by Eugene G.

Created on: October 16, 2008

Darth Vader and Darth Maul are two of the most menacing Sith characters in the Star Wars Universe. One a sheer weapon fueled by hatred, the other a fallen Jedi who succumbed to the dark side of the Force. While both characters are extremely skilled, Darth Vader would be the clear winner versus Darth Maul.

If the history of both characters is examined, they have many similarities. As Sith Lords, Darth Maul and Darth Vader shared a hatred for the Jedi and showed no mercy towards their captives or victims. Eager to follow the will of their master, Darth Sidious, they both executed orders without question. The two of them proved to be well trained in the Force and lightsaber combat, which meant certain defeat (or worse) for their opponents.

However, they also have many differences - differences that give Darth Vader the edge if a confrontation was to occur.

First, Darth Maul was a trained assassin. His only knowledge of the Jedi was that they were to be eradicated by any means necessary. Darth Vader WAS a former Jedi. As Anakin Skywalker, he was trained in the ways of the light side of the Force. Vader was a former General as well (having fought in the Clone Wars), so he also had the edge in strategy and cunning. Although he no longer embraced the Jedi philosophy, these factors had to give him an edge as a Sith. The many battles he fought before and after the Clone Wars made him battle tested for any number of opponents - including another Sith. Any mind games or "cloak and dagger" confrontations would surely put Lord Maul at a decided disadvantage.

Secondly, Darth Vader had endured many lightsaber battles against both Jedi and Sith. Darth Maul had not faced a large number of opponents that used both sides of the force. On many occasions, Vader (as Anakin) had faced these types of foes. He would be more prepared to face someone who was trained in Sith combat. As Anakin Skywalker, he had faced Master Yoda's former padawan Count Dooku on two occasions - ultimately defeating him. We cannot forget the frequent clashes with Count Dooku's trusted assassin Asajj Ventress, or his vicious assault on the Jedi temple where many Jedi were killed. Also, he went toe-to-toe with his own master Obi-Wan Kenobi, pushing his former master to the limit. In Episode IV, Vader (far more powerful with the dark side of the Force), finally gained revenge by defeating his former master (the very same Jedi master who destroyed Darth Maul himself).

Moreover, was it not Darth Vader (as Anakin) who

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