Exploring the Legacy: Luke Skywalker and His Descendant in Star Wars

Star Wars: The Last Jedi presented a different version of Luke Skywalker that surprised many fans, resembling Cade Skywalker from the Legends. Cade, born a century after Luke, was the central figure in Star Wars: Legacy by John Ostrander and Jan Duursema. He was a former Jedi being hunted by Darth Krayt and the One Sith, choosing to distance himself from the Force and his Skywalker lineage, unlike others in his family. Even though Cade's story is no longer considered official canon, it bears a striking resemblance to Luke's journey in The Last Jedi.

This is intriguing due to the contrast in Luke's fate in the Legends, where his Force Ghost guided Cade through his toughest times. In the Legends, Luke's New Jedi Order was never destroyed during his lifetime, and despite temporary exile, he never stopped fighting for justice. The similarity between Cade's narrative and Luke's in the current canon highlights a shared quality among the Skywalker lineage, providing a deeper understanding of both characters. Furthermore, it hints at the potential for narratives involving Luke Skywalker's Force Ghost and the establishment of Rey's New Jedi Order.

The Last Jedi's Luke Skywalker Has A Similar Arc To Cade

Mark Hamill Luke Skywalker The Last Jedi - The Last Jedi's Luke Skywalker Has A Similar Arc To Cade

Luke's decision to abandon the Jedi ways and go into exile in The Last Jedi mirrors Cade's arc in Legacy. Both characters resided at a Jedi Temple (Ossus for Cade, Ahch-To for Luke) that was destroyed, leading them to disconnect themselves from the Force and the Jedi. Luke lost his students to the dark side, much like Cade witnessed the destruction of the Temple by the One Sith. Despite their different personalities and timelines, the parallels in their journeys are striking.

In an intriguing turn of events, Luke's Force Ghost tries to guide Cade back to the path of light. This reflects Luke's compassionate nature, as he understands Cade's struggles and attempts to help his descendant find redemption. While Luke's story in Legends differs, the theme of losing one's way and finding hope is consistent. In canon, Luke's reluctance to return from exile contrasts with his willingness to help Cade, showing a unique evolution of his character.

Luke's Force Ghost guiding Rey in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker is similar to how he guides Cade in Legends.

How The Skywalker Legacy Shapes Both Luke & Cade

Cade Skywalker in a lightsaber duel against Luke Skywalker. - How The Skywalker Legacy Shapes Both Luke & Cade

Luke and Cade both bore the weight of the Skywalker heritage, which influenced their paths in different ways. Luke felt a deep sense of responsibility to restore the Jedi order and make amends for his father's past actions. However, after the destruction of his temple, he struggled with doubt and disillusionment. On the other hand, Cade faced even greater pressure as he followed in the footsteps of numerous esteemed Skywalker Jedi before him. This led him to rebel against the rigid expectations associated with his family name, mirroring Luke's rejection of his own legacy in The Last Jedi.

Star Wars has the potential to explore a new storyline set in the galaxy's distant future, where Luke's Force Ghost guides a descendant of Rey. This narrative choice could hold significant emotional weight, as Luke can relate to the struggles of losing faith in the Jedi order.

The similarities between the journeys of Luke and Cade Skywalker offer intriguing possibilities in both canon and Legends storytelling. If Star Wars were to delve back into the Legends timeline, it could unveil a tale where Luke temporarily abandons the Jedi path in a moment of despair, providing a fresh perspective on his decision to aid Cade. Examining the parallels between the portrayal of Luke in "The Last Jedi" and the character of Cade Skywalker in Legends presents a compelling opportunity to deepen our understanding of these two iconic figures in the Star Wars universe.

Editor's P/S:

The article provides a fascinating insight into the similarities between Luke Skywalker's journey in "The Last Jedi" and that of Cade Skywalker from the Legends continuity. The parallels in their experiences, such as abandoning the Jedi ways and facing disillusionment, highlight the shared themes of loss and redemption within the Skywalker lineage. It is intriguing to speculate on how these similarities could shape future narratives involving Luke's Force Ghost and the establishment of Rey's New Jedi Order.

Moreover, the article raises the possibility of exploring Luke's temporary abandonment of the Jedi path in the Legends timeline, which would offer a fresh perspective on his character and motivations. By examining the connections between Luke and Cade, the Star Wars universe can expand its storytelling possibilities and deepen our understanding of these iconic figures.