Maz Kanata, played by Lupita Nyong’o, is one of the most mysterious and insightful figures in Star Wars. As a centuries-old pirate queen and the owner of a legendary castle on Takodana, Maz has seen the rise and fall of empires, Jedi, and Sith. Though not a Jedi, Maz has a deep connection to the Force and understands its nature better than most.
Throughout Star Wars: The Force Awakens and her later appearances, Maz delivers some of the most profound and thought-provoking lines. Her words are more than just advice—they hint at deeper themes in Star Wars, foreshadow future events, and provide wisdom that applies beyond the galaxy far, far away.
Here are Maz Kanata’s most iconic quotes and their hidden meanings.
“The belonging you seek is not behind you… it is ahead.”
Maz tells this to Rey in The Force Awakens when Rey is struggling with her past. After experiencing a terrifying Force vision upon touching Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, Rey is overwhelmed and wants to return to Jakku, still hoping her long-lost family will come back for her.
Hidden Meaning:
Maz is urging Rey to let go of the past and embrace her destiny. The idea of moving forward instead of holding onto old attachments is a major theme in Star Wars. Anakin Skywalker fell to the dark side because he couldn’t let go of the past, while Luke Skywalker had to move beyond his own fears to rebuild the Jedi.
For Rey, this quote foreshadows that her true place in the galaxy is not tied to her past. Her family isn’t coming back—but she will find a new family among the Resistance, Leia, and ultimately, Luke Skywalker.
“I’ve seen evil take many forms. The Sith. The Empire. Today, it is the First Order.”
Maz says this while talking to Han Solo in The Force Awakens. Han is skeptical about the rising power of the First Order, but Maz warns him that evil never truly disappears—it only changes form.
Hidden Meaning:
Maz recognizes that history repeats itself. The Sith ruled through Darth Sidious and the Empire, and after their fall, the First Order rose to take their place. This line subtly foreshadows that Emperor Palpatine is still alive, pulling the strings behind the First Order and later the Final Order.
This also connects to Luke Skywalker’s eventual realization in The Last Jedi: no single victory will ever permanently end the darkness. The battle between good and evil is ongoing, and it is the duty of each generation to stand against it.
“That lightsaber was Luke’s. And his father’s before him. And now, it calls to you.”
One of the most mysterious lines in The Force Awakens, Maz says this to Rey after she experiences a Force vision upon touching Luke Skywalker’s old lightsaber.
Hidden Meaning:
Maz confirms that the Skywalker lightsaber—once wielded by Anakin Skywalker, then Luke Skywalker—is now calling to Rey. This suggests that Rey is part of something greater, even before she understands her own connection to the Force.
The line also raises a major question: how did Maz get Anakin’s lightsaber? The last time it was seen, Luke lost it (along with his hand) in Cloud City. The movie never explains this, leaving it as a mystery. However, Maz’s knowledge of the Force suggests that the weapon found its way to her for a reason.
This moment marks Rey’s first step toward embracing the Jedi path, though she initially refuses the call. But as Star Wars often teaches, the Force has a way of guiding those who are meant to wield it.
“Close your eyes. Feel it. The light…it’s always been there. It will guide you.”
Maz gives this advice to Rey when encouraging her to connect with the Force for the first time. At this moment, Rey is still unsure about her abilities, but Maz urges her to trust in something greater than herself.
Hidden Meaning:
This line echoes teachings from past Jedi Masters. Much like Obi-Wan Kenobi telling Luke to “trust the Force” in A New Hope, Maz reinforces the idea that the light side of the Force is always present—it only needs to be embraced.
It also suggests that Rey has always been strong in the Force, even if she never trained as a Jedi. The Force is not something that must be acquired; it is something one must learn to trust. This moment foreshadows Rey’s journey to becoming a Jedi, as she gradually lets go of doubt and follows the guidance of the Force.
“Where’s my boyfriend? I like that Wookiee.”
Maz delivers this line in The Force Awakens when she sees Chewbacca. The moment is humorous, but it also reveals a lot about Maz’s character.
Hidden Meaning:
Though Maz is an ancient being with deep knowledge of the Force, she isn’t just a wise sage—she’s playful, warm, and full of personality. Her fondness for Chewbacca hints at a long history between them, suggesting that she has known Han Solo and Chewie for decades.
This small line also emphasizes something important: Maz values friendship and loyalty. In a galaxy filled with war and betrayal, Maz sees Chewbacca as a trusted and beloved ally, further reinforcing her connection to the heroes of the saga.
Legacy of Maz Kanata
Maz Kanata may not have been a Jedi, but her wisdom and connection to the Force made her one of the most insightful characters in Star Wars. Her words helped guide Rey on the path to becoming a Jedi, and her understanding of galactic history showed that she had seen countless battles between light and dark.
Her quotes hold deep meaning, not just for the characters in the story, but for the larger themes of Star Wars. From destiny and belonging to trusting the Force, Maz’s words reflect the timeless struggles between good and evil that define the saga.
Though her time on-screen was brief, Maz Kanata’s wisdom continues to resonate—proving that sometimes, the greatest guidance comes from the most unexpected places.
