The Sith homeworld has had a fascinating history inStar Wars, with multiple alterations and name changes between canon and Legends. The Sith have consistently been a key part ofStar Warsmovies and TV shows, but there’s no denying that they get significantly less exploration than the Jedi on screen. In fact, the word “Sith” was originally cut fromA New Hope, and Lucas didn’t even begin to show what he thought of them untilStar Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace.
However, significant work has been done off screen to reveal more about not onlyStar Wars’most powerful Sithbut also the origins and inner workings of the Sith. This has especially been true in Legends, which provides much more insight into the history of the Sith. It was in Legends that the Sith homeworld of Korriban was introduced, along with quite a bit more information about the Sith Order. However,that planet and that history shifted over time, especially when Lucas got involved.
George Lucas Renamed The Sith Homeworld “Moraband”
Although the Sith homeworld was established as Korriban in Legends,inStar Warscanon, the name was changed to Moraband. It’s no surprise George Lucas played with the name to give it more meaning, as Lucas was known to select planet names that conveyed very specific messages. As an example,Mustafar’s name revealed a key detail about Anakin Skywalker- the name is Arabic for “Chosen One,” appropriately enough.
The Sith homeworld’s name was changed to better reflect the nature of the Sith.
The same was true for Moraband, asit was chosen in part because of its connection to the word “moribund,” which means “at the point of death.” In this sense, the Sith homeworld’s name was changed to better reflect the nature of the Sith. The dark side is death by nature, and the name reflects the threatening nature of the Sith, wherein they often kill their adversaries or those who stand in their way and bring death and destruction to the galaxy.
This name could also indicate what is required of someone to become a Sith, though. While Darth Vader was perhaps the most vocal about having ‘killed’ his former self, Anakin Skywalker, this was common practice among the Sith. It was meant to reinforce that the Sith had truly become a new person, fully committed to the dark side—especially important for a former Jedi who had become a Sith.
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The Sith homeworld was named Moraband inStar Wars: The Clone Warsseason 6, when Yoda entered Moraband as part of his quest to uncover how one becomes a Force ghost. As this quest is entirely about the mysteries of death in the Force, this name fits perfectly. Interestingly, though,this change to Moraband didn’t mean that Korriban was removed fromStar Warsentirely.
Star Wars Canon Has Brought The “Korriban” Name Back
Despite this major change to the Sith homeworld’s name,Star Warscanon has subtly brought back the name Korribanin a brilliant way. In the canon short story collectionStar Wars: Myths & Fables, written by George Mann, it is revealed that Moraband has gone by many names, and one of them was Korriban. The story states:
“On the desolate planet Moraband, high on a weatherworn mountaintop, stands the statue of a robed Twi’lek.
For a thousand years or more, since the ancient times when the world was known by the name Korriban…”
This inclusion is also interesting, as it reveals that Moraband may be a newer name for the planet, and Korriban is part of its ancient history.
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This truly was a smart way to address this problem and honor the planet’s Legends history. It’s no secret that Disney’s acquisition ofStar Warshas been highly controversial, not only because of projects the franchise has since put out but also because of the changes made to the canon, which has often included the Sith. Bringing the name Korriban back, and acknowledging in-universe why the name changed, was partially a way to bridge canon and Legends, appeasing those who remain disgruntled aboutStar Warschanging hands.
Every Major Sith Event In Star Wars Canon Explained
The Sith have been absolutely essential in Star Wars movies and TV shows, and these major events show how complex their history has been.
It remains to be seen whetherStar Warswill explore the Sith homeworld or its name on screen in greater detail. As mentioned, many upcomingStar Warsshows and movies seem to remain interested in the history and future of the Jedi. While that could certainly reveal more about the Sith, it isn’t clear to what degree the Sith will be the focus. Nevertheless,Star Warshas already resolved the issue of the Sith homeworld’s name change from Korriban to Moraband, brilliantly tying together the Legends and canon history of the Sith.
