The Knights of Ren: Their Purpose and Role in Star Wars

The Knights of Ren, a mysterious and dark force in the Star Wars universe, have garnered significant attention and intrigue among fans. This article delves into the origins, purpose, and role of these shadowy figures, as well as their significance in the broader context of the Star Wars saga.

Detailed Analysis of the Knights of Ren

The Knights of Ren first appeared in the prequel comic series, The Rise of Kylo Ren, a detailed account designed to provide a richer understanding of the character and the group. The Knights of Ren are essentially a guild of force-sensitive individuals wielding a dark-sided nature. Ren serves as both a title and a moniker for the most powerful wielder of the dark side, who becomes their leader.

During Ben Solo’s corruption to the dark side, he eventually leads a fatal coup against the previous Ren, leading to his transformation into Kylo Ren. The Knights of Ren operate as a specialized force, carrying out orders from Darth Sidious, the iconic Dark Lord of the Sith. According to the original script, Kylo Ren and the Knights of Ren were meant to channel the essence of the original 1977 Star Wars for a more immersive experience for fans.

A Abrams' Vision and the Knights of Ren

Director J.J. Abrams, in his attempt to connect the new films to the original trilogy, reimagined elements to fit within the pre-existing narrative. In his vision, the Mystery Master character of the original script, a Jedi killer seeking dark side artifacts, evolved into Kylo Ren. Meanwhile, the space pirates from the original script transformed into the Knights of Ren and the First Order.

Adding the Knights of Ren to the story was partly driven by a desire to avoid undermining the climax of A New Hope, where Anakin Skywalker defeats the Sith, leading to balance in the Force. Abrams, in his post-release interviews, stressed that Kylo Ren is not a Sith, aligning his vision with the original films’ narrative. However, it can be argued that his interpretation is overly contrived and avoids the logical conclusion that a rebranded version of the Sith lineage flourishes.

Relevance in The Last Jedi and The Rise of Skywalker

The Knights of Ren remained a prominent element in the sequel saga, though their significance diminished in The Last Jedi. This film abandoned the Knights of Ren concept entirely, seemingly removing their implied role in the destruction of Luke Skywalker’s Jedi temple. However, The Rise of Skywalker reintroduced them as antagonists, though their development was superficial, serving more as placeholders for unresolved plot points.

Overall, the Knights of Ren have played a crucial role in expanding the Star Wars universe, providing depth and intrigue in an otherwise straightforward narrative. Though their presence has fluctuated in significance, they remain an integral part of the franchise's lore and fan discussions.

Keywords: Knights of Ren, Sith Lord, The Force Awakens