Darth Nihilus Lightsaber Form

Much has been written about lightsaber forms. Let’s dive in an examine the form used by one of my favorite Sith Lords: Darth Nihilus.

Darth Nihilus wielding his lightsaber

Nihilus’ lightsaber form is Form DCLXVI, also referred to as Atra-Manua. It focuses on defense, though it also provides the user with plenty of offensive techniques. Let’s dive deeper into this form.

Darth Nihilus was one of the main practitioners of this form, along with Darth Krayt and Jasca. Darth Nihil also practiced this form. It is a Sith lightsaber form, not practiced by the Jedi. Some of its main elements have names such as Sai cha, Shiim, Sai tok, and Mou kei. Though it focused on defense, Atra-Manua’s defense techniques usually merged into an attack of some kind. Let’s dive into some of the different moves used in this lightsaber form.

Sai cha was the act of cutting off the head of an opponent. Although Sai cha was taught against by practitioners of Atra-Manua, it became a primary offensive maneuver by hand during the Successors and Zao tenj War.

Sai tok was the act of cutting off the legs of an opponent, which was a favorite of Darth Krayt. Darth Nihil also used this maneuver to kill Berrek Verk.

The Dark Lord of the Sith Darth Nihilus in a primary Atra-Manua attack stance

Shiim was by far the most common maneuver used in Atra-Manua, as it only wounded the opponent and didn’t kill them.

Mou kei was the most dangerous and frowned upon maneuver in the Atra-Manua form. It dismembered all the limbs of an opponent in one circular movement.

Now that you know more about the Dark Lord Darth Nihilus’ lightsaber fighting style, a little more of his mysterious figure is hopefully known to you.