Kylo Ren, portrayed by Adam Driver, is one of the most complex and conflicted characters in the Star Wars saga. The former Ben Solo, born to Leia Organa and Han Solo, carries the legacy of two powerful bloodlines. Trained as a Jedi by Luke Skywalker, Ben’s fall to the dark side marks a pivotal turning point in the sequel trilogy. Consumed by anger, betrayal, and the pull of the dark side, Kylo Ren rises as Supreme Leader of the First Order. The journey of this tormented soul reaches its climactic end in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker.
The Redemption of Ben Solo
Ben Solo’s path to redemption begins when Rey confronts him during a duel on the ruins of the Death Star. During their intense battle, Rey delivers a devastating blow to Kylo Ren using his own lightsaber, a red-bladed crossguard weapon. This act leaves him vulnerable and on the brink of death. However, Rey, sensing the light within him, channels the Force to heal the wound.
The moment is pivotal. A vision of Han Solo appears, offering Ben an opportunity to confront his inner turmoil. The memory of his father helps him break free from the chains of the dark side. The symbolic act of discarding the Sith lightsaber signals the rebirth of Ben Solo. This act marks the end of Kylo Ren, the dark persona that had consumed him for so long.
The Battle on Exegol
Ben Solo’s redemption leads him to Exegol, the hidden world of the Sith. The mission is clear: to aid Rey in the final confrontation against Emperor Palpatine. Armed with nothing but his determination and the Force, Ben infiltrates the Sith Citadel. The battle here is intense, with the Sith Eternal guards and Palpatine’s forces presenting numerous challenges.
Rey, wielding the Skywalker lightsaber, confronts Palpatine in a duel of wills. When Rey is overwhelmed by the immense power of the Emperor, Ben comes to her aid. The two form a dyad in the Force, a rare and powerful bond that strengthens them both. Palpatine, realizing their connection, drains their life force to restore his own power. This leaves Ben and Rey weakened and near death.
The Sacrifice of Ben Solo
Despite the overwhelming odds, Ben summons his remaining strength to save Rey. After Palpatine’s defeat, Rey collapses, lifeless from the exertion of channeling the Force. Ben crawls to her side, using the same Force healing technique Rey had used on him earlier. The act of transferring his life energy revives Rey, bringing her back from the brink of death.
The cost of this heroic act is immense. Ben Solo’s life is drained completely in the process. A brief moment of connection is shared as Rey acknowledges Ben’s sacrifice. A final smile from Ben reflects the peace he has found in redeeming himself. The Skywalker legacy is honored as the last of the Solo line fades into the Force.
The Legacy of Kylo Ren
Kylo Ren’s death serves as the ultimate redemption of Ben Solo. The dark side no longer holds sway over him. The choice to sacrifice everything for Rey mirrors the selfless acts of Anakin Skywalker, bringing the Skywalker saga full circle.
The character’s journey from a conflicted apprentice to a redeemed hero is one of the most compelling arcs in Star Wars. Kylo Ren’s red crossguard lightsaber, now extinguished, becomes a symbol of the fall of the First Order’s Supreme Leader and the rise of Ben Solo’s legacy. The story of Kylo Ren’s death is not just an end, but a final act of love, redemption, and the triumph of the light over darkness.
