Wilhuff Tarkin (11)Full unit name: Tarkin, Wilhuff
Last updated: 20.11.2025 16:45:48
Version: 9.03.000.2025.10.24
Links: 34
Navigation (11)
Basic info
First appearance: A New Hope
A New Hope
(MOVIE)
Species: Human
Gender: Male
Was killed by: T-65 X-Wing of Luke Skywalker (Battle of Yavin)
Relations: Imperial Officer, Death Star
Known Facts (7)
Battle of Scarif (1) »
Death Star Meeting (1) »
Destruction of Alderaan (1) »
Escape from Death Star (1) »
Battle of Yavin (3) »
Summary
Wilhuff Tarkin was a Human male who was one of the most powerful individuals in the Galactic Empire, a Grand Moff who shaped Imperial doctrine and was the driving force behind the creation of its key embodiment, the Death Star. Born on Eriadu to the powerful and militaristic Tarkin family, the ambitious Tarkin began his career by serving in the Republic Outland Regions Security Force. He then retired and entered politics, becoming lieutenant governor of Eriadu and the Seswenna sector, before returning to the military in order to serve Supreme Chancellor Palpatine as an agent of the secret Sith Lord's New Order movement. It was in that time that Tarkin learned of his friend Raith Sienar's designs for the Expeditionary Battle Planetoid and, convinced of the potential of the design, presented Palpatine with the plans for what would become the Death Star.
Tarkin gained increasing stature as a vocal supporter of Palpatine and received notice as the Seswenna sector's governor throughout the Clone Wars. At one point, he served as a captain under Jedi General Even Piell, where he and his crew were held in the Citadel, a Separatist prison, and escaped with the help of a strike team of Jedi and clone troopers. Later on, he had been promoted to Admiral. He was present during the capture of Boba Fett after the Battle of Xagobah. In the last days of the Clone Wars, Palpatine appointed Tarkin as the first Moff, and when the Galactic Republic became the Galactic Empire, the new Emperor Palpatine gave him oversight of the construction of the Death Star. Tarkin soon formulated the Tarkin Doctrine, which helped solidify his reputation as the greatest architect of the Empire save Palpatine. The Tarkin Doctrine called for rule of the galaxy through fear of overwhelming force, and recommended the creation of superweapons such as the Death Star to create terror of Imperial reprisal that would stifle any thoughts of rebellion. Delighted, Palpatine made Tarkin the first Grand Moff, giving him control of nearly the entire Outer Rim.
As Grand Moff, Tarkin ruled with the same unyielding ruthlessness he had helped enshrine in Imperial doctrine, often cooperating with Vader. As the long-delayed construction of the Death Star stalled, Tarkin created the secret Maw Installation to refine the design, placing it under the control of his mistress and protegee, Admiral Natasi Daala. With the aid of the Maw Installation's scientists, the Death Star was finally made operational in 0 BBY. Confident he could destroy the Rebel Alliance opposing the Empire, Tarkin began his campaign of fear by destroying Alderaan, a hotbed of Rebel sentiment. Tarkin then allowed prominent Rebel Princess Leia Organa, captive aboard the Death Star, to escape and lead the Death Star to the secret Rebel base on Yavin 4. There, seconds away from annihilating the Rebel headquarters, Tarkin died when Luke Skywalker destroyed the Death Star, a victim of his own belief in the Death Star's invincibility.

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See also
UH
Known for being a member of the following organizations
Galactic Empire
Battle of Yavin
Known roles
Commander
As crew of Death Star
Related locations
Yavin System

Details
DetailsArrived using Death Star together with Cassio Tagge, Wullf Yularen, Motti, Vader during Battle of Yavin
Related vehicles (starships, vehicles etc)
Death Star
Show All (3)
DetailsBattle of YavinServed on this ship as CommanderTraveled to Yavin System together with Cassio Tagge, Wullf Yularen, Motti, VaderT-65 X-Wing of Luke Skywalker (Red 5) destroyed this vehicle operated by Galactic Empire with Torpedo Launcher, loaded with Proton Torpedo, killing him, Yavin System
All characters this character met
Luke Skywalker
Details
DetailsT-65 X-Wing (Red 5) destroyed Death Star of Galactic Empire with Torpedo Launcher, loaded with Proton Torpedo killing him, Yavin System during Battle of Yavin
Complete list

Full unit name: Tarkin, Wilhuff Last updated: 20.11.2025 16:45:36

Incom T-65 X-Wing Starfighter
Skywalker, Luke
Battle of Yavin
Imperial Officer
DS-1 Orbital Battle Station
Battle of Scarif
Death Star Meeting
Destruction of Alderaan
Escape from Death Star
Commander (Role)
Yavin System
Tagge, Cassio
Yularen, Wullf
Motti, Conan Antonio
Darth Vader
R2-D2
Galactic Empire
Torpedo Launcher
Proton Torpedo
Palpatine
Jedi Order
Piell, Even
Fett, Boba
Alderaan
Solo, Leia Organa
Yavin IV
Governor
Galactic Republic
Imperial Stormtrooper
BlasTech DLT-19
IT-O Interrogator Droid
Imperial Scout Trooper
IA - Chain of Command
IA - The Campaign