Finis Valorum

Finis Valorum is a character in the Star Wars universe, who primarily appears in the prequel trilogy as the penultimate Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic before Chancellor Palpatine, who eventually becomes the Emperor. He is portrayed by Terence Stamp in the 1999 film, Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace. Valorum hails from the House of Valorum, an ancient and powerful political dynasty in the Galactic Republic.

Chancellor Valorum is a dedicated and well-meaning politician who seeks to uphold democratic values and maintain peace throughout the galaxy. Unfortunately, his term as Supreme Chancellor is marred by political corruption, incompetence, and bureaucracy, which ultimately leads to his downfall.

Valorum plays a crucial role in the events leading up to the Naboo Crisis, the blockade, and invasion carried out by the Trade Federation under the secret influence of Sith Lord, Darth Sidious. Valorum dispatches Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, as ambassadors to negotiate with the Federation. However, negotiations fail, and the crisis escalates, with the Jedi barely escaping an assassination attempt.

His failed attempt at resolving the Naboo Crisis further undermines his authority in the Senate. Senator Palpatine of Naboo, who is secretly Darth Sidious, further exploits this situation to discredit Valorum and push for his removal from office. This ultimately leads to a Vote of No Confidence, proposed by Queen Padmé Amidala of Naboo, which results in Valorum's removal as Supreme Chancellor.

Following his removal from office, Valorum largely fades into the background of the Star Wars narrative. However, in the canon novel Star Wars: Master and Apprentice by Claudia Gray, it is revealed that he continues to maintain contact with some members of the Jedi Order, even offering information about the Sith in a quiet effort to stop their rise to power.

Despite his good intentions, Valorum is often viewed as a weak and ineffectual leader whose inability to curb political corruption and the influence of nefarious forces such as the Sith inadvertently contributes to the decline and fall of the Galactic Republic. His removal from power clears the way for Palpatine to ascend the Chancellorship, eventually leading to the creation of the Galactic Empire and the Sith's domination of the galaxy.

Finis Valorum is a tragic figure in the Star Wars mythos. His dedication to democracy, peace, and the well-being of the galaxy is overshadowed by his failure to address the underlying corruption and manipulation within the Republic, ultimately paving the way for the rise of the Sith and the fall of the Jedi Order.