The Star Wars sequel trilogy introduces us to a new generation of characters, with Rey at the forefront.
Her transformation from an ordinary individual to a member of the esteemed Skywalker family is a journey filled with significance.
If you’ve seen the sequel, particularly “The Rise of Skywalker“, you’ll know that Rey adopts the Skywalker name, a decision laden with profound implications.
Join me as I delve into the reasons behind Rey’s choice and explore her responsibilities as a Skywalker in the expansive Star Wars galaxy
Table of Contents
Rey’s Journey and Her Connection to the Skywalkers
Rey, the powerful Force-sensitive scavenger at the center of the Star Wars sequel trilogy, is portrayed by Daisy Ridley.
Her journey begins on the desert planet of Jakku, where she lives a solitary life as a scavenger. Despite her humble beginnings, Rey discovers a deep connection to the Force, an energy field that gives Jedi their power.
In “The Force Awakens,” Rey encounters BB-8, a droid carrying a map to Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi. This meeting sets her on a path that leads her to the Resistance and its leaders, General Leia Organa and Han Solo.
In “The Last Jedi”, she seeks out Luke Skywalker, hoping he will train her in the ways of the Force. Although initially reluctant, Luke eventually agrees to train Rey. Through her training, Rey learns about the balance of the Force and the dangers of the dark side.
Leia Organa, Luke’s sister, also plays a pivotal role in Rey’s journey. Despite not being a Jedi, Leia guides Rey and provides her with wisdom and leadership.
In “The Rise of Skywalker”, Leia’s final act is to reach out to her son, Ben Solo, through the Force, distracting him long enough for Rey to strike a fatal blow.
Through her interactions with the Skywalkers, Rey not only learns about the Force but also about herself. She discovers her potential and her place in the larger narrative of the galaxy.
Despite learning about her lineage in “The Rise of Skywalker,” Rey chooses to define her own identity, ultimately taking on the Skywalker name to honor the legacy of Luke and Leia.
Why Rey’s Decision to Take the Skywalker Name?
In the climactic scene of “The Rise of Skywalker”, a stranger approaches Rey and inquires about her identity. Rey responds simply, “I’m Rey.” The stranger probes further, “Rey who?”
In the ensuing silence, Rey senses the presence of her mentors, Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, appearing as Force ghosts.
Witnessing Luke and Leia, Rey realizes that she has been accepted by them to carry on the Skywalker legacy in the Star Wars universe.
With newfound confidence and affirmation, she introduces herself to the stranger as “Rey Skywalker”.
Another hint that explains why Rey chose Skywalker as her last name comes from a toy from Disney’s Galaxy’s Edge, specifically, the Jedi Holocron.
Once you have the Jedi Holocron and insert the yellow kyber crystal, which is a reference for Rey Skywalker, you can hear Rey speaking.
One of the lines from the holocron reveals, “Luke Skywalker was my master. So was his sister, Leia. And her son, Ben, gave his life for me. I took the Skywalker name to honor them and their legacy.”
The Legacy of the Skywalker Name
The Skywalker name holds great significance in the Star Wars universe. It’s associated with characters who have had a profound impact on the galaxy, like Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, and Leia Organa.
They’ve been central to the major events in the Star Wars saga, from the rise and fall of the Empire to the conflict with the First Order.
Rey’s decision to adopt the Skywalker name at the end of “The Rise of Skywalker” is a tribute to Luke and Leia, who were her mentors.
By choosing to be a Skywalker, Rey is not just honoring their memory but also carrying forward their legacy.
As the last Jedi, Rey has the potential to continue what Luke Skywalker started: the restoration of the Jedi Order.
With the knowledge she gained from the sacred Jedi texts and her training under Luke and Leia, Rey has the foundation to rebuild the Order.
This gives hope to the galaxy that the Jedi Order will rise again, continuing the fight against the dark side and maintaining balance in the Force.