The Jedi in the Star Wars universe are known for their ability to traverse the galaxy with ease, thanks to the wonders of hyperspace travel. They explore a variety of planets, from deserts to forests to icy terrains. However, Star Wars Rebels revealed an exception to this freedom: the forbidden Sith planet of Malachor. This planet stands out as the one place Jedi are forbidden to visit.
This restriction is a self-imposed declaration, as revealed in Star Wars Rebels. Toward the end of season 2, there is an arc involving Malachor. Ezra is instructed by Yoda to find Malachor, though initially, he doesn’t even realize that Malachor is a place, not a person. Ezra, along with Ahsoka, Kanan, and Chopper, finally reaches Malachor in the two-part season finale. When they arrive, it has been centuries since a Jedi has set foot on the planet’s soil.
The reason for this becomes clear: Malachor is a holy land for the Sith. The heroes stumble upon a Sith temple and the site of an ancient battle between Jedi and Sith, known as the Scourge of Malachor. It was after this battle that Jedi were forbidden to ever return to the planet. During the events of “Twilight of the Apprentice,” the crew of the Ghost encounters Darth Maul, though they don’t initially recognize him. Maul attempts to corrupt Ezra to the dark side and succeeds in blinding Kanan. Ahsoka also faces Darth Vader and finally acknowledges that he was once Anakin Skywalker, her old Jedi Master. Ahsoka is unable to join her companions in fleeing the crumbling Sith temple, leaving her fate unknown to Ezra and Kanan.
It’s easy to see why the Jedi would refrain from visiting Malachor. The planet is clearly a Sith stronghold, making it a dangerous place for Jedi. Additionally, the Scourge of Malachor casts a dark shadow over the planet for Jedi masters. Jedi are often connected to their spiritual ancestors, and much pain and suffering occurred on this Sith stronghold.
From a storytelling standpoint, declaring Malachor off-limits creates a sense of intrigue and danger in Star Wars Rebels. It also provides an opportunity to explore uncharted territory. This is the only planet in the entire universe where Jedi are forbidden to go. The question arises: why is that, and what kind of peril awaits them there? Though it has been centuries since the Jedi last stepped foot on Malachor, when those on the light side of the Force return, things immediately go wrong. Kanan is blinded, Ezra almost gets turned by Maul, and Ahsoka has to fight her old mentor, who is now a force of pure evil. It’s a bleak planet for Jedi.
The Star Wars universe is full of a variety of different planets with different stories. Malachor is special because it is the one place Jedi aren’t allowed to tread. Even now, with the Sith temple destroyed in Star Wars Rebels, the Jedi probably aren’t keen to turn it into a new resort planet. Ever since the Scourge of Malachor, this has been a place where Jedi have faced pain and peril. That’s why it’s a forbidden zone, even if it’s just for spiritual reasons.
Source: Star Wars Rebels
