In the vast saga of the Star Wars universe, few relationships are as complex and emotionally charged as that between Princess Leia Organa, portrayed by Carrie Fisher, and Kylo Ren, played by Adam Driver. This bond weaves together themes of family, betrayal, redemption, and the perpetual struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force. Although Leia’s relationship with her son, Ben Solo—who would later become Kylo Ren—was overshadowed by conflict, it ultimately played a vital role in the galaxy’s fate and the enduring battle between good and evil.
The Beginnings of Ben Solo
Ben Solo’s journey started with high expectations, born to Leia Organa and Han Solo. As the nephew of the legendary Jedi, Luke Skywalker, Ben was blessed with a strong connection to the Force, potentially one of the most promising Force-sensitive individuals of his generation. From a young age, Ben’s sensitivity to the Force drew attention, and Leia hoped that training with Luke would guide Ben towards the light. However, Luke’s rigorous training, combined with Ben’s inner struggles, became challenging.
The darkness that later defined Kylo Ren began as mere whispers, but those whispers were amplified by the sinister influence of Supreme Leader Snoke. Snoke, an enigmatic figure wielding immense dark side power, saw potential in Ben. He subtly manipulated Ben’s insecurities, fueling his inner conflict and planting seeds of doubt regarding his family’s intentions.
The Transformation to Kylo Ren
Ben’s transformation into Kylo Ren marked a painful chapter in Leia’s life. Kylo Ren’s journey into the dark side solidified with Snoke’s continued manipulation, causing him to question the teachings of Luke and reject the ideals that Leia had fought for. The once-promising Jedi prospect gave way to the masked enforcer of the First Order, wielding a unique cross-guard lightsaber with a distinctive red blade, symbolizing his full embrace of the dark side.
Despite Kylo Ren’s choice, Leia’s hope for her son’s redemption remained unwavering. Leia was aware of the darkness that had taken hold of him but sensed that a part of Ben Solo still lingered beneath the mask. This hope became a driving force behind many of Leia’s actions within the Resistance, even as Kylo Ren rose within the ranks of the First Order.
A Mother’s Hope in “The Force Awakens”
During the events of The Force Awakens, Leia’s faith in Ben’s return becomes evident. As General of the Resistance, Leia balances her duty to protect the galaxy with her desperate hope to save her son. She enlists Han Solo, Ben’s father, to reach out to their son, hoping that a familiar voice might break through the walls Kylo Ren had constructed around himself. Unfortunately, this attempt ends in tragedy, as Kylo Ren, determined to sever his ties to his past, kills Han in a moment that both shocks and devastates Leia. Yet, even after losing Han, Leia does not abandon hope.
The Connection Through the Force in “The Last Jedi”
Leia’s connection to her son extends beyond physical presence. Through the Force, Leia and Kylo Ren share a unique bond that even distances in the galaxy cannot sever. This bond is evident when Kylo Ren hesitates to fire on his mother’s ship during a First Order attack. For a brief moment, the conflict within him resurfaces, highlighting that Leia’s influence is not entirely lost on him.
Leia herself demonstrates her own abilities with the Force. She uses the Force in an astonishing display to save herself from the vacuum of space, an act that underscores her latent power, even though she never fully trained as a Jedi. This moment reinforces Leia’s enduring resilience and unyielding will, traits that Ben Solo inherited but twisted in the form of Kylo Ren.
Leia’s Final Effort in “The Rise of Skywalker”
In The Rise of Skywalker, Leia’s role as both a mother and a leader culminates in a self-sacrificial act. Realizing that her son is trapped within the dark shadow of Kylo Ren, Leia channels the last of her strength to reach out to Ben through the Force. This act—Leia’s final gift of love to her son—creates a pivotal moment for Kylo Ren. Amid his climactic duel with Rey, Leia’s influence reaches him, distracting him at a critical moment and allowing Rey to deal a powerful blow. However, the touch of Leia’s spirit does more than simply halt the fight; it stirs the remnants of Ben Solo within Kylo Ren, igniting a sense of inner conflict that he cannot ignore.
Following this powerful connection, Ben confronts the memory of his father, Han Solo, and experiences an emotional turning point. The internal battle between light and dark that had raged within him is brought to a tipping point by Leia’s sacrifice, ultimately paving the way for Ben’s redemption.
The Lightsaber Forms and Skills Passed Through the Bloodline
Leia’s influence on her son extends into Kylo Ren’s lightsaber skills and combat techniques, even if indirectly. Although Leia never trained extensively with a lightsaber, her instinctive connection to the Force provided guidance, especially in moments of crisis. Kylo Ren’s unique style, a blend of Form V aggression and raw, unrestrained power, reflects the Solo lineage’s impulsiveness combined with the disciplined training from Luke’s teachings. Kylo’s red cross-guard lightsaber, although forged in darkness, still resonates with an intensity reminiscent of Leia’s fierce dedication.
Leia and Kylo Ren’s Lasting Legacy
Leia’s faith in Ben never wavered, even when her son fell to the dark side and assumed the identity of Kylo Ren. The relationship between Princess Leia and Kylo Ren became a profound testament to a mother’s love and the redemptive power that family bonds can hold, even amid galactic conflict. Kylo Ren’s journey back to Ben Solo, influenced by Leia’s steadfast hope and sacrifice, ultimately shaped the fate of the galaxy, illustrating that even in a universe filled with darkness, light can prevail through love, sacrifice, and the unbreakable bonds of family.
