Rey Skywalker, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, became one of the most significant characters in the Star Wars saga. The mystery surrounding Rey’s parentage played a central role in the sequel trilogy. Introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Rey was initially depicted as a scavenger on the desert planet Jakku. Over time, the truth about Rey’s parents unfolded, tying her destiny to the legacy of the Sith and the Jedi. This article breaks down the story of Rey Skywalker’s parents, their connection to the larger Star Wars narrative, and what it meant for the galaxy.
Rey’s Early Life on Jakku
The journey begins on Jakku, a barren world littered with the remnants of the Galactic Civil War. Rey, abandoned as a child, survived by scavenging starship parts from the wreckage in the desert. Rey’s memories of her parents were fragmented, offering few clues about their identities. A burning desire to reunite with them fueled Rey’s hope and shaped her character. The questions about who they were and why they left her on Jakku remained unanswered until later events revealed the truth.
The First Clues in The Force Awakens
Rey’s Force sensitivity became apparent during her encounters with Kylo Ren and her discovery of Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber. The weapon, calling to Rey in Maz Kanata’s castle, triggered visions of her past. These visions hinted at abandonment and a deeper connection to the Force. Despite this, the movie left Rey’s parents shrouded in mystery. The focus shifted instead to Rey’s potential as a Force user and her role in the Resistance’s fight against the First Order.
Kylo Ren’s Revelation in The Last Jedi
In Star Wars: The Last Jedi, Kylo Ren presented his version of the truth about Rey’s parents. Claiming they were “nobodies,” Kylo described them as scavengers who sold their child for drinking money. This revelation devastated Rey, forcing acceptance of the idea that greatness did not depend on lineage. However, this explanation only scratched the surface. The reality of Rey’s parentage was far more complex than Kylo Ren initially revealed.
The Truth in The Rise of Skywalker
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker finally revealed the full story of Rey’s parents. The narrative confirmed that Rey was the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine, one of the most infamous Sith Lords in galactic history. Rey’s father was Palpatine’s son, an individual who rejected the dark side and fled from his father’s control. Alongside Rey’s mother, the pair sought to protect their child from Palpatine’s influence.
The Emperor, reborn on the Sith redoubt of Exegol, sought Rey as a vessel for his dark essence. Fearing for Rey’s safety, her parents hid her on Jakku. Their actions kept Rey hidden from the Sith Eternal, but at the cost of their own lives. Ochi of Bestoon, a Sith assassin, murdered Rey’s parents while attempting to locate the young girl for the Emperor.
The Palpatine Connection
The revelation of Rey’s Palpatine lineage created a powerful dynamic within the sequel trilogy. As the granddaughter of Darth Sidious, Rey inherited an incredible potential for the dark side. This connection raised questions about identity, destiny, and choice. Despite the dark legacy of the Palpatine bloodline, Rey chose a different path. Rejecting the Emperor’s vision for the galaxy, Rey ultimately embraced the light side of the Force.
Rey’s Legacy as a Skywalker
Rey’s decision to adopt the Skywalker name signified a rejection of her Sith heritage. After defeating Palpatine on Exegol, Rey returned to Tatooine. Visiting the Lars homestead, Rey buried Luke and Leia’s lightsabers in the sands of the desert. By taking the Skywalker name, Rey honored the legacy of the Jedi who mentored her and forged a new identity for herself.
The story of Rey Skywalker’s parents connected the sequel trilogy to the larger saga. Their sacrifice ensured Rey’s survival and shaped her path in the Force. Rey’s journey became a testament to the power of choice, proving that destiny is not defined by bloodline but by the decisions made along the way.
Legacy of Rey Skywalker’s Parents
The story of Rey Skywalker’s parents introduced complex themes into the Star Wars saga. Their decision to hide Rey from Emperor Palpatine saved the galaxy from his plans for domination. Their sacrifice also highlighted the conflict between familial loyalty and the struggle against evil. The mystery surrounding their identities kept audiences captivated and expanded the lore of the Star Wars universe.
