Kylo Ren, also known as Ben Solo, is a central character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. His journey is complex, marked by a deep struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force. Understanding what drives Kylo Ren’s quest for power requires looking at his background, his influences, and his personal conflicts.

Ben Solo’s Early Life

Ben Solo was born to Leia Organa and Han Solo, two of the most important figures in the Rebel Alliance that fought against the Empire. From a young age, Ben had great potential with the Force. His uncle, Luke Skywalker, who was a legendary Jedi, took him under his wing to train him in the ways of the Jedi.

However, Ben felt immense pressure due to his family’s legacy. He was not just the son of heroes but also the grandson of Darth Vader, one of the most powerful Sith Lords ever. This connection to Vader haunted Ben and made him question his place in the galaxy.

The Influence of Snoke

Snoke, a dark and mysterious figure, sensed Ben’s inner turmoil and began manipulating him from afar. Snoke played on Ben’s insecurities and fears, making him doubt the Jedi way. He promised Ben that he could help him achieve the power and significance he desired. This manipulation pushed Ben further away from his family and closer to the dark side.

The Turning Point: Betrayal and Guilt

The critical moment that pushed Ben Solo to fully embrace the dark side happened when he felt betrayed by Luke Skywalker. Luke sensed the darkness growing in Ben and, for a brief moment, considered killing him to prevent him from becoming a threat. Ben woke up to find his uncle standing over him with a lightsaber, which made him believe that Luke wanted to kill him. Feeling utterly betrayed and scared, Ben defended himself, destroyed Luke’s temple, and fled. This act marked his full turn to the dark side, and he took on the name Kylo Ren.

Related content : How Did Rey Discover Her True Identity?

Kylo Ren’s Struggle for Identity

Kylo Ren’s quest for power is deeply tied to his struggle for identity. He constantly battles with his past as Ben Solo and his desire to live up to the legacy of Darth Vader. Kylo believes that by gaining more power, he can prove himself and become something greater than both his parents and his uncle.

This struggle is evident in his actions throughout the trilogy. He destroys his helmet and later rebuilds it, showing his ongoing internal conflict. He also has moments where he hesitates to fully embrace the dark side, especially when confronted by his parents or Rey, the new Jedi protagonist.

The Relationship with Rey

Rey plays a significant role in Kylo Ren’s journey. Their connection through the Force, known as a Force dyad, is unique and powerful. They can communicate across vast distances and even physically interact through the Force. Rey believes there is still good in Kylo Ren and tries to bring Ben Solo back to the light.

This relationship adds another layer to Kylo Ren’s quest for power. He is drawn to Rey and sees her as an equal, yet he also feels threatened by her potential. Their interactions push Kylo to confront his true self and his motivations.

The Ultimate Sacrifice

In the end, Kylo Ren’s quest for power takes a dramatic turn. After a series of intense battles and personal revelations, he decides to turn away from the dark side. The love and sacrifice shown by his parents, particularly Leia’s final act of reaching out to him through the Force, help him realize that power is not about domination but about selflessness and love.

In the final moments, Ben Solo reemerges. He helps Rey defeat Emperor Palpatine, the ultimate villain, and sacrifices himself to save her. This act of redemption completes his journey, showing that true power comes from the light, not the dark.

Read More : Who Is The Most Popular Character In Star Wars? 

Conclusion

Kylo Ren’s quest for power is a journey marked by internal conflict, external manipulation, and a deep search for identity. His story shows the struggle between the light and dark sides of the Force and highlights the importance of love, redemption, and self-discovery. Kylo Ren, or Ben Solo, ultimately finds that real power lies in embracing one’s true self and making choices that reflect the light within.