The conflict between Poe Dameron, played by Oscar Isaac, and Kylo Ren, portrayed by Adam Driver, stands as one of the most intense rivalries during the rise of the First Order. Their clash goes far beyond personal enmity. It symbolizes the deeper struggle between the Resistance and the First Order—a fight for the very soul of the galaxy. Both characters come from very different worlds, yet their destinies remain intertwined throughout the conflict that spans the sequel trilogy of Star Wars.
Poe Dameron: The Resistance’s Brightest Star
Poe Dameron emerged as a skilled pilot and devoted member of the Resistance. Born on Yavin 4 to parents who fought in the Rebel Alliance, Poe carried their legacy into the next generation. The Dameron family’s ties to rebellion provided a strong foundation for Poe’s loyalty to freedom. Trained by the New Republic, Poe rose quickly through the ranks, becoming one of Leia Organa’s most trusted allies.
Flying his T-70 X-Wing starfighter, Black One, Poe Dameron was often at the forefront of major battles. Known for unmatched piloting skills, quick thinking, and fierce determination, Poe embodied hope for the Resistance. The battle against Starkiller Base showcased Poe’s ability to lead a squadron and deliver a decisive blow to the First Order’s devastating superweapon.
Throughout the war, Poe often questioned the leadership of the Resistance. Moments of doubt pushed him to make risky decisions, as seen during the evacuation of D’Qar. These events highlighted Poe’s internal struggle between impulsive bravery and responsible leadership. Despite setbacks, Poe ultimately became a symbol of unity within the Resistance.
Kylo Ren: The Dark Legacy of the Skywalker Bloodline
Kylo Ren, born as Ben Solo, represented the darker path of the Skywalker legacy. Trained as a Jedi by Luke Skywalker, Ben’s early life seemed destined for greatness. However, the influence of Supreme Leader Snoke and the shadow of Darth Vader led Ben down the path of the dark side. Abandoning his Jedi training, Ben Solo embraced the name Kylo Ren and became the enforcer of the First Order.
Kylo Ren’s connection to Darth Vader shaped his obsession with power. This fixation drove Kylo to destroy anything tied to his former identity. By severing ties with family and mentors, Kylo sought to bury the past and forge his own path as a Sith-like figure. Yet, beneath the mask, the conflict between light and dark continued to haunt Kylo Ren.
The destruction of the Hosnian System, led by Kylo Ren and the First Order, marked one of the darkest chapters in galactic history. Kylo’s rise to Supreme Leader following Snoke’s death solidified his grip on the galaxy. Wielding a red, crossguard lightsaber, Kylo Ren became a symbol of fear and oppression.
The Clash on Jakku
The first meeting between Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren took place on Jakku. Poe, tasked by Leia Organa with retrieving the map to Luke Skywalker, encountered Kylo Ren’s forces. Captured by the First Order, Poe faced Kylo Ren directly. Using the dark side of the Force, Kylo extracted information from Poe’s mind about BB-8’s location. This encounter set the stage for their ongoing rivalry.
Starkiller Base: Two Sides of the Same Conflict
The battle over Starkiller Base brought Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren into the same theater of war once again. Poe led a daring assault, coordinating the Resistance pilots in a high-stakes mission to destroy the First Order’s weapon. Kylo Ren, on the other hand, battled Han Solo and Rey inside the base. The eventual destruction of Starkiller Base was a critical victory for the Resistance, but the war was far from over.
The Supremacy and Lessons in Leadership
The events aboard the Supremacy revealed the stark differences in leadership between Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren. Poe, facing the crushing pressure of the First Order’s pursuit, questioned Vice Admiral Holdo’s strategy. This led to a near mutiny within the Resistance. These moments of conflict highlighted Poe’s growth as a leader and his eventual understanding of sacrifice and trust.
Kylo Ren, after killing Supreme Leader Snoke, claimed leadership of the First Order. This marked a turning point in Kylo’s character, as his vision of power became entirely self-driven. The dynamic between Kylo Ren and General Hux further showcased the instability within the First Order’s ranks.
Exegol: The Final Confrontation
The final clash between the Resistance and the Sith Eternal on Exegol brought Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren’s ideologies into sharp focus. Poe, as the leader of the Resistance, inspired hope in the face of overwhelming odds. Rallying allies from across the galaxy, Poe led the charge against Emperor Palpatine’s fleet.
Kylo Ren, having cast aside the dark side, reclaimed the identity of Ben Solo. Joining Rey in the fight against Palpatine, Ben Solo’s actions played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Sith Eternal. While Poe Dameron celebrated victory alongside the Resistance, the loss of Ben Solo symbolized the cost of redemption.
Legacy of Poe Dameron and Kylo Ren
Poe Dameron’s legacy remains as a leader who carried the ideals of the Rebel Alliance into a new era. With a single orange-bladed lightsaber, Poe trained briefly under Rey to better understand the Force, though his primary focus remained on rebuilding the galaxy.
Kylo Ren’s legacy is one of tragedy and redemption. The destruction left in Kylo’s wake will forever serve as a warning of the power of the dark side. Yet, Ben Solo’s final acts of heroism redeemed the name of the Solo family.
Their clashing ideologies continue to symbolize the eternal struggle between hope and fear in the galaxy far, far away.
