Why Didn't Luke Skywalker Train Leia Organa as a Jedi Padawan?
The Star Wars creative franchise raises many intriguing questions about the characters and their paths. One such question pertains to Luke Skywalker's Jedi training. Why didn't he train his sister, Leia Organa, as his Padawan?
Leia's Jedi Training
Leia did indeed study to become a Jedi Knight under Luke's training. However, she ultimately gave up her training before completion, choosing to return to politics within the New Republic on Coruscant. This decision was influenced by various factors, including the leak of information about her parentage and her fear of her political career being ruined.
The Force Vision
A pivotal moment in Leia’s decision-making was a Force Vision she had regarding the fate of her son. The vision revealed his impending death if she completed her training. Responding to this dire prediction, Leia handed over her lightsaber to Luke, ending her Jedi training in hopes of preserving her child’s life.
Old EU vs. New Canon
In the old Expanded Universe (EU) of Star Wars, Luke did indeed begin Leia's Jedi training. However, the new canon often disregards or reinterprets these events, leading to inconsistencies that can be frustrating for fans. Despite this, the reasons for Leia's decision to forego her training remain compelling within the narrative.
Leia's Personal Choices and Training
Despite Luke’s training, Leia seemingly wasn’t inclined to pursue Jedi training further. Her reluctance stemmed largely from her history with Darth Vader, the man responsible for her suffering. Additionally, Leia had a natural leadership inclination, which would have had strategic advantages in the rebuilding efforts of the New Republic and her relationship with Han Solo made her more inclined to remain at the heart of the Rebellion/Resistance.
Leia’s Force-sensitivity, while present, did not make her inherently suited for Jedi training. She was a politically astute and strong-willed individual who focused on her leadership roles. She was well aware of her strengths and weaknesses, and understood where she could make the greatest impact. Her position as the General of the Rebellion and the Leader of the New Republic, along with her relationship with Han, meant she had little time to dedicate to training.
Dark Side Considerations
Another factor influencing Leia’s decision was her knowledge of the dark side and its dangers, particularly in light of her parentage. Her father, Darth Vader, was a prime example of the negative outcomes a Jedi could face. The trauma of his actions, such as his torture of Leia on the Death Star and his role in destroying her home planet (Alderaan), likely gave her cause to avoid the path that could similarly lead her down a dark path.
Combining these elements, it's clear why Luke Skywalker didn’t train Leia as a Jedi Padawan. Her Force vision, her personal history, her leadership inclinations, and her understanding of the risks associated with the dark side all contributed to her decision to forego further training.