Will Rey Create a New Jedi Order?

Yes, it is overwhelmingly likely that Rey Skywalker will indeed establish a new Jedi Order. The ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker strongly implies this, coupled with narrative themes of legacy, hope, and rebuilding that have run throughout the sequel trilogy. While the exact form and structure of this new Order remain open to interpretation, all indications suggest a deliberate effort to learn from the mistakes of the past and forge a brighter future for the Jedi.

The Evidence: Why a New Jedi Order is Inevitable

Several key elements from the sequel trilogy and beyond point towards the creation of a new Jedi Order under Rey’s guidance:

• Rey’s Lineage and Purpose: Rey’s journey is fundamentally about defining her own destiny. Though initially burdened by her Palpatine heritage, she chooses to embrace the Skywalker name, symbolizing her commitment to the light side and the legacy of hope. This adoption of the Skywalker mantle inherently positions her as a successor to the Jedi ideals, responsible for their continuation. The final scene on Tatooine, overlooking the Lars homestead, underscores this point, representing both the birth of Anakin Skywalker and the beginning of Rey’s new chapter.

• The Jedi Texts: Luke Skywalker’s possession and initial reluctance to utilize the Jedi texts highlights the burden of Jedi history, the flaws that need to be addressed and the need for Rey to learn from the mistakes of the past. Rey carrying these texts at the end of The Last Jedi and utilizing them in The Rise of Skywalker demonstrates her acceptance of this responsibility and her intention to build a new Order based on their teachings, albeit reinterpreted and adapted for a new era. These texts provide a foundation for a new Jedi Order.

• The Voices of the Jedi: In the climatic battle against Palpatine, Rey is empowered by the voices of past Jedi, including Luke Skywalker, Anakin Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Mace Windu. This signifies that the Force itself acknowledges Rey as the heir to the Jedi legacy. The combined power of these Jedi is channeled through her, enabling her to defeat Palpatine and restore balance to the Force. It is not just about wielding the power of the Jedi of the past, but their knowledge and spiritual approval as well.

• The Themes of Rebuilding and Hope: The sequel trilogy consistently emphasizes the themes of rebuilding and hope after the devastation caused by the First Order. The destruction of the Jedi Order under Kylo Ren’s influence and the near-extinction of the Resistance necessitate a new beginning. Rey represents this new beginning, embodying the potential for a more enlightened and inclusive Jedi Order.

• Post-Sequel Trilogy Material: While the main films provide strong indicators, supplementary material, such as comics, novels, and future projects hinted at by Lucasfilm, further solidify the likelihood of a new Jedi Order. These projects offer opportunities to explore Rey’s efforts in establishing this Order, the challenges she faces, and the individuals she trains. There’s much narrative room to be explored within the new Jedi Order and the ways it can impact the wider Star Wars universe.

The Shape of the New Jedi Order: What Will It Look Like?

While the what is almost certain, the how remains a fascinating point of speculation:

• A More Open and Inclusive Order: The original Jedi Order was criticized for its dogmatic adherence to rules and its reluctance to embrace attachment and emotions. Rey’s new Order is likely to be more open and inclusive, embracing a wider range of individuals with Force abilities, regardless of their background or past. Perhaps, we will see the order allow for attachments and emotions to be more deeply embraced.

• Focus on Balance and Understanding: Rey, having experienced both the light and dark sides of the Force, understands the importance of balance. Her new Order may focus more on understanding the dark side, rather than simply suppressing it, and on integrating its lessons into their training. It will be about acceptance and understanding of both sides of the force for true balance.

• Emphasis on Practical Application: The original Jedi Order was primarily a monastic order, focused on meditation and study. Rey’s new Order may place a greater emphasis on practical application of the Force, encouraging its members to actively engage with the galaxy and help those in need.

• Learning from the Past: Rey possesses the Jedi texts and has access to the wisdom of past Jedi through the Force. She will likely draw upon this knowledge to avoid the mistakes of the old Order, while preserving its core principles of justice, compassion, and service.

The Future is Bright: Rey’s Legacy

Rey’s mission to create a new Jedi Order is not just about restoring a lost institution; it is about creating a better future for the galaxy. It is about inspiring hope, promoting justice, and ensuring that the Force remains a force for good. Her journey, while challenging, is ultimately a hopeful one, promising a new era of peace and prosperity under the guidance of a wiser and more compassionate Jedi Order.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions about the new Jedi Order and Rey’s role:

1. What is the Jedi Order?

The Jedi Order is an ancient monastic organization of Force-sensitive individuals who dedicate themselves to serving the light side of the Force, upholding peace and justice in the galaxy.

2. Why was the original Jedi Order destroyed?

The original Jedi Order was destroyed during Order 66, a coordinated attack by the clone troopers, instigated by Palpatine, who had secretly manipulated events to turn the Republic into the Galactic Empire.

3. What are the core tenets of the Jedi Order?

The core tenets of the Jedi Order include non-attachment, service to others, defense of the weak, and dedication to the light side of the Force.

4. What makes Rey qualified to start a new Jedi Order?

Rey’s Force sensitivity, her lineage through the Skywalker family, her defeat of Palpatine, and her possession of the Jedi texts all qualify her to start a new Jedi Order.

5. Will Rey’s Jedi Order be different from the old one?

Yes, it is very likely that Rey’s Jedi Order will be different, incorporating lessons learned from the past and emphasizing inclusivity, balance, and practical application of the Force.

6. Where will Rey establish the new Jedi Order?

The location of the new Jedi Order remains uncertain. It could be on Ahch-To, where Luke Skywalker spent his final years, or on a new, undiscovered planet. Tatooine would be unexpected, but the location may be related to the Skywalkers.

7. Who will Rey train as Jedi?

The identity of Rey’s future students is unknown. They could be Force-sensitive children discovered throughout the galaxy or individuals drawn to her teachings.

8. Will there be a dark side threat to Rey’s Jedi Order?

Given the eternal struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force, it is highly probable that Rey’s Jedi Order will face challenges and threats from dark side users in the future.

9. How will the new Jedi Order interact with the New Republic?

The nature of the relationship between the new Jedi Order and the New Republic will depend on the political landscape of the galaxy and the values upheld by both entities. It may mirror the prior Jedi Order with its dependence on and acceptance of oversight from the republic.

10. Will the new Jedi Order allow attachments?

It’s possible that Rey’s Order may be more lenient on attachments than the old Order, recognizing the importance of love and connection, but also emphasizing the need for emotional balance and control. This will most likely be the biggest change.

11. How important are the Jedi texts to the new Order?

The Jedi texts will be a valuable resource for Rey, providing a foundation of knowledge and wisdom to guide her in establishing the new Order, but they will likely be interpreted and adapted to fit a new era.

12. What role will the Force play in the new Jedi Order?

The Force will remain the central element of the Jedi Order, guiding their actions and empowering them to serve the galaxy. However, the understanding and application of the Force may be broader and more nuanced than in the past.

13. Will Rey be the sole leader of the new Jedi Order?

While Rey will likely be the initial leader and guiding force, it is possible that she will eventually establish a council or leadership structure to share responsibility and ensure the long-term stability of the Order.

14. How long will it take for Rey to establish the new Jedi Order?

The establishment of a new Jedi Order will likely be a long and gradual process, requiring years of training, recruitment, and building relationships with the galactic community.

15. What is the ultimate goal of Rey’s new Jedi Order?

The ultimate goal of Rey’s new Jedi Order will be to uphold peace and justice in the galaxy, to inspire hope, and to ensure that the Force remains a force for good, learning from the mistakes of the past and creating a brighter future for all.