Why Does Rey Call Herself a Skywalker?
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Rey calls herself a Skywalker at the end of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker because she chooses to honor the Skywalker legacy and family, recognizing their profound influence on her life and the galaxy. Despite being a Palpatine by blood, she rejects her lineage and embraces the Skywalkers’ ideals of hope, selflessness, and fighting for good. She adopts the name as a symbolic act, declaring that family isn’t solely defined by blood but by connection, mentorship, and shared values.
The Weight of Legacy: More Than Just Blood
Rey’s decision to adopt the Skywalker name is arguably the most debated aspect of the sequel trilogy’s conclusion. It’s a complex issue involving familial ties, destiny, and the very nature of good versus evil. Understanding it requires delving into her journey throughout the trilogy and the significance of the Skywalker family.
Rey’s Journey and the Search for Belonging
From the beginning, Rey is presented as a character searching for her place in the galaxy. Abandoned on Jakku as a child, she clings to the hope that her parents will return. This hope, however fragile, fuels her determination. Discovering her Force abilities and becoming intertwined with the Resistance throws her into a conflict much larger than herself.
Throughout The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, Rey seeks guidance and mentorship. She looks to Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi Master, to train her and provide answers about her past. While Luke is initially reluctant, he eventually recognizes Rey’s potential and the light within her. His training, though brief, profoundly impacts her.
The revelation in The Last Jedi that Rey’s parents were “nobodies” – scavengers who sold her for drinking money – initially crushes her. It removes the perceived destiny attached to her lineage. Yet, this also frees her to forge her own path, unbound by predetermined expectations. This newfound freedom is crucial to her ultimate decision.
The Palpatine Connection: A Burden to Overcome
The unveiling of Rey’s true heritage as the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine in The Rise of Skywalker adds another layer of complexity. This revelation is intended to explain her immense Force power and create a compelling conflict. She now faces the temptation to embrace her dark side and become the new Empress.
However, Rey actively resists this destiny. She recognizes the inherent evil within Palpatine and rejects his attempts to manipulate her. She is horrified by the idea of succumbing to the darkness and continues to fight for the light. This internal struggle is central to her character arc in the final film.
Embracing the Skywalker Name: A Symbolic Act of Choice
Rey’s ultimate decision to call herself a Skywalker is a powerful statement. It signifies her rejection of Palpatine’s legacy and her embrace of the values represented by the Skywalkers.
- Rejection of a Predetermined Destiny: By choosing the Skywalker name, Rey actively chooses her own destiny. She refuses to be defined by her bloodline and instead defines herself by her actions and the ideals she embodies.
- Honoring Luke and Leia: Luke and Leia Skywalker become surrogate family figures for Rey. Luke trains her in the ways of the Force, and Leia acts as a mentor and confidante. Rey honors their memory and their sacrifices by carrying on their name.
- Symbolism of Hope and Redemption: The Skywalker name represents hope, redemption, and the fight against oppression. By adopting the name, Rey becomes a symbol of these values for the galaxy.
- Defining Family Beyond Blood: Rey’s choice challenges the traditional notion of family. It highlights the importance of found families and the bonds forged through shared experiences and values. She redefines “family” as something earned, not inherited.
In essence, Rey’s adoption of the Skywalker name is a testament to her character. It represents her courage, her resilience, and her unwavering commitment to the light side of the Force. It signifies that anyone, regardless of their origins, can choose to be a hero.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Rey’s Choice
Here are some commonly asked questions about Rey’s decision to call herself a Skywalker, providing further context and exploring different perspectives:
- Was Rey actually adopted by the Skywalkers? No. There’s no formal adoption. Rey adopted the name as a symbolic gesture, honoring the Skywalker family’s impact on her life. She took the name, not the Skywalker’s legally adopting her.
- Did Luke and Leia approve of Rey taking the Skywalker name? While neither explicitly says “Yes, take our name,” Leia’s close relationship with Rey and Luke’s mentorship suggest implicit approval. Leia is even seen training her and passing on the Skywalker family lightsaber.
- Why didn’t Rey create her own Jedi Order with a new name? Creating a new Jedi Order with a distinct name could have been a viable option. However, the Skywalker name already carried significant weight and inspired hope throughout the galaxy. Rey likely felt it was more powerful to rebuild under the Skywalker banner.
- Is Rey a “true” Skywalker? Genetically, no. She is a Palpatine. However, family is more than blood. She embodies the Skywalker values and spirit, arguably making her a Skywalker in every way that truly matters.
- Was it necessary for Rey to take the Skywalker name? Narratively, the necessity is debatable. Some fans feel it was a fitting conclusion, while others find it forced. It ultimately depends on one’s interpretation of the film’s themes.
- Does this mean the Skywalker bloodline is over? The Skywalker bloodline, as traditionally defined, is effectively over. However, the Skywalker legacy lives on through Rey. She becomes the embodiment of their ideals and the future of the Jedi Order. Ben Solo was the only Skywalker from the Original Trilogy with a known heir, and he did not have children.
- Did Palpatine’s bloodline end? Yes. As far as we know, Rey was the last of the Palpatine bloodline. She dedicated her life to destroying what her grandfather established and the family line, too.
- How will Rey rebuild the Jedi Order? The film doesn’t explicitly detail her plans, but it can be inferred that she will focus on training new Force-sensitive individuals and instilling in them the values of compassion, selflessness, and justice.
- Is it disrespectful to the Skywalker family for Rey to take their name? Most interpretations suggest it’s an act of honor and respect. She’s not appropriating their identity but rather carrying on their legacy.
- What is the significance of Rey burying the Skywalker lightsabers on Tatooine? This act symbolizes Rey honoring the past while also moving forward. Tatooine is where the Skywalker story began, and burying the sabers there signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.
- Why didn’t Rey take the name “Solo” since she had such a good relationship with Han? Rey’s connection with Luke and Leia was much stronger and encompassed the Jedi teachings. Han Solo was a friend and a mentor, but it’s Luke and Leia who were Rey’s true masters. Taking the “Solo” name would have been a disservice to the Jedi teachings Rey worked so hard to learn and grow from.
- Could Rey have chosen a different name altogether? Yes, she could have. However, the Skywalker name holds immense symbolic weight in the Star Wars universe. Choosing another name would have diminished the impact of her decision.
- What if Luke and Leia had other family besides Ben? That is possible, but nothing has been mentioned in the movies or other official Star Wars media. Rey had very strong connections with them, so choosing the Skywalker name made the most sense.
- How does Rey feel about Kylo Ren/Ben Solo? Rey felt a deep connection to Ben Solo despite their opposing sides. They even formed a Force dyad, a rare and powerful bond. Rey mourns his death but ultimately accepts his redemption and sacrifice.
- Is Rey a Mary Sue, a character with no flaws and excessive abilities? This is a contentious issue. Some critics argue that Rey’s rapid mastery of the Force and lack of significant flaws make her a Mary Sue. Others argue that her struggles with identity, her vulnerability, and her internal conflicts demonstrate character depth.