Rey, played by Daisy Ridley, is a central figure in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, symbolizing mystery, strength, and hope. Her journey, from humble origins on a desolate planet to becoming the galaxy’s savior, is a narrative of resilience and destiny. This piece delves into Rey’s life, pivotal encounters, and her ultimate legacy within the Star Wars universe.
Origins and Birth
Rey entered the world on the desert planet of Jakku, a remote and unforgiving environment located in the Outer Rim. Despite Jakku’s unremarkable nature, Rey’s lineage carried significant weight. For most of her life, Rey did not know she was the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine, the Sith Lord who once sought to dominate the galaxy. Even though Rey grew up ignorant of her true heritage, this dark legacy loomed over her origins.
A Harsh Upbringing on Jakku
Rey’s early years were defined by abandonment and the fight for survival. Her parents left her on Jakku to shield her from the Emperor, who was determined to harness her strong connection to the Force. Abandoned with the hope that her parents would one day return, Rey scavenged the remnants of old ships scattered across Jakku’s deserts, exchanging parts for meager sustenance. The harsh conditions on Jakku honed her resourcefulness, resilience, and fierce independence. These skills would later be crucial as she faced the dangers of a galaxy at war.
Encountering BB-8 and Finn
Rey’s life changed dramatically when she stumbled upon BB-8, a small droid on a vital mission for the Resistance, carrying crucial information about the whereabouts of Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi. This encounter set Rey on a path that would alter not only her life but also the fate of the galaxy.
Soon after, Rey met Finn, a former Stormtrooper who had defected from the First Order. Finn’s courage and desire to escape his past resonated with Rey, and they quickly developed a strong bond. Together, they embarked on a mission to deliver BB-8 to the Resistance, sparking hope in a galaxy overshadowed by the dark forces of the First Order.
Discovering the Force and Meeting Han Solo
As Rey journeyed alongside Finn and BB-8, a chance meeting with Han Solo, the legendary smuggler and hero of the Rebel Alliance, further transformed her life. Han saw potential in Rey and took her under his wing, forming a bond that echoed the relationship he once had with his own son, Ben Solo. During their travels, Rey began to sense a more profound connection within herself, a connection to the Force.
This connection was fully awakened when Rey first touched Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber. The saber called out to her, triggering a vision that revealed fragments of her past and glimpses of her future. This moment marked the beginning of Rey’s quest to understand her true identity and role in the galaxy.
The Duel with Kylo Ren
Rey’s journey soon led her to confront Kylo Ren, the dark warrior of the First Order and the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa. In their first encounter, Kylo Ren captured Rey, recognizing the raw, untapped power within her. Despite his efforts to sway her, Rey resisted, using the Force to escape his grasp. Their confrontation culminated in an intense lightsaber duel. Despite having no formal training, Rey tapped into the Force, holding her own and ultimately besting Kylo Ren in their initial battle.
Finding Luke Skywalker and Meeting Him as a Force Spirit
Driven by a need for answers, Rey’s journey took her to Ahch-To, the remote island where Luke Skywalker had sought exile. The meeting between Rey and Luke did not unfold as she had anticipated. Rey asked Luke to train her in the Jedi arts, but the Jedi Master, burdened by his past failures and the collapse of his Jedi Order, was hesitant. However, Rey’s determination and the undeniable awakening of her powers eventually won him over. Under Luke’s guidance, Rey began to grasp the complexities of the Force, the delicate balance between light and dark, and the heavy responsibilities that came with her growing powers.
After confronting the truth about her lineage and the death of her mentor, Leia Organa, Rey returned to Ahch-To, disillusioned and tempted to follow Luke’s path of self-imposed exile. It was here that Luke appeared to Rey as a Force spirit. In this pivotal moment, Luke helped Rey understand that her destiny was not dictated by her lineage but by her choices. The Force Spirit of Luke encouraged her to face her fears, embrace her powers, and confront the darkness within her. This encounter reaffirmed Rey’s resolve and set her on the path to confront Emperor Palpatine and ultimately restore balance to the Force.
Confronting Her Legacy
The revelation of Rey’s true lineage as a Palpatine was a defining moment in her journey. The darkness in her bloodline threatened to consume her, and the fear of becoming like her grandfather weighed heavily on her. However, with her friends’ support and the Jedi’s teachings, Rey chose to embrace the light. Her confrontation with Emperor Palpatine on Exegol marked the climax of her journey. In this final battle, Rey was bolstered by the spirits of past Jedi, including Luke Skywalker, who lent her their strength. Wielding both Luke’s and Leia’s lightsabers, Rey deflected Palpatine’s dark energy back at him, annihilating him and ending the Sith once and for all.
A Final Encounter with Luke
Following Palpatine’s defeat, Rey returned to Tatooine, the birthplace of the Skywalker legacy. At the Lars homestead, Rey buried Luke and Leia’s lightsabers, symbolizing the conclusion of their journey and the beginning of her own. It was here that Luke appeared to Rey one last time as a Force spirit. This final encounter provided Rey with closure and affirmation. Luke’s spirit reassured Rey of her place in the galaxy, affirming that her choice to adopt the Skywalker name was right. This encounter not only solidified Rey’s connection to the Skywalker legacy but also marked her acceptance of her own destiny.
Bringing Balance to the Force
Rey’s victory over Palpatine restored balance to the Force. With the Sith vanquished, the galaxy was finally liberated from the shadow of darkness that had hung over it for generations. By choosing to honor the Skywalker legacy rather than her own bloodline, Rey took on the name Rey Skywalker, charting a new course for herself and the galaxy.
The Legacy of Rey
Rey’s story is one of hope, resilience, and the power of choice. Despite her dark lineage, she chose to follow the light, proving that one’s destiny is not defined by their past. Rey’s journey from a lonely scavenger on Jakku to the savior of the galaxy is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring power of the Force.
Rey’s legacy as the woman who restored balance to the Force will be remembered for generations. Her story serves as a beacon of hope, showing that the light can prevail even in the face of overwhelming darkness. By choosing the path of the Jedi and rejecting the darkness within, Rey became a true hero, not just for the galaxy but for all who believe in the power of the light.
Rey’s Lightsabers: Symbols of Legacy and Identity
Rey’s connection to lightsabers is deeply symbolic, reflecting her growth and the legacy she chooses to embrace. Her journey with Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber, which later became Luke’s, was the first step in realizing her power and destiny. The blue lightsaber called to her, signifying her connection to the Skywalker legacy, even before she fully understood her place in the galaxy.
Rey wielded this iconic blue lightsaber after her duel with Kylo Ren and during her training on Ahch-To. The saber was briefly destroyed in a struggle with Kylo Ren. However, her bond with it symbolized her deepening connection to the Jedi path and the Skywalker family.
In the final confrontation with Palpatine on Exegol, Rey wielded not only the restored Skywalker lightsaber but also Leia Organa’s lightsaber. These two sabers, representing both Luke and Leia, were instrumental in Rey’s defeat of Palpatine. By crossing the two sabers, Rey reflected the Emperor’s dark energy back at him, symbolizing the united strength of the Skywalker twins and the culmination of their legacy in her hands.
After the battle, Rey crafted her own lightsaber, a weapon with a distinctive yellow blade. Constructed from her staff and a kyber crystal, this lightsaber represented Rey’s individuality and her transformation from a scavenger on Jakku to a self-declared Jedi. The yellow blade, a rare color in the Jedi tradition, signified a new beginning and her role as a guardian of the balance she had helped restore.
