Rey Skywalker, played by Daisy Ridley, has left an indelible mark on the Star Wars saga. From scavenging on the desert planet of Jakku to claiming her place as the last of the Jedi, Rey’s journey is filled with legendary confrontations. Each of Rey Skywalker’s fights reflects her growth as a warrior, her internal struggles, and her unwavering connection to the Force. This article takes a deep dive into Rey’s most memorable battles, highlighting their significance in the Star Wars timeline.
1. The Battle with Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base
Rey’s first lightsaber duel against Kylo Ren in The Force Awakens remains a pivotal moment in her story. Before this confrontation, Rey had never held a lightsaber, but the Force had already begun to awaken within her. Using Luke Skywalker’s blue lightsaber, Rey defended herself against Kylo Ren, who was still reeling from the emotional turmoil of killing his father, Han Solo.
What stands out in this fight is Rey’s raw connection to the Force. When Kylo attempted to overpower her, Rey closed her eyes and embraced the guidance of the Force, turning the tide of the duel. Despite Kylo’s extensive training under Snoke, Rey displayed incredible resilience and even wounded Kylo.
This fight also symbolized the beginning of Rey’s path as a Jedi. The blue lightsaber acted as a bridge between the past Jedi and Rey’s destiny, marking her as the rightful heir to the weapon’s legacy.
2. The Throne Room Battle Against Snoke’s Praetorian Guards
The throne room fight in The Last Jedi is one of the most visually stunning and emotionally charged battles in Star Wars history. Rey found herself face-to-face with Supreme Leader Snoke after being captured by Kylo Ren. However, Kylo shockingly betrayed Snoke and teamed up with Rey to fight the Praetorian Guards.
Rey wielded Luke’s blue lightsaber while Kylo used his signature crossguard lightsaber. The coordination between the two was nothing short of extraordinary, despite their conflicting goals. Rey’s agility and raw power shone during this battle, as she fought multiple skilled guards at once.
This battle showcased Rey’s combat adaptability and her ability to work with an ally—even one as complicated as Kylo. It also symbolized her hope that Kylo could return to the light side, though this hope would later prove to be in vain.
3. The Duel with Luke Skywalker on Ahch-To
Although not a traditional fight, the sparring session between Rey and Luke on Ahch-To in The Last Jedi deserves mention. Frustrated by Luke’s reluctance to train her, Rey demonstrated her combat skills by challenging him. Using her staff initially, she eventually drew Luke’s blue lightsaber.
Luke, a seasoned Jedi Master, easily disarmed her. However, the fight symbolized Rey’s determination to take control of her destiny. It also revealed Luke’s lingering fears about the dark side, which would later influence Rey’s own struggles with her identity.
4. The Duel on the Death Star Wreckage
The lightsaber duel on the wreckage of the second Death Star in The Rise of Skywalker is one of Rey Skywalker’s most emotional and physically demanding fights. Rey and Kylo Ren clashed once again, both armed with blue lightsabers—Rey with Luke’s and Kylo with his reforged weapon.
Set against the backdrop of roaring waves and ruins, the fight represented the culmination of their connection. Rey, burdened by the revelation of her lineage as Emperor Palpatine’s granddaughter, struggled with her identity. Kylo, meanwhile, sought to turn her to the dark side.
The duel was intense, with neither side gaining a clear upper hand until Leia Organa intervened through the Force. Her death distracted Kylo, giving Rey the opportunity to strike him down. However, instead of succumbing to anger, Rey used the Force to heal him, showcasing her compassion and growth. This battle ultimately led to Kylo’s redemption as Ben Solo.
5. The Final Battle Against Emperor Palpatine
Rey’s climactic confrontation with Emperor Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker stands as her most defining fight. Armed with Leia’s blue lightsaber and later Luke’s, Rey faced the full power of the Sith Eternal on Exegol. Palpatine, bolstered by the Sith spirits, sought to destroy Rey and claim her body as a vessel for his spirit.
Rey initially struggled against the overwhelming power of the Sith. However, her determination and connection to the Jedi of the past gave her the strength to persevere. Channeling their wisdom and power, Rey called upon the Force and wielded both lightsabers to deflect Palpatine’s Force lightning back at him.
The fight ended with Palpatine’s destruction, marking the end of the Sith. This moment also solidified Rey’s place as the heir to the Jedi legacy. Her dual lightsaber technique in this battle was not only symbolic of her balance between the old and new generations of Jedi but also a testament to her growth as a Force user.
6. The Vision Duel with Dark Rey
Although more of a vision than a physical fight, Rey’s confrontation with Dark Rey in The Rise of Skywalker is worth noting. During her quest on the Death Star wreckage, Rey experienced a vision of herself as a Sith, wielding a double-bladed red lightsaber.
The brief clash between Rey and her dark counterpart symbolized her internal struggle. The vision foreshadowed the danger of her Palpatine heritage and the temptation of the dark side. This moment reinforced Rey’s resolve to rise above her lineage and choose her own destiny.
Legacy of Rey Skywalker’s Fights
Rey Skywalker’s fights were not just physical confrontations—they were reflections of her personal growth, her struggles with identity, and her determination to uphold the light side of the Force. Each duel added layers to her character, solidifying her place in Star Wars lore.
Rey wielded multiple lightsabers throughout her journey: Anakin Skywalker’s blue lightsaber, Leia Organa’s blue lightsaber, and her own yellow-bladed lightsaber, which symbolized her unique identity as a Jedi.
From the barren deserts of Jakku to the chaotic battleground of Exegol, Rey’s journey through her fights captures the essence of a hero. Her legacy continues to inspire fans across the galaxy far, far away.
