The climactic duel between Rey, portrayed by Daisy Ridley, and Darth Sidious, played by Ian McDiarmid, in The Rise of Skywalker represents the ultimate struggle between light and darkness. This epic confrontation, set against the shadowy backdrop of Exegol, is not just the culmination of the Skywalker Saga but also a symbol of the enduring battle between the Jedi and the Sith.
The Rise of the Dyad
Rey, armed with a blue lightsaber and later wielding the combined power of two, embodies the resilience of the Jedi. Training under Leia Organa and seeking wisdom from ancient Jedi texts, Rey represents the amalgamation of generations of Jedi teachings. The introduction of the Force Dyad, connecting Rey and Ben Solo, amplifies her strength, allowing her to stand against the immense power of Darth Sidious.
Darth Sidious, also known as Emperor Palpatine, returns through Sith alchemy and cloning—a testament to the dark side’s relentless pursuit of immortality. This resurrection is no mere accident; it underscores the Sith’s willingness to defy natural laws to cling to power.
The Lightsaber Legacy
The duel is as much about lightsabers as it is about ideology. Rey initially wields Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber, a blue blade symbolizing hope and renewal. Later, Leia’s lightsaber joins the fight, blending the legacy of two generations. These weapons carry the weight of countless battles against the dark side.
Darth Sidious relies on Force lightning rather than a traditional lightsaber. This choice reflects his disdain for physical combat, showcasing his reliance on pure, destructive power derived from the Sith’s mastery of the Force.
Exegol: A Realm of Shadows
The Sith homeworld of Exegol sets the stage for this duel. A planet steeped in darkness, it serves as a stark contrast to the vibrant worlds often associated with the Jedi. The throne room of the Sith Eternal, surrounded by legions of followers, heightens the stakes. This chilling arena emphasizes the Sith’s dominance and the seemingly insurmountable challenge before Rey.
The symbolism of Exegol extends to the broader narrative. It represents the festering core of Sith ideology, a hidden force seeking to corrupt and consume the galaxy. The destruction of Exegol by Rey and the Resistance marks a decisive blow against this ancient evil.
The Power of All Jedi
Rey’s triumph hinges on the collective strength of the Jedi. As Darth Sidious channels the power of all Sith to unleash a devastating assault, Rey calls upon the spirits of past Jedi. Voices of Yoda, Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and others echo in her mind, symbolizing unity and the enduring strength of the light side.
Rey channels their energy through her lightsabers, crossing them to redirect Sidious’s lightning back upon him. This act symbolizes the resilience of light, capable of repelling even the most destructive darkness.
The Legacy of Darth Sidious
Darth Sidious embodies the Sith’s obsession with immortality and power. His death on Exegol, consumed by his own lightning, is a poetic end to a character who sought to dominate through fear and destruction. The explosion of energy that marks his demise signifies the final collapse of the Sith’s ancient grip on the galaxy.
Sidious’s downfall also underscores the limitations of the dark side. While the Sith thrive on betrayal and self-interest, the Jedi draw strength from unity and selflessness. The victory of the light side is not just Rey’s; it is the culmination of sacrifices made by generations.
A Symbolic Victory
The showdown between Rey and Palpatine is not merely a fight; it is the culmination of themes woven throughout Star Wars. The rise of Rey Skywalker, the destruction of Darth Sidious, and the liberation of the galaxy from Sith oppression encapsulate the saga’s central message: the power of hope and the triumph of light over darkness. This final battle solidifies Rey’s place as the inheritor of the Jedi legacy while closing the chapter on the Sith’s reign of terror.
