Who is Rey's True Family if She's Not a Skywalker or a Kenobi?

In the Star Wars galaxy, Rey Skywalker has captured the hearts of audiences with her powerful presence and the complexity of her character. Many fans have questioned her lineage, with some declaring her as Rey Skywalker and others suggesting she should be known as Rey Palpatine. But what defines a family in this universe, and who is Rey's true family?

Rey's Connection to the Skywalkers

Rey's declaration as Rey Skywalker at the end of The Rise of Skywalker has sparked a significant debate. Many believe she is a direct descendant of the notorious Emperor Palpatine, the one who destroyed the First Order. However, in a symbolic gesture, Rey decided to embrace the Skywalker legacy rather than the Palpatine one.

The Skywalker lightsaber not only serves as a training tool for Rey but also as a powerful artifact that revealed a lot about the complex history of the Skywalkers, especially Luke's. Rey's mastery over the lightsaber underscores her connection to the Skywalker bloodline, yet she chose to honor her lineage by taking the Skywalker surname.

Rey's Found Family

Star Wars, at its core, explores the theme of Found Family, a concept where one forms a family through the bonds of friendship, rather than through blood ties. This theme is particularly evident in the original trilogy, where Luke's friends and his aunt and uncle become integral parts of his family.

Rey’s true family, in this sense, is the group of characters and friendships that have shaped her journey. This includes figures like Finn, Poe, Chewie, Leia, and Luke Skywalker. These individuals, who care about Rey for who she is, have played a crucial role in her growth and development. They have been her support system, her allies, and her source of wisdom and guidance, much like how Han Solo and Chewbacca became part of Rey’s family in the Star Wars universe.

Continuing the Found Family Theme

The Star Wars universe boasts numerous examples of found family. From Han Solo's bond with Chewbacca, to Luke Skywalker's relationships with his friends in the original trilogy, and Anakin Skywalker's connection with his childhood friends, the theme of found family is deeply woven into the fabric of the series. Bail Organa and Leia Organa are another example of a found family, where they share a profound bond despite not being blood-related.

Even the Jedi Order itself can be considered a form of found family, where members share a common cause and a shared destiny. This familial bond is evident in the Mandalorians, especially as seen in the animated series The Mandalorian. The bond between Boba Fett and the Sand People, and the bond between Rey and the Ghost Crew in the animated series The Clone Wars, further highlights the strength of the found family within the universe.

The Sith Order, especially with the Rule of Two variation, can be seen as a manifestation of toxic family dynamics. The tension and rivalry between Darth Vader and Darth Sidious illustrate how power and jealousy can create a destructive family structure within the Sith.

From the standpoint of Rey’s journey, her true family is the continuation of this long-running Star Wars theme. She finds her identity and strength in the relationships she forges, rather than in her lineage.

While her grandfather, Sheev Palpatine, technically is Rey’s blood relative, she chose to embrace her connection to the Skywalker name and lineage. The decision to kill her grandfather, while a dramatic plot point, highlights the complexity of her character and her choice to forge her own path, rather than follow a predetermined destiny.

In conclusion, Rey’s true family is the collection of individuals who shape her journey and support her growth, embodying the Star Wars theme of found family. Rey’s choice to embrace her place as a Skywalker, rather than a Palpatine, reflects her commitment to the values and bonds that define her beyond her bloodline.