Before the rise of the Eternal Empire under Valkorion, the nomadic tribes of Zakuul were guided by three leaders, one of whom was known as the Matriarch. This Force-sensitive individual, along with a Champion and High Shaman, presided over each tribe. When Valkorion unified these tribes, he transformed these leadership roles into the Knights of Zakuul, a new order of Force-sensitive warriors. The Matriarch was one of these original three leaders.