Supreme Leader Snoke, played by Andy Serkis, is a mysterious and towering figure who helped the dark side rise again in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Shrouded in mystery from his first appearance, Snoke quickly became the ruthless leader of the First Order, a military faction born from the remnants of the Galactic Empire. His malevolent influence spread far and wide, controlling the galaxy through fear, manipulation, and destruction. Despite his terrifying presence and mastery of the Force, little was known about Snoke’s origins or his sudden rise to power. Fans and characters alike were left questioning: Who is Supreme Leader Snoke? Was he a Sith Lord, a puppet of a greater evil, or something entirely different? This article will delve into the obscure origins, power, and shocking fate of this mysterious dark side figure, exploring the truth behind Snoke’s identity and his impact on the galaxy.
Snoke’s Origins: A Puppet of the Dark Side
Snoke’s origin is a point of much speculation in the sequel trilogy. His true identity is revealed in The Rise of Skywalker, where he is revealed as a creation of Emperor Palpatine. Grown and engineered in a cloning facility on the Sith world of Exegol, Snoke was a biological puppet crafted to carry out Palpatine’s will. Even though Snoke had his own personality and ambitions but his ultimate purpose was to act as a proxy through which Palpatine could maintain control over the First Order and ultimately shape Kylo Ren into his next apprentice. His scarred, distorted appearance hinted at the imperfect nature of his creation, while his mastery of the dark side of the Force suggested that he was imbued with a portion of Palpatine’s sinister power.
The Rise of Supreme Leader Snoke
Despite being an artificial creation, Snoke’s rise to power within the galaxy was no less formidable. After the fall of the Galactic Empire, remnants of the Imperial forces regrouped in the Unknown Regions, and it was within this chaotic void that Snoke emerged. With a keen understanding of manipulation, strategy, and fear, he seized control of the scattered Imperial remnants, transforming them into the formidable First Order. Under his leadership, the First Order grew into a military juggernaut that threatened the fragile New Republic, sowing fear and destruction across the galaxy. Snoke positioned himself as the supreme leader of this dark regime, commanding loyalty through both fear and awe. He was a master manipulator, orchestrating events from behind the scenes while keeping his true nature hidden from even his most trusted followers.
The Corruption of Kylo Ren
One of Snoke’s most important and devastating achievements was corrupting Ben Solo. He was the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo, and the nephew of Luke Skywalker. Ben, who later became Kylo Ren, was a powerful Force-sensitive individual torn between the light and dark sides. Snoke sensed great potential in Ben. So, he began to manipulate him from a young age, preying on his insecurities, frustrations, and isolation. Snoke fostered the conflict within Ben, ultimately turning him against his family and the Jedi Order. Kylo Ren became Snoke’s dark apprentice, wielding a fiery lightsaber and abandoning the name “Ben Solo” in favor of his dark identity. In corrupting Kylo Ren, Snoke hoped to forge him into a powerful dark side warrior who could fulfill the legacy of Darth Vader and ultimately destroy the Jedi.
Snoke’s Role in the First Order’s Dominance
As Supreme Leader, Snoke orchestrated a terrifying campaign against the New Republic, culminating in the destruction of the Hosnian system by Starkiller Base, the First Order’s superweapon. Snoke’s leadership was built on fear, and his mastery of the dark side allowed him to foresee events and manipulate his enemies. He was not just a political figure but a powerful Force user with skills in telekinesis, mind control, and Force lightning. His control over the First Order was absolute, and his influence spread across the galaxy as his forces pursued the Resistance with relentless aggression.
Snoke’s mysterious appearance and commanding presence were designed to keep his enemies and followers alike off balance. Even his most trusted advisors, like General Hux and Kylo Ren, knew little of his true nature. His motivations appeared to align with the Sith’s desire for galactic domination, yet Snoke was presented as something different from the Sith, hinting at a deeper connection to the dark side.
The Downfall of Supreme Leader Snoke
Snoke’s reign as Supreme Leader, however, came to a shocking end in The Last Jedi. Seated in his throne room, Snoke intended to use Kylo Ren to destroy Rey, a powerful new Force-sensitive figure who resisted the pull of the dark side. Confident in his ability to control Ren, Snoke underestimated his apprentice’s growing ambition and inner conflict. In a stunning twist, Kylo Ren betrayed his master, using the Force to ignite Rey’s blue lightsaber and cut Snoke in half. Snoke’s sudden death marked the end of his direct control over the First Order but also signaled Kylo Ren’s rise as the new Supreme Leader.
Snoke’s Legacy and the Truth Revealed
Although Snoke’s physical form was destroyed, his legacy continued through Kylo Ren’s rule over the First Order. However, the final piece of Snoke’s identity was revealed in The Rise of Skywalker, where it was disclosed that Snoke had been created by Palpatine all along. The Emperor, who had survived his apparent death at the hands of Darth Vader, manipulated Snoke and the First Order from the shadows, biding his time for a full return. Snoke was merely one of many attempts by Palpatine to regain control of the galaxy through a proxy.
