Mara Jade | The Emperor's Hand

Mara Jade is one of the most intriguing & multifaceted characters in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, also known as Star Wars Legends. Created by author Timothy Zahn, she first appeared in the novel "Heir to the Empire," published in 1991. Over the years, she has evolved from a formidable antagonist to a beloved heroine, & her story arc is marked by significant growth & complexity. Mara Jade was born around 17 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin). From a young age, she was taken from her family by Emperor Palpatine, who recognized her Force sensitivity & potential. Trained under his direct supervision, she became one of his most trusted operatives, known as the Emperor’s Hand.

As the Emperor’s Hand, Mara Jade was tasked with carrying out covert missions that ranged from espionage to assassination. She was conditioned to be fiercely loyal to Palpatine & believed deeply in the righteousness of his cause. During the Galactic Civil War, Mara Jade was a shadowy figure, executing missions for the Emperor with ruthless efficiency. She was highly skilled in combat, espionage, & the use of the Force. Her most significant mission came just before the Battle of Endor when she was ordered to kill Luke Skywalker. However, she was unable to complete this mission as the Emperor was killed & the second Death Star destroyed, leaving her without direction or purpose. After the death of Palpatine, Mara Jade was haunted by his last command to her: "You will kill Luke Skywalker." This command would plague her for years, influencing her actions & emotions. Without the Emperor’s guidance, she became a smuggler & eventually joined the ranks of Talon Karrde’s smuggling organization. It was during this time that she crossed paths with Luke Skywalker & the New Republic. Mara Jade’s relationship with Luke Skywalker is one of the most compelling elements of her story. Initially, she harbored deep disdain for him, blaming him for the Emperor’s death & her subsequent loss of purpose. However, circumstances forced them to work together on several occasions, such as during the Thrawn Crisis. Through these interactions, she began to understand Luke & th