The Missing Daughter: Why Luke Skywalker Was Not Rey’s Father

Introduction

One of the most intriguing questions in the Star Wars saga is the identity of Rey's parentage. In the sequels, Rey claims to be a Skywalker, but the question remains: why didn’t Luke Skywalker, her potential father, reveal her as his daughter? This article explores the reasons behind this decision and examines the implications of Rey's parentage within the Star Wars universe.

The Trauma and Grief of Luke Skywalker

Luke Skywalker, battle-hardened by loss and trauma, was unable to see beyond the events that led to the elimination of his Order and the death of his loved ones. These events, in particular, the betrayal by Kylo Ren and the murders of his students, deeply twisted his perception of reality. Due to this, he was unable to entertain the idea that his daughter, Rey, had survived.

His grief was so profound that he even believed in an improbable scenario, thinking Rey to be a clone of Palpatine. This shows how deeply he was affected by the loss of his students and the betrayal, believing it was his own fault.

Rey’s True Background

Rey, as it turns out, is the daughter of a failed Palpatine clone who is the "son" of Emperor Sheev Palpatine. Rey’s past is complex and intertwined with the dark side legacy of the Empire. She chose to use the Skywalker name to distance herself from the Palpatine influence.

For Rey to claim her identity as a Skywalker would be a lie because of the stigma and mistrust associated with her alleged father. The name of Palpatine is one that brings a legacy of terror and despair to the New Republic, as seen in the fate of Leia Organa-Solo.

The Stigma Attached to Palpatine's Legacy

The story of Leia Organa-Solo is a poignant example of the consequences of Palpatine's influence. Even though Leia was a committed leader of the New Republic, her connection to Darth Vader—a former mentor to Palpatine—ultimately led to a loss of support. She was labeled as a "war monger" and overshadowed by her dark, malevolent father.

The revelation of being the granddaughter of Palpatine would have instantly branded Rey as a target of scandal and bad press, making her situation even more precarious. The sinister and dark past attached to Palpatine's name would make Rey’s challenges even more significant, especially for a young and inexperienced scavenger Jedi.

Further, settling for the Skywalker legacy without the proper lineage would be akin to claiming a royal title without the royal bloodline. This highlights the intricate web of relationships and the importance of lineage in the highly structured and complex society of the Star Wars universe.

Conclusion

Luke Skywalker's decision not to reveal Rey is rooted in his trauma and the complex backstory of Rey. The tremendous stakes involved in Rey's background and the potential consequences of her journey make it evident why she would choose to deny her Palpatine heritage. The saga of Star Wars is a rich tapestry of legacy, memory, and redemption, and Rey is an important part of that story.

Understanding the depth of these choices is crucial to appreciating the full complexity of the Star Wars universe, where every action has far-reaching implications and every name holds a weighty story.