The concept of “Darth Rey” has captivated Star Wars fans ever since glimpses of her darker side emerged in trailers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. Though Rey ultimately stayed on the light side in the film, her dark-robed vision wielding a double-bladed red lightsaber sparked countless speculations and theories. But what would have happened if Rey had embraced the dark side fully? Let’s talk about the possible journey, motivations, and symbolism behind this alternate version of the character.
Who is Rey?
Rey Skywalker, known as Rey during the First Order-Resistance War, was a Force-sensitive human female Jedi Master who fought for the Resistance. She started as a scavenger on the planet Jakku but her life changed dramatically during the last days of the New Republic Era.
Rey’s choice to help the droid BB-8 led her to discover the Force within her, prompting her to seek training from Jedi Master Luke Skywalker. She trains as a Jedi, uncovers her mysterious origins and plays a crucial role in the Resistance’s fight against the First Order. Despite her dedication to the Jedi and the light side of the Force, Rey struggled with anger and felt drawn to the dark side, partly due to her conflict with Ben Solo, also known as Kylo Ren.
Rey adopts the surname Skywalker choosing to honor the legacy of Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa, who mentored her in the ways of the Force. Despite discovering she is the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine, she rejects her dark heritage and forges her own identity as a Jedi.
The Temptation of the Dark Side
In The Rise of Skywalker, we see several moments where Rey’s battle with the darkness becomes palpable. One of the most significant is her encounter with a Sith dagger, which serves as a key to unlocking a vision of her potential as a dark side wielder. This vision, featuring a version of herself clad in dark robes with a double-bladed red lightsaber, serves as a chilling glimpse into what could have been.
The temptation to join the dark side is not a new theme in Star Wars. Just as Anakin Skywalker was seduced by promises of power, Rey faced the allure of her lineage, the fear of losing her friends, and the anger she felt toward her own origins. The vision of Dark Rey embodies this internal conflict, showing a path where she could have embraced the power of her bloodline rather than resisting it.
The Visual Symbolism of Dark Rey
Dark Rey’s visual representation in her vision is striking. Her dark robes and pale expression stand in stark contrast to the hopeful, bright character fans had come to know. The double-bladed red lightsaber she wields echoes designs like Darth Maul’s and signifies a departure from the more straightforward lightsabers of traditional Jedi.
This transformation is laden with symbolism. It represents not only Rey’s inner struggle but also the constant push and pull between light and dark that defines the Force. The dark side has always represented a path of ease, power, and dominance, yet it comes at the cost of compassion and balance. Dark Rey’s appearance is a powerful visual reminder of what Rey could become if she gave in to these temptations.
The Motivations of a Darth Rey
Had Rey embraced the dark side, what would her motivations have been? A dark side Rey could have sought power to prevent loss, similar to Anakin’s tragic path as Darth Vader. Alternatively, she could have aimed to reshape the galaxy, believing that a new order could only be forged through strength and control—perhaps justifying her actions as a way to bring about peace, albeit through fear and force.
Rey’s heritage as a Palpatine would likely play a significant role in her dark transformation. Rather than rejecting this bloodline, she could have embraced the legacy of her grandfather, determined to fulfill the destiny she was born into. This would place her in direct opposition to Kylo Ren’s struggle, flipping the dynamic between them. Where Kylo sought to escape his light-side heritage, Darth Rey would become a dark side wielder accepting the burden of her lineage.
Possible Story Paths and Conflicts
Imagining a scenario where Rey falls to the dark side opens up many potential storylines. How would the dynamic between Rey and Kylo Ren evolve? In the main narrative, their bond (often referred to as a Force dyad) was crucial to the balance between light and dark. With Rey embracing darkness, would Kylo be driven back toward the light to oppose her? This reversal of roles could create a gripping conflict, with each character fighting against the identity the other once represented.
A dark Rey could have become a formidable antagonist, turning the Resistance’s hopes against them and even challenging the Emperor’s authority. Such a storyline could have seen her clash with former friends like Finn and Poe, forcing them to confront the painful reality of their friend’s fall from grace. The emotional weight of these conflicts could add depth to the story, creating a darker and more complex narrative.
The Symbolism of Darth Rey
Darth Rey represents a broader theme of temptation and the dangers of unchecked power within the Star Wars mythos. She reflects the seductive nature of the dark side, which offers strength but demands the surrender of empathy and hope. This theme is central to many Jedi stories, particularly Anakin Skywalker’s fall and Luke Skywalker’s momentary struggle in Return of the Jedi. Yet, Rey’s story brings a new layer, emphasizing that the choice between light and dark is a constant struggle, even for those who seem destined for the light.
In contrast to Anakin’s fall, which was driven by fear of loss, Darth Rey could represent a character who embraces darkness for a sense of purpose, believing it’s the only way to protect those she loves. This would create a complex narrative of self-justification and moral compromise, exploring the thin line between heroism and tyranny.
Fan Interpretations and Theories
Since the release of the Rise of Skywalker trailer featuring Darth Rey, fans have speculated endlessly about what this dark version could represent. Some see her as a “what if” scenario, a vision of the path not taken, while others have crafted elaborate theories about alternate realities where she becomes a true Sith Lord. This concept sparked creativity within the Star Wars community, with fans exploring art, stories, and discussions about the deeper implications of a dark side Rey.
For many, the appeal of Darth Rey lies in the idea of seeing a character struggle with real choices and potential consequences, rather than simply adhering to a predetermined destiny. It reflects the broader fascination with “What if?” scenarios in Star Wars—the possibility that, under different circumstances, even the purest of characters could turn to darkness.
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Tony Allen is a writer for LightsabersBlog.com, a website focused on everything related to lightsabers. Tony grew up in Austin, Texas, and went on to study Mechanical Engineering at the University of Texas. Passionate about science fiction and fantasy, Tony has always been deeply involved in hobbies like tabletop RPGs, sci-fi novels, miniature painting, and crafting. This love for creative pursuits drives Tony to write about lightsabers in a way that ignites the imagination of fans around the world.
