Why Didn't Ben Solo Just Save Some Force Energy and Leave with Rey?

Ben Solo's transformation from the charming and promising young Jedi to the villainous Kylo Ren has puzzled many fans. An often overlooked aspect of this transformation is the significant emotional and spiritual weight Ben carries as Kylo Ren. This burden, combined with his tragic past, raises the question: why didn't he simply save some Force energy for himself and leave with Rey and the rest of the Resistance?

The Weight of His Choices

Ben Solo's journey through the Star Wars universe is characterized by a series of painful choices. His turn to the dark side and his consequent purge of his family and allies are actions that leave an indelible mark on his soul. However, the true weight of his transformation doesn't just lie in these overt acts of violence. It is also in the less obvious but equally destructive choices, such as his estrangement from Rey. Despite his deep love for her, Ben's actions adversely affect their relationship and his overall sense of purpose.

Idealism vs. Reality

Before he embraced the dark side, Ben was driven by a strong idealism. He believed in the power of the light side of the Force to bring about a better future for all. However, the harsh realities of his life and the manipulation by Supreme Leader Snoke and Darth Vader led him to question this idealism. This journey from hope to despair, from light to dark, is a crucible that transforms Ben's nature and his belief in the Force.

Attonement Through Action

Ben's actions in bringing Rey back to life, despite the heavy cost, can be seen as a form of atonement. In the context of the Force, there is a principle known as Equivalent Exchange. This concept, rooted in the Harry Potter series but also present in various mythologies and spiritual traditions, posits that for every gain, there must be an equal sacrifice. In The Rise of Skywalker, Ben's decision to sacrifice himself to save Rey is a direct manifestation of this principle. By bringing Rey back to life, he not only gives her a second chance but also pays a price that is ultimately too high for him to bear.

The Balance of Power

This act of self-sacrifice also represents a broader theme of the film: the balance of power between light and dark. The Force is a force of duality, capable of both creation and destruction. Ben's choice to use the Force to heal Rey, despite the cost of his own life, demonstrates the intricate and often painful choices that come with wielding such power. It is a symbolic act of purging the darkness and seeking redemption, rather than simply escaping into a world of light and comfort.

The Future of the Resistance

By leaving with Rey and the rest of the Resistance, Ben would have the potential to contribute to a future where the light side of the Force prevails. However, the price of this future is high. The moral and spiritual toll of his past actions would continue to burden him, making it difficult for him to fully embrace the simple joy of resistance. The journey from Kylo Ren to Ben Solo is a journey of not just redemption but also of acceptance of the pain and complexity of his past choices.

Conclusion

Ben Solo's journey from a promising young Jedi to the dark avatar of the Force is a profound exploration of the human condition. His choice to bring Rey back to life, despite the heavy cost, is a powerful statement about the nature of redemption and the balance of power. While saving some Force energy for himself and leaving with Rey may have seemed like an easier and safer path, it would have come at an equally high cost. The transformation of Ben Solo is a journey of acceptance and atonement, a reminder that true redemption comes at a price.