Rey's Parents: The Tragic Fate in The Rise of Skywalker

The tragic fate of Rey's parents is one of the most poignant and mysterious elements in The Rise of Skywalker. This tragic story unfolds amidst the backdrop of the Emperor's final plan and the ultimate showdown with Palpatine. Let's delve into this intricate plotline to uncover the fate of Rey's parents and the impact of their ultimate sacrifice.

The Plot Unfolds

The truth about Rey's parents is gradually revealed throughout the film, making this a significant subplot for fans of the Star Wars saga. With the help of Kylo Ren, who has been manipulated by Palpatine, we learn of a hitherto unknown aspect of Rey's early history. This revelation takes place in an atmospheric and tense scene inside the Death Star II's old Imperial throne room, now a site of both ruin and remnants of the past.

A Flashback to Jakku

In a flash-forward sequence, we witness a harrowing moment set on the barren desert planet of Jakku. This scene, a stark contrast to the subsequent destruction, unveils the origins of Rey's abandonment and the methods her parents employed to protect her. Jodie Comer, breathing life into Rey's mother, adds depth and humanity to a character whose story is too short in the original trilogy.

Rey's parents, forced into the dire situation of leaving their daughter behind, do so in the belief that protecting her is the greatest good they can do. This heart-wrenching decision becomes a central narrative thread, intertwining the past and the present in a complex web of emotions.

The Final Encounter

When the fate of Rey's parents is finally unveiled, it is with a sense of inevitability and tragedy. Ochi, a staunch Sith loyalist, plays a crucial role in their deaths. Ochi, a character who can be traced back to early Star Wars lore, is chosen to carry out this task due to his unwavering allegiance to the Sith. His mission is to eliminate Rey's parents, ensuring that she remains uncorrupted and devoid of knowledge about her heritage.

With the dagger that would later serve as a significant plot device, Ochi delivers a swift and merciless end to Rey’s parents. This dagger, mentioned in a significant number of fan theories (and eventually revealed in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story), takes on a symbolic importance in the saga. It serves not only as a weapon but as a means of transmitting the Sith's knowledge and power to Rey.

The Legacy of Sacrifice

The deaths of Rey's parents, though tragic, serve a larger purpose in the narrative. They highlight the theme of sacrifice and the lengths individuals will go to protect someone they love. Through this act, Rey is left alone on Jakku, devoid of connection and history. This, in turn, allows her journey with Rogue One's BB-8 and her eventual connection with the Force to become the crux of her character development. Rey's isolation and her eventual awakening to her true identity form the backbone of The Rise of Skywalker's epic conclusion.

This subplot not only propels the narrative forward but also enriches the overall mythology of the Star Wars universe. It adds layers to Rey's character and reminds viewers of the sacrifices made in the name of love and freedom.

Conclusion

The revelation of Rey's parents' fate in The Rise of Skywalker is a pivotal moment in the Star Wars saga. Through the tragic loss of her parents, Rey's journey becomes more monumental, and her path to becoming a Jedi receives a profound and personal significance. As fans, we continue to grapple with these complex and layered storylines, appreciating the depth and nuance that the Star Wars directors brought to the final chapter of the Skywalker saga.