The galaxy of Star Wars has always been defined by the battle between tyranny and freedom. Two figures who represent this contrast in The Rise of Skywalker are Jannah and General Pryde. One is a warrior who rebels against oppression, while the other is a loyal enforcer of the First Order’s cruelty. Their clash highlights the larger struggle between the Resistance and the remnants of the Empire.
Jannah: The Defiant Warrior
Naomi Ackie portrays Jannah, a fierce and independent warrior introduced in The Rise of Skywalker. Jannah leads a group of ex-stormtroopers on the ocean moon of Kef Bir. Like Finn, she was once part of the First Order but chose to break free from its control. Refusing to serve a brutal regime, she and her fellow defectors abandoned their posts and built a life of their own.
Jannah’s backstory reflects the idea that even those raised under tyranny can choose to resist. The First Order took her as a child, forcing her into its military machine. However, when ordered to fire on innocent civilians, she and her entire unit refused, leading to their escape. This act of defiance showcases the power of free will, a key theme in Star Wars.
Armed with an energy bow and riding into battle on an orbak, Jannah joins the Resistance in the final battle against the Sith Eternal. She fights alongside Finn during the assault on the Steadfast, the First Order’s command ship. Her bravery proves crucial in helping to destroy the fleet that threatens the galaxy.
General Pryde: The Empire’s Loyalist
Richard E. Grant plays General Enric Pryde, a high-ranking officer of the First Order and a former Imperial loyalist. Unlike other First Order leaders who rose to power after the fall of the Empire, Pryde served under Emperor Palpatine himself. His deep-rooted loyalty to the Sith Empire makes him one of the most dangerous figures in the First Order’s ranks.
Pryde stands in direct opposition to Jannah. While she rejects the First Order’s control, Pryde fully embraces it. He believes in absolute order and despises weakness. When Supreme Leader Kylo Ren wavers in his commitment, Pryde shifts his allegiance to Emperor Palpatine, proving his dedication to the Sith.
Unlike the reckless and emotional General Hux, Pryde is a cold and calculating commander. He eliminates Hux without hesitation upon discovering his betrayal, ensuring the First Order remains strong. Pryde’s unwavering belief in the Empire’s ideals makes him a formidable enemy in the final battle. He commands the Sith Eternal fleet from the bridge of the Final Order’s flagship, but his confidence proves to be his downfall when the Resistance launches its attack.
The Clash of Ideals
Jannah and General Pryde represent two opposing forces in The Rise of Skywalker. Jannah embodies the spirit of rebellion and hope, while Pryde symbolizes the old Empire’s oppressive rule. Their paths never cross directly, but their actions shape the battle’s outcome.
Jannah, alongside Finn, leads the ground assault on the Steadfast, sabotaging its navigation controls. This prevents the Sith fleet from escaping, dooming the Final Order. At the same time, Pryde commands the Sith fleet, desperately trying to maintain control. His belief in the Empire’s dominance blinds him to the Resistance’s determination. When the battle turns, he refuses to retreat, ultimately perishing as his ship is destroyed.
Their contrasting choices define their legacies. Jannah rejects control and fights for freedom, while Pryde remains loyal to a doomed empire. In the end, only one side prevails.
Jannah’s Possible Future
Jannah’s journey does not end with the fall of the Sith Eternal. The final scenes of The Rise of Skywalker hint at a possible connection between Jannah and Lando Calrissian. When Lando asks where she is from, she admits she doesn’t know. Lando responds, “Well, let’s find out.” This moment suggests that Jannah may learn more about her origins.
Many fans speculate that Jannah could be Lando’s long-lost daughter, kidnapped by the First Order as part of their child soldier program. Whether or not this theory is true, Jannah’s future is full of potential. She could play a role in rebuilding the galaxy or help former stormtroopers find new lives beyond war.
Legacy of General Pryde
Pryde’s death marks the end of an era. As one of the last true Imperial loyalists, his downfall symbolizes the final collapse of Palpatine’s legacy. Unlike Hux, who acts out of personal ambition, Pryde believes in the Empire’s ideals until the very end. His defeat shows that the days of the Sith Empire and the First Order are truly over.
However, the influence of figures like Pryde may still linger. The remnants of the First Order could continue to pose a threat, just as the Empire’s destruction led to the rise of the First Order. If a new conflict arises, the lessons from Pryde’s failures could shape how future leaders approach power.
Opposing Forces in the Star Wars Saga
Jannah and General Pryde represent more than just two characters in The Rise of Skywalker—they embody the larger struggle between tyranny and freedom. Jannah’s defiance proves that people can choose their own destiny, while Pryde’s downfall shows the ultimate fate of those who cling to oppression.
Their battle may have ended, but the fight for the galaxy’s future continues.
