Unveiling Kylo Ren's Epic Journey: The Untold Secrets of Star Wars

Highlights

The Dark Side of the Force is emotionally centered and can be especially strong for Force-sensitive individuals who use their powers in response to strong emotions.

Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren, was lured into the clutches of the Dark Side as Supreme Leader Snoke corrupted his mind and he found himself questioning the ways of the Jedi.

However, Kylo's path towards redemption emerged when he had a profound realization that his true purpose lied in aiding Rey to restore balance to the Force and bring harmony to the entire galaxy, even if it meant sacrificing his own existence.

When dealing with the Force in the Star Wars universe, it is tempting to be drawn towards the Dark Side, especially for Padawans or Jedi trainees. The Dark Side of the Force revolves around emotions, and it allows Force-sensitive individuals to tap into incredible power when they react strongly to their feelings. However, Jedi and those who follow the Light Side are strictly prohibited from using the Force in this manner.

This shift towards the Dark Side occurred in the Star Wars Republic Era with Anakin Skywalker (Count Dooku had hidden intentions). Years later, a similar transformation took place during the Age of Resistance when Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren, succumbed to the lure of the Dark Side. Ren was a highly gifted and Force-sensitive youngling, potentially surpassing all previous Jedi due to his lineage and influential mentors. Unfortunately, he fell victim to corruption at a young age, causing his path towards the Dark Side to become almost inevitable.

Kylo's Training Days

Kylo Ren, originally known as Ben Solo, was born into a family of Rebellion heroes. Princess Leia Organa and General Han Solo were his parents, while Anakin Skywalker was his grandfather and Luke Skywalker was his uncle. From the beginning, it was clear that Kylo Ren possessed incredibly strong powers within the Force, comparable to Qui-Gon Jinn's discovery of Anakin Skywalker on Tatooine. However, this immense power brought with it an unspoken obligation to live up to the greatness of his ancestors.

In order to guide Kylo Ren in wielding the Force correctly, Leia made the decision to send him to train under the tutelage of his uncle Luke at the Jedi temple on Ossus. Unfortunately, even at this early stage, Darth Sidious had already begun to corrupt Ben's mind through the manipulation of Supreme Leader Snoke. Snoke whispered about the Jedi's misdeeds and presented the allure of the potential power that could be gained by embracing the dark side as a Sith lord. As a young Padawan, still grappling with understanding his place in the galaxy and the ways of the Force, Kylo Ren's doubts about the Jedi were seemingly validated. In a hasty moment of decision-making, Luke perceived the corruption in his nephew's mind and believed that killing him was the only viable option.

As Ben awoke to face Luke's ignited lightsaber, ready to strike him down, he obliterated the temple and extinguished the lives of his fellow Padawans. Subsequently, he fled to Supreme Leader Snoke, seeking further tutelage in the dark arts. All Ben yearned for was a sense of belonging. His parents were incapable of comprehending the depth of his connection to the Force, driving him to seek guidance from his uncle, Luke. However, Luke's impetuous act of betrayal validated the haunting voices in Ben's mind, confirming that his extraordinary power was viewed as a peril rather than a blessing by the Jedi order. Ben, consumed by fear, sought refuge where he believed his true acceptance lay, ultimately embracing the allure of the Dark Side. As a result, he abandoned the name Ben Solo and transformed into the dreaded entity known as Kylo Ren.

Kylo Under Snoke

As the leader of the Knights of Ren, a vital part of the First Order's resurrection of the Galactic Empire, Kylo had finally found his place. Despite his young age, he constantly grappled with uncertainty regarding his role in the vast galaxy. Nevertheless, serving under Snoke provided him with a clear sense of purpose. Kylo emerged as a merciless commander, eliminating anyone who stood in his path, and asserting his dominance over his subordinates. However, his internal struggle remained evident, particularly when he reflected on his past and contemplated the family he had left behind. Justifying his actions, he drew inspiration from his sole ancestor who had succumbed to the allure of the dark side - Darth Vader.

When confronted by his father, Han Solo, Kylo attempted to solidify his commitment to the Dark Side. Believing that severing ties with his past was necessary for his progression, he made the devastating decision to murder Han. However, this act did not satiate his hunger for power. Kylo was aware that Luke, who still lived, possessed the potential to thwart his plans of annihilating the Jedi and subjecting the galaxy to the First Order's rule. It was during this time that he crossed paths with Rey.

Kylo soon realized the tremendous power that Rey possessed through her connection with the Force. Recognizing that a partnership between them would be unstoppable, his ambition for power compelled him to assist Rey in defeating Supreme Leader Snoke. Although Rey viewed this as progress towards Kylo's redemption to the Light Side, he remained resolute in his pursuit of galactic dominance. Fearing that he had strayed too far, Rey ultimately abandoned him. However, unbeknownst to her, Kylo harbored the same apprehension.

Kylo's Redemption

Darth Sidious revealed himself to Kylo as the mastermind controlling his life, and enticed him to his hideout on Exegol. He offered Kylo the opportunity to lead the new Galactic Empire, but the condition was that he must kill Rey. Despite his intentions to convince Rey to join him and overthrow Sidious together, she vehemently refused. Consequently, Kylo found himself repeatedly engaging in combat with her, driven by his desire for a sense of belonging and purpose.

Kylo believed he had become irredeemable, burdened by his remorseful actions. However, during his duel with Rey, he heard the voice of his deceased mother, assuring him that not only could he be forgiven, but he already was. In that moment, he also saw his father, who echoed the same sentiment and assured him that it was not too late to make things right. Kylo finally realized the extent of his corruption and how Sidious had manipulated him, preventing him from discovering his true identity.

Kylo trailed Rey to Exegol, where together they vanquished the resurrected Darth Sidious. However, this victory came at a great cost: the sacrifice of Rey's life. Kylo comprehended that Rey's luminous goodness surpassed his own, making her the true catalyst for restoring equilibrium to the Force and establishing harmony throughout the galaxy. He realized that his role was to ensure this purpose was fulfilled. Thus, through the power of the Force, he revived Rey, relinquishing his own life in the process. United in the Force as a dyad, Kylo and Rey now shared a common mission. By resurrecting Rey, Kylo discharged his obligation and ultimately found inner serenity.