Finis Valorum
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Star Wars character | |
Finis Valorum | |
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Finis Valorum, the last democratic leader of the galaxy before Palpatine |
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Position | Senator of Lytton Sector, Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic |
Homeworld | Coruscant |
Species | Human |
Gender | Male |
Height | 1.8 meters |
Affiliation | Galactic Republic |
Portrayed by | Terence Stamp |
Finis Valorum is a fictional character in the Star Wars universe, who first appeared in the film Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Valorum was played by actor Terence Stamp.
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[edit] Biography
In Episode I, Valorum is the Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. The galaxy is troubled by a trade dispute between the Republic and the corrupt Trade Federation, and Valorum secretly dispatches Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi to resolve the matter. The negotiations fail, however, when the Federation sends assassins to kill the Jedi. Unbeknownst to Valorum, the threat originates within his own circle of advisors: his closest confidante, Senator Palpatine, is secretly funding and advising the Trade Federation as the Sith Lord Darth Sidious, as part of a larger scheme to take over the Republic.
The situation quickly worsens when the Trade Federation invades Naboo, and Valorum loses nearly all of his support within the Senate. Palpatine persuades Naboo's queen, Padmé Amidala, to introduce a motion of no confidence in the Senate, and Valorum is removed from office. Palpatine is appointed in his place.
According to material published as part of the Expanded Universe, Valorum comes from an ancient and distinguished family, and at least one of his ancestors had served as Chancellor in the past. This background, ironically, works against him; although he was a Senator of the Lytton Sector, many believed he had been elected solely because of his famous surname. Valorum's appropriate first name, Finis (which means "the end"), was first mentioned in Expanded Universe material. His full name in Latin translates to "the end of honour".
[edit] Death
Valorum was killed shortly after the Battle of Geonosis (circa Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones) in a terrorist attack that was attributed to Confederacy of Independent Systems. However, Valorum had earlier been meeting with Senator Bail Organa of Alderaan, and had revealed that he was suspicious about Palpatine's political maneuverings. It is left ambiguous whether Palpatine had any direct involvement in his predecessor's death.
The Finis Valorum Memorial was constructed on Coruscant to honor the last person to serve as Chancellor before Palpatine transformed the Republic into the Galactic Empire.
[edit] Trivia
- In early drafts of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Darth Vader was named "Prince Valorum".
- In Latin, finis valorum means "the end of valor".
[edit] External links
- Finis Valorum entry in the Star Wars Databank
- Finis Valorum on Wookieepedia: The Star Wars Wiki