What Is Order 66 In Star Wars? The Meaning of Number 66
By [email protected] in Sep 22, 2025
Even if you are not a devoted Star Wars fan, you have likely encountered the term Order 66. It is a phrase associated with absolute authority and quiet fear. But what is Order 66 in Star Wars really? Where did it come from, who created it, and what does the number 66 actually mean? This article will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is Order 66 in Star Wars?
Order 66, officially known as Clone Protocol 66, is a secret command embedded in the clone troopers’ behavioral bio‑chips in Star Wars. It is introduced in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, during the final days of the Clone Wars. In the Legends stories, its backstory is expanded in novels like Republic Commando: Order 66.
Order 66 is the ultimate betrayal of trust. Once activated, it causes the clones to see all Jedi as traitors. As a result, they turned on their Jedi commanders and carried out a galaxy‑wide purge.
Who Is Behind Order 66?
Order 66 was issued in 19 BBY by Supreme Chancellor Palpatine. It was part of a secret Sith plan and manipulation of the Clone Wars. Palpatine (who is secretly Darth Sidious) engineered the whole thing. He had the clone troopers implanted with behavioral modification bio‑chips that would obey the order without question.
Serving him is Count Dooku (Darth Tyranus). He is a key agent and helps organize the clone army. He is also responsible for arranging for the bio-chips to be embedded in all clones.
There is also Jedi Master Sifo-Dyas who was the original initiator of the clone army project. Despite being eliminated early, his name was used to legitimize the order placed with the Kaminoans.
The Kaminoans, including Lama Su and Nala Se, also play an important role in the execution of Order 66. They are behind the creation of the clone army and the implantation of the behavioral bio-chips.
What Does Order 66 Do?
The ultimate goal of Order 66 is to command clone troopers to eliminate the Jedi. The order was to be secretly embedded in clone troopers through behavioral bio‑chips, which were then activated once Palpatine issued the command.
Regarding the command, it is designed to make every clone view the Jedi as traitors to the Republic. This gave these troopers legal and psychological justification to execute them without hesitation.
The thing about the order is that it was broadcast simultaneously across the galaxy through the Grand Army’s communications channels, catching Jedi off guard during missions. Many were killed mid‑battle by their own troops and the victims are not only Jedi generals but also any younglings or Padawans nearby.
The Meaning of Number 66 in Order 66
So, is there any hidden or symbolic significance for the number “66”? Canonically, no official source (films, series, Lucasfilm Story Group) has confirmed that the number 66 has a special symbolic meaning. It is simply being the identifier of “Protocol 66.”
From fan and theory discussion, there are several ideas. Some fans speculate that “66” might echo the idea of “666,” a number associated with evil in various cultural myths, but that’s not confirmed by creators.
Overall, while “66” is memorable, there’s no evidence in canonical Star Wars that it carries hidden lore symbolism (like prophecy or numerology). It functions as a functional label for that specific protocol.
The Consequences of Order 66
Order 66 marked a turning point in galactic history. Entire generations of Jedi, including Masters, Knights, Padawans, and even younglings, were eliminated within hours. This is a huge loss for the Jedi Order and the balance of the Force and it takes decades for the Jedi legacy to re-emerge. Not until Episode VII: The Force Awakens (set in 34 ABY) does the galaxy see a new Jedi rise publicly again through Rey.
Beyond the purge, the command allowed Supreme Chancellor Palpatine to consolidate unchecked power. He declared the Jedi traitors, dissolved the Galactic Republic, and reorganized it into the Galactic Empire under his rule. This shift profoundly altered the storyline of Star Wars. It set up the original trilogy’s conflict (Rebels vs Empire), shaped Anakin’s fall, and influenced all subsequent prequels and spin‑offs.
In the long term, Order 66 left deep psychological and structural scars on the galaxy. Survivors went into hiding, some forming the roots of future resistance. Meanwhile, the Empire expanded its reach, unchecked by the very guardians it had destroyed.
The event also affected the audience in the same way. It’s one of the most shocking plot twists in the franchise. Many viewers expressed feelings of shock, grief, and betrayal. Even years later, the scene remains widely discussed across fan forums and reaction videos.
FAQs
1. Was Order 66 only for Jedi Generals, or did it include Padawans & Younglings?
It included all Jedi ranks. Masters, Knights, Padawans and even younglings were targeted.
2. Could clones resist Order 66?
Yes but very rarely. A few clones like Captain Rex resisted after their bio‑chips were removed or malfunctioned.
3. How did the public of the Republic react?
The public believed the Jedi had attempted a coup. Palpatine used that narrative to justify dissolving the Republic and forming the Empire.
4. Did any Jedi survive Order 66, and how?
Yes, some survived. Jedi like Yoda, Obi‑Wan Kenobi, and Ahsoka Tano survived by hiding or escaping.
5. What scenes in the movies/series show Order 66?
Order 66 is first shown in Episode III: Revenge of the Sith. It is also depicted in The Clone Wars (Season 7), The Bad Batch, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
6. How many Jedis were killed in Order 66?
Exact number unknown. Fans and Legends estimate thousands, possibly around 9,000-10,000. Only a small fraction survived.
7. Did any clones remove their bio-chips or resist the order?
Yes. In The Clone Wars Season 6, Episodes 1 to 4 (The Unknown arc), ARC Trooper Fives discovered the chip’s true purpose, which later led Captain Rex and others to remove theirs. These clones were no longer affected by Order 66 afterward.
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