Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker serves as the epic conclusion to the 42-year-long Skywalker saga, bringing together the storylines and themes that have unfolded over the course of the entire series. While Star Wars will continue through various TV shows, games, books, and new movies, this film represents the true fulfillment of George Lucas’ vision, which began with the original Star Wars film in 1977.
The Culmination of the Skywalker Saga
The ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker marks the culmination of the Skywalker saga, bringing together the storylines and themes that have unfolded over the course of the entire series. While Star Wars will continue through various TV shows, games, books, and new movies, this film represents the true fulfillment of George Lucas’ vision, which began with the original Star Wars film in 1977.
The Return of Emperor Palpatine
One of the central plot elements of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is the return of Emperor Palpatine. The film does not explicitly explain how Palpatine survived his apparent death in Return of the Jedi, but it suggests that he either never truly died or found a way to transfer his essence into a clone body, similar to the concept in the Expanded Universe novel Dark Empire.
Palpatine’s return serves as the driving force behind the narrative, as he reveals himself to have been manipulating events throughout the sequel trilogy, including Kylo Ren’s actions. His ultimate plan is to have his granddaughter, Rey Palpatine, kill him in a Sith ritual, allowing him to transfer his power and the power of previous Sith into her, creating a new, more powerful Empress Palpatine.
Rey’s True Lineage
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker reveals that Rey is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine. Her father was Palpatine’s son, who went into hiding to protect Rey. This revelation contradicts the previous claim in The Last Jedi that Rey’s parents were “nobody” and sold her for drinking money.
Being a direct descendant of the Sith Lord explains Rey’s exceptional Force abilities and why she drew the attention of Snoke, who was a creation of Palpatine. However, the film also emphasizes that bloodline is not the sole determinant of importance, as Rey’s journey transcends her lineage.
The Final Battle: Rey vs. Palpatine
The ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker revolves around the climactic battle between Rey and Emperor Palpatine. The Resistance forces, with the support of a last-minute militia, launch a daring mission to bring down Palpatine’s Sith fleet. Meanwhile, Rey, aided by a redeemed Ben Solo, confronts Palpatine directly.
The conflict extends beyond the physical confrontation, as it represents Rey’s personal journey of self-discovery and the resolution of her mysterious past. While the power of the Jedi aids Rey in her battle, it is ultimately her own strength and resilience that enable her to overcome Palpatine and save the galaxy.
The Sacrifice of Ben Solo
Ben Solo, formerly known as Kylo Ren, undergoes a profound transformation in the film. Redeemed by the dying words of his mother Leia, memories of his father Han, and Rey’s influence, Ben faces Palpatine alongside Rey. Although initially incapacitated, he ultimately sacrifices himself to save Rey.
In a selfless act, Ben uses his Force healing power to bring Rey back to life, but the effort drains his own life energy. This act of redemption mirrors Anakin Skywalker’s desire to save his loved ones in Revenge of the Sith but takes a different path. Ben’s sacrifice allows him to reconcile with his true feelings and find a genuine connection with Rey before fading away and becoming one with the Force.
The Galaxy and Jedi After The Rise of Skywalker
The ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker has significant implications for the future of the galaxy and the Jedi. The defeat of Palpatine and his Sith fleet inspires people across the galaxy to rise up against oppression, leading to the potential establishment of a New New Republic that addresses the systemic problems of galactic rule.
Rey’s journey as a new Jedi offers the prospect of a different approach to the Force. With Finn also displaying Force sensitivity, there is the possibility of a new order that goes beyond the traditional Jedi-Sith dichotomy. The film leaves room for the exploration of a balanced approach to the Force and the potential for a new generation of Jedi.
Rey’s Final Scene: Embracing the Skywalker Legacy
In the final scene of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rey visits Tatooine, the homestead of Luke Skywalker, and Leia’s adopted home. She buries Luke and Leia’s lightsabers, crafting her own yellow-bladed lightsaber from her staff. When asked who she is by a local, Rey sees the Force ghosts of Luke and Leia and confidently responds, “Rey Skywalker.”
This moment represents Rey’s personal journey of self-acceptance and the embracing of the Skywalker legacy. Despite being a Palpatine by blood, Rey identifies herself as a Skywalker through her actions and the connections she has forged. The yellow lightsaber symbolizes balance and suggests that Rey embodies a new path in the Force.
What Lies Ahead
While the ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker provides a definitive conclusion to the Skywalker saga, it does not rule out the possibility of future stories. The film hints at the potential for a new generation of Force users, a balanced approach to the Force, and the establishment of a New New Republic. While the immediate future of the Star Wars franchise may focus on other eras and characters, the possibilities for further exploration and expansion of the galaxy remain open.
Wrapping Up
Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker’s ending serves as a fitting conclusion to the Skywalker saga, bringing together the major storylines and character arcs that have unfolded over the course of the series. The film explores themes of redemption, self-discovery, and the power of choice, while also delivering the epic action and spectacle that fans expect from a Star Wars film.
As the saga draws to a close, the ending of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker leaves audiences with a sense of fulfillment and sets the stage for new adventures and possibilities in the Star Wars universe.