The Mystery and Fate of Kylo Ren’s Helmet: A Deep Dive

The final scenes of The Rise of Skywalker bring an end to many plot threads left unresolved from the previous films, including what ultimately became of Kylo Ren’s iconic helmet. This mysterious piece of kyber crystal-laden armor went through a significant transformation, aligning with the central themes of redemption and identity. Let’s explore in detail what happened to Kylo Ren’s helmet and why it held such significance.

The Destruction and Transformation

Before delving into the specifics of what happened to Kylo Ren’s helmet in the final installment of the Skywalker saga, it’s important to revisit its origins. In The Last Jedi, Kylo Ren’s helmet was first teased but notably damaged, hinting at the impending confrontation between hopefuls and dark forces. The helmet, while still recognizable, was clearly not in its best condition, reflecting the tumult of Kylo’s soul.

By the time the events of The Rise of Skywalker transpired, Kylo Ren had undergone a significant emotional and spiritual transformation, reclaiming his Ben Solo identity. In this new phase, the helmet was no longer a symbol of his dark side but instead a mask of his light side. The iconic armor was refurbished and rebuilt, albeit in a highly similar form. Notably, the helmet received a dramatic makeover, featuring red cracks running throughout its structure, symbolizing the complexity of his journey from light to dark and back again.

The Fate in The Rise of Skywalker

During the climactic events of The Rise of Skywalker, Kylo Ren faced a multitude of challenges, ultimately culminating in a tense confrontation. A pivotal scene sees him lose the helmet, an act that was crucial for his final victory over the dark force. The helmet, once a symbol of his inner conflict, now had a new purpose—freedom from his dark past. Without the helmet, Kylo Ren was seen without his mask, a clear indication of his newfound alignment with the light side.

The loss of the helmet in the final battle is thematically significant. It aligns with the idea that true redemption requires embracing one's true self, stripped of the facade. This moment not only emphasizes Kylo’s transformation but also underscores the ease with which he can remove the mask that defined him for so long. The choice to discard the helmet symbolizes his willingness to let go of his dark persona and embrace his identity as Ben Solo once more.

Alternative Theories and Speculations

While Kylo Ren’s helmet clearly featured in the final moments of The Rise of Skywalker, some fans have raised questions about its fate. Two possible scenarios suggest that the helmet might have been destroyed:

1. It could have been in his TIE fighter and thus burned during its destruction, a thematic choice that mirrors the fate of Darth Vader’s helmet. This would imply a symbolic end to Kylo’s dark legacy, aligning with his transformation.

2. Alternatively, the helmet might have been on his Star Destroyer and subsequently destroyed, mirroring the fate of the other ships and vehicles involved in the final battle. This would further emphasize the finality of his dark past and his journey back to the light side.

Despite these theories, the official narrative of The Rise of Skywalker clearly shows the helmet being lost under dramatic circumstances, culminating in Kylo Ren embracing his new identity.

The Significance of the Helmet to Ben Solo

It’s worth noting that despite the helmet’s significance, Kylo Ren did not seem to rely on it for his demeanour throughout the film. Instead, he used the helmet primarily to encapsulate his dark persona. Once he reclaimed his identity as Ben Solo, he likely found it unnecessary to mask his true self.

This shift in emphasis from the helmet to the character reveals a fundamental change in Kylo Ren’s journey. The removal of the helmet symbolizes his ability to stand confidently in his newfound identity without the need for external props. This transformation is a powerful statement on the nature of identity and the importance of authenticity in one’s life.

Conclusion

The fate of Kylo Ren’s helmet in The Rise of Skywalker is a poignant symbol of his transformation from a dark force to a light-hearted hero. From being damaged in The Last Jedi to being rebuilt with red cracks in The Rise of Skywalker, and finally being lost in the final scenes, the helmet reflects the complexities of Kylo Ren’s character development. The loss of the helmet in the climax of the film signifies the end of his dark legacy and the beginning of his new journey in the light.