The Final Confrontation Between Rey and Palpatine

The final confrontation between Rey and Emperor Palpatine is a climactic and pivotal moment in “Star Wars: Episode IX – The Rise of Skywalker.” This battle not only determines the fate of the galaxy but also resolves key character arcs and brings the Skywalker saga to a close.

Background and Context

Emperor Palpatine, long thought to be dead, is revealed to have survived the events of “Return of the Jedi.” He has been orchestrating events from the shadows, building a new Sith fleet on the hidden world of Exegol. Palpatine aims to establish a new Sith Empire with Rey, his granddaughter, as his heir.

Rey, guided by the spirits of the Jedi and her allies in the Resistance, is determined to stop Palpatine once and for all. Her discovery of her lineage as a Palpatine creates internal conflict, but she ultimately chooses to embrace the light side of the Force.

The Journey to Exegol

Rey, with the help of her friends, locates the wayfinder that leads to Exegol. The Resistance fleet prepares for a final, desperate assault on Palpatine’s Sith fleet, while Rey goes ahead to confront Palpatine alone, knowing that the fate of the galaxy rests on her shoulders.

The Confrontation

Entering the Sith Citadel: Rey enters Palpatine’s dark, foreboding lair within the Sith Citadel. She is greeted by the eerie sight of Sith loyalists and the chilling presence of her grandfather, Emperor Palpatine, who is sustained by dark side energy and machinery.

Palpatine’s Temptation: Palpatine reveals his plan to Rey: he intends for her to strike him down in anger, allowing his spirit to transfer into her body and thus continuing the Sith lineage. He taunts her with visions of her friends’ suffering and the overwhelming power of the dark side.

Rey’s Inner Conflict: Rey battles her own fears and doubts, tempted by Palpatine’s promises of power and the chance to save her friends. However, her training and the support of those who believe in her help her resist the dark side.

The Arrival of Ben Solo: Ben Solo, having renounced his identity as Kylo Ren and redeemed himself, arrives on Exegol to aid Rey. He fights his way through the Sith loyalists and the Knights of Ren, determined to help Rey defeat Palpatine. Their reunion symbolizes the balance of the Force, with both the light and dark sides represented.

Palpatine’s Attack: Seeing the bond between Rey and Ben as a threat, Palpatine uses the Force to drain their life energy, rejuvenating himself and becoming more powerful. He casts Ben into a chasm, seemingly removing him from the fight, and focuses his wrath on Rey.

Rey’s Stand: In her moment of need, Rey connects with the spirits of past Jedi, including Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa, Anakin Skywalker, Yoda, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and others. Their voices offer her strength and encouragement, reminding her that she is not alone.

The Final Duel: Rey, armed with both Luke’s and Leia’s lightsabers, confronts Palpatine. As he unleashes a torrent of Force lightning at her, Rey uses the lightsabers to deflect the attack. Drawing on the strength of the Jedi, she steps forward, pushing back against the overwhelming power of the Sith.

Palpatine’s Defeat: Rey, with a final surge of power and determination, channels the energy of all the Jedi who came before her. She declares herself a Jedi and reflects Palpatine’s lightning back at him, causing his own power to consume and destroy him. The Sith loyalists and the citadel are annihilated in the resulting explosion, ending Palpatine’s threat once and for all.

Aftermath and Significance

The Sacrifice and Resurrection: The immense effort of defeating Palpatine takes a heavy toll on Rey, and she collapses lifeless. Ben Solo, having survived the fall, climbs back to her and uses the Force to transfer his life energy to her, reviving her at the cost of his own life. Ben dies in Rey’s arms, but not before they share a moment of connection and peace.

Victory for the Resistance: Simultaneously, the Resistance, aided by a galaxy-wide fleet of allies, successfully destroys the Sith fleet, ensuring the victory over the First Order and the Sith. This battle signifies the collapse of the oppressive regimes that have plagued the galaxy for decades.

Rey’s Identity and Future: Rey, having embraced her own identity and the legacy of the Jedi, visits the Lars homestead on Tatooine. She buries Luke’s and Leia’s lightsabers in the sands and adopts the name Rey Skywalker, honoring her mentors and symbolizing her chosen family and identity.

Balance Restored: The final confrontation between Rey and Palpatine embodies the themes of balance, redemption, and the enduring power of hope. Rey’s victory and the fall of the Sith restore balance to the Force, concluding the Skywalker saga with the promise of a new era of peace and possibility.

The battle on Exegol and the defeat of Emperor Palpatine stand as a testament to the resilience and courage of the heroes of the Star Wars universe, underscoring the timeless struggle between good and evil and the enduring legacy of the Jedi.