.

As seen during the fight sequence, The Stranger wears a distinct helmet and gauntlet that allows him to short out Jedi lightsabers and deflect their blows. This armor is made of a copper-colored metal called cortosis. Cortosis has appeared in tons of Star Wars books, games, and comics, but this is its true live-action debut. Interestingly enough, cortosis actually does have a connection to the Sith in Star Wars Legends – to Darth Bane particularly.

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Darth Bane Has A Legends Connection To Cortosis

The Sith Lord Who Started The Rule Of Two

As a Sith during the High Republic era, The Stranger is part of the “Banite Sith.” These are Sith Lords, masters and apprentices, that are descended from Darth Bane’s line of Sith succession, following the Rule of Two. Before he was the only remaining Sith master in the galaxy, however, and long before he was ever aligned with the Sith, Bane worked in a cortosis mine.

Since this is from the old Star Wars Legends timeline, particularly Drew Karpyshyn’s Darth Bane novels, it’s no longer canon. With the introduction of cortosis in live-action, however, this backstory could be leaned into. At just 16, Bane worked in a cortosis mine on the planet Apatros during the New Sith Wars era, before joining the Sith Brotherhood of Darkness as a foot soldier.

Did The Sith Use Cortosis Before In Star Wars Canon?

The Lightsaber Proof Metal

While Bane has this distinct connection to cortosis, did any Sith ever actually use the material? Not in canon, but interestingly, cortosis was used by a group fighting against the Sith. The Ascendant was a dark side cult that the Sith sought to destroy, and thus created a sword of cortosis alloy in order to fight them, but it was never completed.

In the Legends timeline, though, cortosis was a bit more prominent. Old Republic era Sith were even known to use it. The Jensaarai group in Legends also wore cortosis armor and were directly inspired by Sith teachings found in the Jedi Archives. Either way, the connection between cortosis and Darth Bane is very clear following the most recent episode of The Acolyte, which will certainly make its future even more interesting.

The Acolyte episode 5 is now streaming. New episodes are released Tuesdays at 9 PM ET on Disney+.

The Acolyte

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The Acolyte is a television series set in the Star Wars universe at the end of the High Republic Era, where both the Jedi and the Galactic Empire were at the height of their influence. This sci-fi thriller sees a former Padawan reunite with her former Jedi Master as they investigate several crimes – all leading to darkness erupting from beneath the surface and preparing to bring about the end of the High Republic.

Cast: Amandla Stenberg
, Lee Jung-jae
, Joonas Suotamo
, Charlie Barnett
, Dafne Keen
, Leah Brady
, Manny Jacinto
, Rebecca Henderson
, Carrie-Anne Moss
, Jodie Turner-Smith
, Dean-Charles Chapman
, Lauren Brady
, Anthony J. Abraham
, Thara Shöön
, Danielle Xin Yao Waterman
, Sienna Khiroya
, Jeramiah Evans
, Dan Milne
, Thomas Coombes
, Archie Singh Swali
, Nick Court
, Ed Kear
, Jumayn Hunter
, Scroobius Pip
, Abigail Thorn
, Margarita Levieva
, Amy Tsang
, Saskia Allen
, Deborah Rosan
, Tabitha Alege
, Paul Bullion
, Indra Ové
, Derek Arnold
, Lewis Young
Character(s): Mae
, Master Sol
, Kelnacca
, Yord Fandar
, Jecki Lon
, Little Mae
, Qimir
, Master Vernestra Rwoh
, Master Indara
, Mother Aniseya
, Master Torbin
, Padawan Torbin
, Little Osha
, Fillik
, Tasi Lowa
, Youngling
, Restrained Convict
, Convict
, Olega Urchin
, Olega Master
, Olega Padawan
, Scavenger
, Ensign Eurus
, Mother Koril
, Ensign Rane
, Scout Sarria
, Ensign Shima
, Elder Jaalyn
, Master Lakshay
, Master Holden
, Master Ki-Adi-Mundi
, Jedi Knight
Seasons: 1
Streaming Service(s): Disney+
Franchise(s): Star Wars
Showrunner: Leslye Headland