Who is Rey Skywalker? Exploring Her Mysterious Origins

Rey was a scavenger, the most intriguing and enigmatic character in the Star Wars universe. Her adventures transformed her existence into a grand narrative of self-realization. The conflict between light and darkness led to the creation of her unique identity. 

In the films, Rey is portrayed by Daisy Ridley. This blog examines the life story of Rey, from where she arose, and how she became the most significant part of the galaxy. 

Rey’s Beginning on Jakku

Rey was born on the planet of Hyperkarn. She was abandoned by her parents and raised in solitude. She used to search through starship debris discarded after the Battle of Jakku. Rey resided within a fallen AT-AT walker and expected that her parents would eventually come back for her. 

Despite her difficult situation, Rey showed extraordinary resilience, ingenuity, and technical abilities. She learned alien languages on her own, fixed machines, and mastered her quarterstaff to protect herself from the dangers of Jakku. Her solitary life molded her into a survivor, yet beneath the surface, she yearned for connection and meaning. 

The Encounter That Changed Everything: BB-8 and Finn

Rey’s life changed dramatically when she saved the droid BB-8 from a scavenger called Teedo. The droid possessed an essential portion of a map pointing to Luke Skywalker’s location. Soon after, Rey met Finn, a stormtrooper who had abandoned the First Order. 

Finn, wearing Poe Dameron’s jacket, was identified by BB-8 as an ally of his master. At first skeptical, Rey faced Finn, but they soon united when First Order stormtroopers assaulted Niima Outpost. Alongside BB-8, they escaped in the Millennium Falcon, which Rey navigated for the first time. 

Despite not having proper training, Rey was surprised and impressed by her piloting skills. She and Finn barely evaded TIE fighters during an exciting pursuit, and the Falcon's getaway signified the start of Rey's broader adventure in the galaxy.  

Meeting Han Solo and Maz Kanata

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During their journey on the Millennium Falcon, Rey and Finn were found by Han Solo and Chewbacca, who took back their legendary ship. Han was fascinated by Rey’s skills in mechanics and piloting. He extended an invitation for her to join his crew. Despite the temptation, Rey refused, thinking she must go back to Jakku to wait for her family. 

The Battle of Takodana: Rey's Awakening Call 

Han brought the team to Maz Kanata's castle on Takodana, looking for assistance to send BB-8's map to the Resistance. Within Maz's castle, Rey felt an attraction to an ancient chest that held Luke Skywalker's lightsaber. Upon making contact, she had a strong Force vision, catching sight of Luke, Kylo Ren, and memories from her childhood. 

Maz urged Rey to grasp the lightsaber and accept her fate, yet Rey was consumed by fear and fled into the woods. This was the first moment Rey started to face her link to the Force and the enigmas of her history. 

Captured by Kylo Ren

The First Order launched an assault on Takodana. It was commanded by Kylo Ren, who was searching for BB-8 and the map to find Luke Skywalker. Rey battled valiantly using her staff and blaster, yet was eventually taken captive by Ren.

Rey Used Force on Starkiller Base

On Starkiller Base, Kylo tried to retrieve the map from Rey’s mind using the Force. Nonetheless, Rey fought against the mental probe and accidentally tapped into Kylo’s thoughts, perceiving his fear and vulnerability. This moment demonstrated Rey's increasing power in the Force, astonishing even Kylo Ren.

Kylo Ren left Rey isolated in her cell. She utilized the Force to execute her initial Jedi mind trick, persuading a stormtrooper to set her free. She broke free from captivity, showcasing her cleverness and newly forged bond with the Force. 

Rey’s First Duel with Kylo Ren

Rey came to Finn, Han, and Chewbacca while the Resistance aimed to eliminate Starkiller Base. Han Solo faced Kylo Ren, his son, and met his demise in a devastating act of betrayal.

While Rey and Finn escaped into the snowy woods, Kylo Ren chased after them. Finn bravely battled Kylo using Luke’s lightsaber but was swiftly overpowered and gravely injured. Rey, filled with emotion, called the lightsaber to her hand through the Force and confronted Kylo in battle.

Despite her lack of experience, Rey's innate strength and resolve enabled her to stand firm. She overcame Kylo by utilizing the Force, leaving him injured as Starkiller Base started to crumble. This duel represented Rey's initial significant triumph over the dark side, reinforcing her journey as a Force user.

Finding Luke Skywalker: The Last Hope 

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Having the map to Luke Skywalker, Rey, Chewbacca, and R2-D2 traveled to the distant planet of Ahch-To. It was the location of Luke's self-imposed exile. Rey discovered Luke on a cliff at the First Jedi Temple and presented him with his former lightsaber. Luke was burdened by guilt regarding his inability to train Ben Solo. He declined to rejoin the Resistance and mentor Rey. Rey went after him and ultimately persuaded him to train her in the Force.

Jedi Training and Forming Connection With Kylo Ren

During her training with Luke, Rey started to experience forced connections with Kylo Ren. It was an enigmatic link that enabled them to perceive and converse with one another from afar. These exchanges showed Kylo’s internal struggle and Rey’s wish to understand him. 

