Star Wars Unveils Long-Standing Mystery from The Rise of Skywalker

The Star Wars sequel trilogy has often been criticized for its lack of cohesion. With too many voices involved and a reactionary approach to fan feedback, the trilogy that began with such promise stumbled by the time The Rise of Skywalker hit theaters in 2019. Instead of excitement for future stories in that galaxy far, far away, fans were left questioning how things went so awry.

This disjointed narrative has sparked numerous mysteries for fans to explore, particularly regarding Rey’s lineage and who was aware of it. The Rise of Skywalker ultimately revealed that Rey is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine. After Rey retreats to Ahch-To, grappling with the implications of her heritage, Luke Skywalker appears as a Force ghost to inform her that both he and Leia were aware of her lineage, emphasizing that one’s bloodline does not define their identity.

But how did Luke and Leia come to know this? Enter Star Wars: Legacy by Madeleine Roux. This book delves into the complex relationship between Rey and Leia Organa, showcasing their evolving dynamic. Initially strained, largely due to the shadow cast by Kylo Ren, it becomes evident that Leia is protective of Rey and eager to assist her.

The following section contains spoilers for Star Wars: Legacy.

This protective instinct is highlighted in Chapter 26, where Luke, as a Force ghost, discloses Rey’s lineage to Leia, a revelation he made after his death in The Last Jedi. This moment occurs after Rey has distanced herself from Leia and others on Tython, fearful of her potential for darkness. When Luke appears, Leia senses he is withholding information and presses him for the truth. The passage from Legacy reads:

“That depends,” he replied, turning back toward her, head bent. “It depends on what you do next, on your judgment, on your capacity for forgiveness. Only you can know this, Leia. It will be our shared burden, though I would never tell you what to do with the truth.”

“Bad then,” she murmured. There was no way to hold Luke’s hands, so she reached for R2-D2, holding herself up against his steadfast frame. Somehow, she knew it before he said the words.

“Rey is Palpatine’s bloodline.”

Leia closed her eyes, the pain so acute it stole her breath away. “You’re certain?”

Vader’s words to her in the pool echoed in the breathless void. “Daughter of darkness. Daughter of destiny.”

Luke explains that he discovered this truth after his passing, sensing a “dark signature” in Rey akin to that of Kylo Ren and their father, Anakin Skywalker.

Luke’s motivation for revealing Rey’s connection to Palpatine is somewhat grim. While he struggles to overlook her lineage, he recognizes Leia’s greater empathy and optimism. This contrast also highlights the differing perspectives the siblings have regarding their father, Anakin Skywalker. Leia’s response validates Luke’s faith in her; she asserts that no one chooses their parents and vows to keep Rey’s lineage a secret to protect her.

Star Wars: Legacy not only sheds light on the relationship between Luke and Leia, even posthumously, but also serves as a valuable piece of lore that addresses lingering questions from the films. This mystery has haunted fans since 2019, showcasing the strength of spin-off material like Legacy. It provides clarity and a deeper understanding of Luke and Leia’s views on Rey and their own ties to the dark side, given their father’s legacy as Darth Vader.

Star Wars: Legacy is available for purchase.