10 ancient Star Wars prophecies that might still come true

Star Wars is a story of fights, lightsabers, and heroes battling the dark side. But beneath the action lies a richer layer — one replete with ancient legend, mystical visions, and powerful prophecies that have existed in the galaxy for millennia.

Central to it all is the concept of prophecy. Some visions or words originate from the Force — the invisible energy that holds everything in the Star Wars galaxy together. These visions have been followed by the Jedi for centuries. They guide them at times and mislead or misdirect them at other times. But one thing is sure — these words of yore still retain their potency, from the ancient times of the High Republic to the ascension and fall of the Skywalkers.

So, what are these prophecies, then? They're not unpleasant gut feelings. They're powerful visions, often experienced by Jedi masters or recorded in ancient Jedi holocrons (those gleaming cube-like devices). Some, like the Chosen One prophecy, are famous ones. Some are more nuanced — mere catchphrases spoken here and there, waiting to be discovered in new stories.

For example, the Chosen One prophecy. This is the doozy — predicting one "born of no father" who would bring balance to the Force. How easy does that sound? But it ain't. Even wise old great Jedi like Yoda warned that "the prophecy, misread, could have been." That is, they weren't always clear on what the prophecy was actually saying and even misread it.

That's what Star Wars does. Prophecies don't forecast the future. They cause characters to act — sometimes for the good, sometimes at horrific expense. They pose big questions, as well: Is our fate predestined, or do we create our own? What is balance in the Force, and why should we care? And can anyone ever really know for sure what's going to happen?

The Jedi tried to interpret these messages of the Force. Even they, however, didn't quite get it right. They thought Anakin Skywalker was the Chosen One, and hope turned to heartbreak as he became Darth Vader. Still, in the end, Anakin was redeemed — maybe he did validate the prophecy after all. The Sith also had their own creepy prophecies — like the Rule of Two and the Force Dyad — that governed how they sought power in private.

And prophecies of these ancients are not of one era. The High Republic era, where we saw more of this in recent novels and comics, had an even greater threat and prophecies. In the sequel trilogy, we saw new mysteries like the Force Dyad — a rare Force connection between two users.

But here’s the thing — not all prophecies are clear or finished. Some are only partly fulfilled. Some are still waiting to come true. Others are wrapped in so much symbolism that we’re not sure what they really mean yet. Maybe the Chosen One prophecy didn’t end with Anakin. Maybe it’s still playing out through his children — or someone entirely new.

So, let's take a look at ten of the most fascinating Star Wars prophecies ever uttered. Some are canon, some legend, but all of them are inextricably tied into what makes this galaxy far, far away so compelling and mystical.

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The most significant ancient Star Wars prophecies

The Chosen One Prophecy

“A Chosen One shall come, born of no father, and through him will ultimate balance in the Force be restored.”

This is the most famous prophecy in Star Wars. It refers to a special individual — born fatherless — who will bring balance back to the Force. Most of the Jedi believed that this referred to Anakin Skywalker because he was of unknown birth and had extraordinary power.

However, his fall to the dark side as Darth Vader complicated things. But ultimately, Anakin did kill Palpatine, which many interpret as fulfilling the prophecy, but not exactly in the manner they hoped.

The word "through him" also offers room for optimism that his descendants, or even his name, can restore balance. Perhaps the story is not yet finished.

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The danger of the past

“The danger of the past is not past, but sleeps in an egg. When the egg cracks, it will threaten the galaxy entire.”

This mysterious warning reminds us that not all evils are behind us — they're simply lying in wait. Some link it to the Sith, who reappeared after a thousand years. Others cite the Nameless, the abhorrent beings of the High Republic that lay eggs literally.

Threats in Star Wars tend to return more powerful than ever. This prophecy is consistent with the saga's warning not to forget the dangers concealed in history.

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The greatest of the Jedi

“One will ascend to the highest of the Jedi despite the foreboding of those who would serve with him.”

This is of Anakin Skywalker, who was added to the Jedi Council, although the majority of the Jedi did not have faith in him. The strain between his promise and suspicion of the Order makes this prediction heavy. But such a story might be reinterpreted. The Jedi have never been comfortable with outsiders. This prophecy might come to pass again with a new Jedi who defies the status quo and still wins.

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The prophecy of the five

This ancient prophecy from far back in history foretold a great war with five principal players. It took place in the Old Republic, but the notion of a small group rewriting galactic history is a Star Wars staple.

Luke, Leia, Han, Rey, or the Ghost pilots — the "five" could apply to many stories. It's an open symbol — and it could fairly easily be reinvented for the next generation.

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She who will be born to darkness

“She who will be born to darkness will give birth to darkness.”

Quite a few fans credit this to Leia Organa, daughter of Darth Vader, who gave birth to Ben Solo — Kylo Ren. Leia, good as she is with the force, literally was born on the dark side and indirectly continues that lineage. Then again, this may not be the end of her.

Star Wars often explores how power and suffering are transferred from generation to generation. The line can be employed to describe subsequent characters trapped in cycles of light and darkness.

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When the Khyber that is not Khyber shines forth

This prophecy was seen in Master & Apprentice and mentions something that looks like a kyber crystal — but isn't — serving a crucial purpose. It is a treasure that Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan encounter in the novel, and it is crucial to their quest. It's a reminder that not everything in power is what it appears to be, and the same might be said for some of the realities beneath deceptively misleading appearances.

As Star Wars continues to evolve, this concept could easily return once more in new power sources, technology, or deception.

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The Force Dyad

Introduced in The Rise of Skywalker, the Force Dyad is an intense, extraordinary connection wherein two individuals are so bound within the Force that they're nearly one. Rey and Ben Solo embody that connection, capable of communicating, healing, and sharing life.

Dyad has been described as very rare, but not impossible to happen again. It's an interesting premise that can help to re-envision the ways that we perceive the Force in future stories, particularly if new Dyads arise from unexpected sources.

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The rule of two

“Always two there are, no more, no less. A master and an apprentice”

Although not a prophecy in itself, the Rule of Two has its roots in Sith's belief and prophecy. It kept the Sith hidden and powerful for centuries, with only one master and one apprentice existing at any given moment.

History with the Sith proves that ambition always fills disorder into this rule. Yet, some new dark-side practitioners may either worship it or reject it in totality, opening the way to something much more unregulated.

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The return of the Sith

Jedi prophecies foretold the return of the Sith, even when the Jedi believed them to be gone forever. That prophecy came true when Palpatine appeared and destroyed the Republic from the inside. The dark side never truly gets eliminated — it just patiently awaits. Even with Palpatine's ultimate demise, this prophecy exists.

The dark side evolves, and other Sith — or Sith-like forces of evil — might still emerge, as deadly as before.

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The light that will outshine the shadows

While not a single canon line, most Jedi prophecies suggest one last light to defeat darkness. It's a catchy theme: the hero's ascent when hope appears forlorn. It's an impression that holds for Luke Skywalker, Rey, Ahsoka, and countless others. It's the essence of the saga — hope to endure against all likelihood.

Regardless of how much darkness reemerges, Star Wars teaches us that light will always exist to meet it.