Ever since Darth Maul revealed his double-bladed lightsaber in Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace, people have debated if the Sith Lord was more powerful than the Star Wars saga's ultimate villain, Darth Vader. Although his only major appearance in the movies was in The Phantom Menace, Darth Maul left a lasting impression on audiences. His menacing design, acrobatic fighting style, unique lightsaber and, perhaps, the incredible soundtrack during his duel, all helped him become another iconic Star Wars character.

While Maul's defeat at the hands of a young Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed pretty definitive, in a universe where mechanical limbs and organs are readily available, it’s not a surprise that Darth Maul eventually reappeared on the big screen in Solo: A Star Wars Story. He was also a welcomed addition to Star Wars Rebels and Star Wars: The Clone Wars. These roles revealed a bit more about his motivations, and evolved Maul beyond what The Phantom Menace showed, turning him into a fully three-dimensional character, and showcased more of his powers and abilities Meanwhile, Darth Vader is, without a doubt, one of the most recognizable villains of all time thanks to his role in the original Star Wars trilogy. His journey from Jedi to Sith was the topic of the prequel trilogy as well, but he also appeared in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in a brutal scene that finally showcased his powers at the height of the Empire’s rule.

Related: How Maul Gets From Clone Wars To Solo & Rebels

Considering his infamy, it’s hard to deny that Darth Vader is the more powerful of the two, but his victory over Maul wouldn’t come easily. As the Emperor’s enforcer, Vader is terrifying. His indiscriminate use of the Force against non-Force users paints him as a chilling figure with no qualms of using his powers against those who can’t fight back. However, his record of lightsaber duels against other Jedi and Sith is a little shakier. As Anakin Skywalker, his fighting skills were impressive, but not enough to defeat Obi-Wan on Mustafar during Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. And that fight turned him into more machine than man – considerably weakening him physically for the remainder of his life. His older, heavier form could be at a disadvantage when fighting someone as agile and fast as Darth Maul. If Maul managed to trap and surprise Vader, the ensuing lightsaber fight could start in Maul’s favor. However, Vader’s Force skills would change the tide of the battle very quickly.

Darth Vader Maul Fight

While Maul's own powers are considerable, as evidenced in his own brutal hallway fight in The Clone Wars, Anakin was born to bring balance back to the Force. Darth Vader is the Chosen One, and his connection to the Force is thus unparalleled. The power Darth Vader wields can be translated into devastating telekinesis, Force chokes, and mind attacks. Vader is capable of repairing his suit mid-fight, tossing AT-DP walkers aside, and invading the minds of opponents without losing stamina. One moment of hesitation from Darth Maul would mean a piece of the scenery being hurled at him faster than he can dodge. And while Vader’s machine body might slow him, it also provides a strong defense against Maul’s lightsaber attacks. The longer the fight goes on, the weaker Maul’s advantages would become.

What Vader lacks in finesse, he more than compensates with sheer raw power. Not only that, but he had the backing and resources to hunt down any enemy to the ends of the galaxy, leading Stormtroopers and Sith Inquisitors. Meanwhile, Darth Maul lost control of his criminal organization Crimson Dawn and was eventually defeated again by Obi-Wan. Finally, Darth Maul himself admitted he wasn’t capable of facing Vader alone in Star Wars Rebels. And while the story in question is no longer part of the official Star Wars canon, Darth Vader fought and defeated Maul in comic Star Wars Tales #9. In the end, the only one who could get close enough to Darth Vader and reach the good man inside was Luke Skywalker.

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