For those who haven't seen it --and I accept there are now probably many readers who haven't-- there is a classic scene in the first Star Wars film (Episode IV) in which Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi tells his villainous duelling opponent, his former apprentice, Darth Vader: "You can't win, Darth. If you strike me down, I will become more powerful than you can possible imagine." Darth being Darth of course strikes him down: and Kenobi disappears entirely, leaving only his outer garment (but no shoes or underpants, etc.). So it looks like Darth has won the fight. Except Kenobi goes on to become an immortal 'Force ghost', who like a happier Banquo, helps guide Darth's son to blow up the mega battle-station he has until then been prowling up and down menacingly.