Rey was convinced she could save Kylo Ren and lead him back to the light, even with Luke's cautions. Their bond blurred the distinction between light and dark, preparing the way for an even greater struggle.

The Throne Room Battle 

Rey traveled to Kylo Ren on Supreme Leader Snoke’s starship. She wanted to bring him to the light. However, Snoke disclosed his control over their Force connection and attempted to corrupt Rey. 

In an unexpected turn of events, Kylo murdered Snoke and teamed up with Rey to battle the Praetorian Guards in a breathtaking showdown. Even with their short-lived partnership, Kylo urged Rey to unite with him in governing the galaxy. Rey declined, opting for the path of light, and the two separated as foes once more.

Rey’s Return to Resistance 

Following the tragic event in the throne room, Rey returned to the scattered remains of the Resistance. It had been significantly diminished after the First Order's attack. Rey reunited with Leia Organa, bringing the hope and strength that the Resistance required at that time.

Rey felt guilty for not bringing Kylo Ren back to the light. Still, she focused on helping the Resistance with their rebuilding efforts. She started to fully accept her position as a Jedi. She persisted in her training to discover a means to restore harmony to the galaxy.

However, Rey’s connection with Kylo Ren wasn’t fully ended. Even with their different journeys, the Force still tied them together. Through this strange bond, Rey sensed Kylo's inner struggle, and Kylo saw her fight with her identity and background.

Uncovering the Truth About Her Past 

Rey’s path took her on a journey to uncover the truth about her past and find the Sith wayfinder that would lead her to Emperor Palpatine. Following ancient Jedi texts found on Ahch-To, Rey and her friends—Finn, Poe, Chewbacca, BB-8, and C-3PO—began a bold mission across the galaxy.

Their journey took them to Pasaana. There, Rey felt another Force connection with Kylo. In this link, Kylo revealed that he knew about her heritage. However, he chose to keep the full truth hidden.

On Pasaana, Rey also met Lando Calrissian, a hero of the Rebellion. Due to his assistance, Rey and her group discovered a hint regarding the wayfinder’s whereabouts. During all this time, the First Order was close behind them, resulting in an intense pursuit across the desert.

The Duel on Kef Bir: Rey vs. Kylo Ren

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Rey’s quest for the Wayfinder led her to the ocean moon Kef Bir, where the remains of the second Death Star were concealed in turbulent waters. Kylo Ren blocked her path, stopping her from getting to Palpatine.

The two engaged in an intense lightsaber battle on the rubble. The fight was both physical and emotional. Rey and Kylo struggled with their internal conflicts. Kylo still conflicted between light and darkness, attempted to encourage Rey to accept her rage.

As the duel approached its peak, Leia Organa tapped into her remaining strength to connect with her son through the Force. Kylo was diverted by his mother's call and defeated by Rey. However, Rey quickly felt regret for her actions. She used the Force to heal Kylo's wound, a kind deed that had a significant impact on him. 

Burdened by guilt and affection for his mother, Kylo renounced his Sith identity and took back his name as Ben Solo. Rey sensed the change. She escaped in the Millennium Falcon and decided to face her fate alone. 

Discovery of Her True Heritage 

Rey’s adventure peaked on the Sith planet Exegol. There, Emperor Palpatine eagerly awaited her arrival. She discovered a shocking truth about her family: she was Palpatine’s granddaughter. This dark legacy was something she had always dreaded. 

The Emperor revealed he wanted to pass his essence to Rey. This would make her the new Empress of the Sith. Rey fought against his manipulations, drawing on the power of the Jedi who preceded her. In her most challenging moment, Ben Solo came to battle alongside her, confirming his redemption. 

Rey Confronting Palpatine

The two faced Palpatine together, but the Sith Lord used their combined Force energy against them. Rey reached out to the spirits of past Jedi as Palpatine unleashed his destructive power. She called on Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Anakin Skywalker. With their strength, she deflected Palpatine’s Force lightning using Luke and Leia’s lightsabers, destroying the Sith. However, the victory came with a high cost. Rey collapsed, and Ben Solo gave his life to bring her back. 

Constructing a Yellow Lightsaber 

After the final battle on Exegol, Rey realized she needed her own weapon to represent her path within the Force. She crafted a practical hilt and chose a yellow kyber crystal, often associated with Jedi Temple Guards. Her unique saber featured a rotating switch rather than the common button, showing her engineering skills and individuality. 

Rey was seen holding her lightsaber for the first time when she visited Tatooine, where Luke Skywalker’s journey began. She went to the deserted Lars homestead and buried Luke and Leia’s lightsabers in the sand to honor their legacy.

When a bystander asked her name, Rey said, “I’m Rey Skywalker.” This was a tribute to the family that supported her as she turned away from her Palpatine past.

Legacy

Rey Skywalker's story highlights themes of hope, strength, and redemption. She began as a scavenger on Jakku and rose to become the galaxy's hero. Rey embraced her fate and honored the Jedi's legacy. As the leader of a new generation of Jedi, her journey inspires others. It shows that decisions, not heritage, determine one's true destiny.