How Did Kylo Ren Discover Darth Vader Was His Grandfather?
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Star Wars saga is the revelation of Kylo Ren's true parentage and his connection to the infamous Darth Vader. This discovery, via a combination of family history and the persuasive influence of Supreme Leader Snoke, plays a significant role in shaping Kylo Ren's identity and understanding of his past. Let's delve into how Kylo Ren learned that Darth Vader was his grandfather.
Family History and Early Clues
Born Ben Solo, Kylo Ren was already aware of his lineage as he was the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo and the grandson of Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader). However, the specific details of how he learned this information are not fully explored in the films. Leia, as a daughter of Anakin Skywalker, likely had knowledge of her father's transformation into Darth Vader. Leia would have shared this information with Ben, albeit possibly through stories and teachings, given the complexity of the topic.
The relationship between Leia and Luke adds another layer of context. Luke Skywalker, a key figure in the rebellion, had access to Anakin Skywalker's force ghost. It is plausible that Luke and Ben had a friendly connection, which could have led Ben to discussions about his family history. Additionally, Luke's influence, even if not direct, might have played a role in shaping Ben's understanding of his heritage. This bond could have provided Ben with the necessary emotional and intellectual support to process the revelation.
The Revelation
In The Force Awakens, the revelation of Ben's lineage is further explored in the films, but it is the The Last Jedi that truly cements the significance of this identity to Kylo Ren. Enhanced by Supreme Leader Snoke's guidance and manipulation, Kylo Ren embraces his legacy by seeking to surpass Darth Vader, indicating that he sees Vader's history as a crucial part of his identity. This desire to outdo his grandfather is a testament to the profound impact of the revelation.
A Special Day and a Life-Changing Revelation
The critical moment in Ben's discovery of his lineage comes in a pivotal scene set in the aftermath of The Return of the Jedi. Writer Jason Fry's "The Journal of Luke Skywalker" offers a dramatic and emotional account of Ben's reaction to the revelation.
Leia and Ben watch a holo-recording of The Empire Strikes Back, a historical record that holds the key to Ben's identity. As the fateful words, "I am your father," are spoken, Ben's world is turned upside down. The recording, originally intended for Leia to see as she grew older, is then leaked to the public, damaging Leia's political career. This leak, "sins of the father," serves as a shocking backdrop to Ben's journey.
Leia finally sits down to explain this to Ben, who is training with Luke Skywalker. This moment, occurring some 20-24 years after The Return of the Jedi, marks a significant turning point in the young man's life. The astonishment, confusion, and subsequent transformation that Kylo Ren undergoes as a result of this revelation are depicted vividly in Fry's writings. The impact is profound, leading to a series of dramatic changes in Ben's demeanor and personality.
In the following weeks, Ben's behavior undergoes a radical change. He abandons his earlier interests, tearing down posters of podracing and dyeing his hair black. The archetypal shift from "wizard" to "the darkness is my only friend now" symbolizes a fundamental transformation in his identity. This transformation is a reflection of the complex emotional and psychological journey that follows such a significant discovery.
In conclusion, Kylo Ren's discovery of his grandfather's identity is a central plot point in the Star Wars saga, affecting not just Ben Solo but the broader narrative of the Force in the galaxy far, far away. The combination of family history, particularly through Leia's knowledge and the leak of Anakin's identity, and Snoke's manipulation, plays a crucial role in shaping Kylo Ren's understanding of his heritage and his path to becoming the iconic villain he would become.