Hello, all!

"The shroud of the dark side has fallen." - Yoda, AOTC

What a great line! And one many of us here in Blogsville have adapted from time to time to our own circumstances. And usually (I hope), we're just joking. It's a cool way for a SW fan to say, "I'm slammed at work, exams are looming, my boyfriend /girlfriend/spouse/boss/mom/dad/neighbor/roommate,etc. has made poodoo in my life", whatever the case may be. We feel oppressed sometimes by the things that happen in our lives, things that may be, or at least may seem to be, out of our control.

In school, amazingly- an American public school (gasp!), I was taught a little fact that isn't earth shattering, hasn't changed one thing in my life as far as I know, but for some reason has always stuck with me: There is no dark. Duh, I know, but if you'll indulge me...

Dark does not exist. It has no energy, no mass, no form. Dark is not a state of being, but rather a descriptive term to explain the absence of light. Dark is simply what the world looks like when there's no light around. There is no "speed of dark". Dark doesn't change the world; it can't do anything, unless we allow it to. By this I mean that "darkness" is perception, and perception defines reality insofar as it affects our actions. The electric light bulb was invented because we didn't like stumping our toes on the coffee table at night, and so on.

But what about psychological, or philosophical darkness? Does it exist?

In the GFFA, it certainly seems to be believed in. Dark "does" throughout the saga. It "clouds" everything. It falls like a shroud. Yoda "senses", perceives it in Dooku. And later, a tragic Anakin/Vader can with conviction tells his son, "You don't know the power of the Dark Side."

Disclaimer: For those of you more familar, at this point I should make clear that while I am aware of the discussions in the EU (Vergere/Jacen) regarding the nature of the Force, I am no expert on them. I'm no expert on anything for that matter, but back to business...

In actuality, the question of the existance of the Dark Side and it's power are irrelevent. The fact is that among the prequel era generation especially, it was a commonly held belief that there was a Dark Side, and that it could influence the lives of beings.

Notice Ben and Yoda's respect (fear?) of the Dark Side of the Force:

"Luke! Don't give in to hate!"

"Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny!"

True believers they. Old school. And Vader is too: "I must obey my [Dark Side] Master."

This is not surprising in as much as Anakin was indoctrinated in a "pre-destination" view of life from childhood. He knew he had no father. His mother tells Qui-Gon, "He was meant to help you." Prophesies are discussed. Visions of the future are seen. Life happens to Anakin, instead of the other way around. And when he "sees" darkness ahead, he is terribly afraid of what that darkness may do, of what it may take from him. The irony of course is that he becomes a slave of darkness as a result of his attempt to defeat it.

But I think Luke believed something different- something inherited from his mother perhaps: There is no Dark.

Darkness is perception. It's what we do with with it when we see it that really matters. In that throne room at Endor, it is Luke himself who gains control of the situation. I'm referring to that moment when he has finally subdued Vader and has him defenseless. It is then he first deactivates his lightsaber, throws it away, and finally faces the Emporer, declaring Palpatine to be defeated.

Now, Yoda and Obi-Wan didn't send Luke to stand disarmed before the Sith. They sent him to kill them, pure and simple. Because the darkness, as they understood it, was an entity to be destroyed. But Luke saw it differently. There is no darkness- only an absence of light. It is light, both physically and philosophically, that has power. Light is what truly exists. And irrespective of the events which follow- the Sith lightening, Anakin throwing Palpatine down the shaft, the victory was first won I believe when Luke looked at the black armored figure and saw not Darth Vader, Dark Lord, but Anakin Skywalker, his father.

Yes, from the profound old saying- Some curse the darkness, believing it to be an powerful enemy, while others simply light a candle, knowing the shadows have no strength at all.

Well then, if art really does imitate life, then the climax of our saga is very encouraging isn't it? "Light" wins! "Dark" is no more! All is well.

Call me a softie, but that's one of the main reasons I love Star Wars. And come to think of it, it probably also explains why my light bill is so high every month, lol.

Thanks for reading...