Rey's Embrace of the Skywalker Legacy and Her Character Arc

In the climactic final scene of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey chooses to adopt the Skywalker name, signaling a significant moment in her character arc. This decision is not only a nod to her heritage but also a pivotal symbol of her personal growth and the ongoing connection to the larger narrative of the Star Wars universe.

Symbolism of Identity and Legacy

The act of Rey taking the Skywalker name serves as a culmination of her journey as a character. It signifies that one's identity can be shaped through the choices one makes and the relationships they form, rather than being solely defined by bloodlines. Rey's decision to bear the Skywalker name is a testament to her understanding that true legacy and identity are not inherited, but earned through oneself and one's deeds.

This moment also symbolizes Rey's acceptance of the Skywalker legacy. Despite the tragic loss of her parents and the dark shadows they were once under, Rey chooses to stand with the legacy of the Jedi. Her choice to take the name Skywalker is a declaration that she is willing to carry on the banner of the Skywalkers, not just in spirit, but in name. This act of embracing her new identity highlights her growth and the moral clarity she has achieved by the end of her journey.

Exploring Potential Backstory Connections

While the official Star Wars canon does not explicitly state Rey's true identity, several theories and theories based on the Expanded Universe (or now referred to as The Global Force Awakens Expanded Universe, or GFFA) provide interesting insights. Some speculate that Rey might be the lost daughter of Luke Skywalker, separated from the original Rebellion during the Second Galactic Civil War. This connection would provide a deeper emotional resonance for Luke's character, further enriching his emotional journey and explanations for his despair.

Others suggest that Rey's decision to take the Skywalker name is a lie, a fa?ade she uses to gain recognition and fill the void of her identity crisis. However, the emotional weight of her actions and her repeated mentions of the Skywalker family and the Jedi ideals suggest that her desire to belong and be recognized as a Skywalker is genuine, and it provides her with a sense of familial connection and belonging that she has craved throughout the films.

Understanding Naming Customs in Star Wars

The specific naming customs and traditions in the Star Wars universe are not explicitly detailed in the official canon. However, popular theories based on the GFFA and other sources suggest that there may be societal requirements for people to have last names or family identities. Rey's decision to take the Skywalker name could be seen as an attempt to give herself a family identity she can identify with, or it might simply be a strategic move to distance herself from the infamy of Palpatine.

Calling herself "Palpatine" would indeed be risky, given the empire's destruction and the empowering legacy of the Skywalker family. The decision to embrace the Skywalker name, on the other hand, aligns her with the noble and heroic legacy of the Jedi, offering her a way to assert her values and ideals.

Rey's Character Development and Self-Acceptance

Rey's choice to adopt the Skywalker name is a powerful statement about her character development. Throughout the films, she is constantly searching for a sense of belonging and identity. Her identity crisis during the original The Force Awakens is a clear indication that she lacks a family and a definitive lineage. By taking the Skywalker name, she embraces a family she has longed for, even if it is not biologically hers.

While Rey is indeed "a lying space Nazi," her actions in the final scenes of the franchise suggest that her intentions are driven by a noble desire to protect others and do what is right. The fact that she renounces her connection with Emperor Palpatine and instead honors the Skywalker legacy demonstrates her moral clarity and the strength of her character.

Ultimately, Rey's choice to bear the Skywalker name is a testament to her personal growth and her identity as a Jedi. It signifies a new chapter in her story, one where she embraces her identity and the values of the Jedi Order, standing as a new hope for the galaxy.