The bond between Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver, and Supreme Leader Snoke shaped much of the conflict in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Snoke, the enigmatic and sinister leader of the First Order, played a crucial role in molding Ben Solo into the dark enforcer known as Kylo Ren. Their relationship was built on manipulation, power, and a shared goal of domination. This connection, filled with lies and deception, was central to the galaxy’s fate during this era of the Star Wars timeline.
Supreme Leader Snoke’s Influence Over Kylo Ren
Supreme Leader Snoke first appeared as a holographic figure, exuding authority and malice. This mysterious leader of the First Order recognized the potential in Ben Solo, the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo, and a former apprentice of Luke Skywalker. Snoke exploited the conflict within Ben, sensing the pull between the light and dark sides of the Force.
By promising power and understanding, Snoke lured Ben away from the Jedi path. The seeds of doubt and anger planted in Ben’s mind led him to destroy Luke’s Jedi Temple, leaving behind his former life as Ben Solo. From that moment, Ben fully embraced the identity of Kylo Ren, serving as Snoke’s apprentice.
Manipulation and Control
Kylo Ren’s transformation into a dark side warrior was fueled by Snoke’s manipulation. Snoke continuously preyed on Ren’s insecurities and anger. The lingering resentment toward his family and the pressure to live up to Darth Vader’s legacy made Ren vulnerable to Snoke’s influence.
Snoke’s control over Ren was ruthless and unrelenting. Constantly belittling and testing Ren’s loyalty, Snoke created a dynamic where failure was not tolerated. Snoke referred to Ren as a child in a mask, mocking his dependence on the dark side to mask his inner conflict. This constant pressure pushed Ren to extremes, both in his actions and his pursuit of power.
Kylo Ren’s Struggle for Identity
The relationship between Kylo Ren and Supreme Leader Snoke was not without tension. Ren struggled with his identity throughout his time as Snoke’s apprentice. Torn between his lineage as a Skywalker and his desire to forge his own destiny, Ren sought to prove his worth.
Snoke used this internal conflict to further manipulate Ren. The Supreme Leader forced Ren to confront emotions tied to his family, encouraging him to sever all ties with the light side. This culminated in Ren’s decision to kill his own father, Han Solo, in an attempt to fully embrace the dark side.
The act, while devastating, did not resolve Ren’s inner turmoil. Snoke’s failure to recognize the depth of Ren’s struggle ultimately contributed to the unraveling of their alliance.
The Throne Room Confrontation
The relationship between Kylo Ren and Supreme Leader Snoke reached its climax aboard Snoke’s massive flagship, the Supremacy. During the events of The Last Jedi, Snoke summoned both Ren and Rey to the throne room. Confident in his control over Ren, Snoke intended to manipulate the pair to further his plans.
Snoke ordered Ren to kill Rey, believing it would solidify Ren’s allegiance to the dark side. Instead, Ren used the opportunity to turn against Snoke. In a calculated move, Ren used the Force to ignite Rey’s lightsaber and strike down Snoke. The betrayal shocked both Rey and the First Order, marking a significant turning point in Ren’s journey.
By killing Snoke, Ren seized power and declared himself the new Supreme Leader of the First Order. This bold move signified Ren’s desire to break free from Snoke’s control and carve his own path as a dark side user.
The Truth About Snoke
The events of The Rise of Skywalker revealed a deeper layer to Snoke’s existence. Snoke was a creation of Emperor Palpatine, a puppet designed to carry out the Sith Eternal’s plans. This revelation reframed the relationship between Kylo Ren and Snoke.
The manipulation Ren endured under Snoke was ultimately orchestrated by Palpatine. Snoke was merely a tool used to shape Ren into a weapon for the Sith’s resurgence. This revelation added a tragic element to Ren’s arc, as the autonomy he sought was always overshadowed by Palpatine’s influence.
Legacy of Their Relationship
The relationship between Kylo Ren and Supreme Leader Snoke defined much of the First Order’s rise to power. Snoke’s role in corrupting Ben Solo created one of the galaxy’s most dangerous threats. The manipulation and lies Ren experienced under Snoke fueled a journey filled with anger, betrayal, and loss.
Ren’s eventual rebellion against Snoke marked a critical step in his transformation. The act of killing Snoke demonstrated Ren’s rejection of being a mere pawn, though it did not resolve the deeper conflicts within. This complex dynamic left a lasting impact on the Star Wars saga, shaping the battles that followed in the fight for the galaxy.
