Kylo Ren, born as Ben Solo, is one of the most complex and controversial characters in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He is the son of Han Solo and Princess Leia, and the nephew of Luke Skywalker. In The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren is introduced as a powerful and mysterious figure who serves as the primary antagonist of the film. But what motivated Kylo Ren to turn to the dark side? In this article, we will explore the key factors that led to Kylo Ren’s descent into darkness.
| Name | Kylo Ren |
|---|---|
| Portrayed by | Adam Driver |
| Full Name | Ben Solo |
| Birthplace | Chandrila |
| Species | Human |
| Gender | Male |
| Height | 6′ 2″ (1.89 m) |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| First Appearance | Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) |
| Last Appearance | Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (2019) |
| Occupation | Leader of the Knights of Ren |
| Affiliation | First Order |
| Lightsaber Color | Red |
| Master | Luke Skywalker (Formerly) |
| Padawan Learner | None |
| Vehicles | TIE Whisperer, TIE Silencer |
| Signature Abilities | Force Freeze, Force Stasis, Force Probe |
| Personality Traits | Impulsive, volatile, conflicted |
| Allies | Knights of Ren, First Order |
| Enemies | Resistance, Luke Skywalker, Leia Organa |
Family Legacy and Pressure | A Sense of Betrayal
Kylo Ren is born into a family with an incredible legacy. His parents, Han Solo and Leia Organa, are two of the most famous heroes in the Star Wars universe. His uncle, Luke Skywalker, is a legendary Jedi Knight who played a pivotal role in the defeat of the Empire. This legacy can be a burden for any child, but for Kylo Ren, it was especially difficult. He was expected to live up to the family’s heroic legacy, which put enormous pressure on him from an early age.
In addition, Kylo Ren felt a sense of betrayal from his family. When he was young, he was sent away to train with his uncle, Luke Skywalker. However, when Kylo Ren felt the pull to the dark, it rattled Luke enough for him to consider killing him before he could turn into a galaxy-wide terror, like his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker.
Kylo (then Ben) woke to see Luke standing over him with his lightsaber and was terrified and betrayed by the sight. He fought back, escaping Luke and destroying the Temple and the other students in the process.
Seduction of the Dark Side | Influence of Snoke
Kylo Ren’s sense of betrayal and vulnerability made him susceptible to the influence of Supreme Leader Snoke, the dark master who corrupted him and turned him to the dark side. Snoke recognized Kylo Ren’s potential and played upon his fears and doubts to lure him to the dark side. Snoke promised Kylo Ren the power and control he craved, convincing him that the only way to achieve his goals was through the dark side of the Force.
The influence of Snoke was a significant factor in Kylo Ren’s turn to the dark side. Snoke manipulated Kylo Ren’s emotions and beliefs, taking advantage of his sense of betrayal and vulnerability. He promised Kylo Ren the power and control he craved, but at a great cost.
Struggle with Identity | Conflict with Light and Dark
Kylo Ren’s struggle with his identity was another key factor that led to his turn to the dark side. He was torn between the legacy of his family and his desire for power and control. Kylo Ren felt the pull of the light side, but he was also drawn to the power of the dark side. This internal conflict was a constant struggle for him and ultimately led to his fall to the dark side.
Kylo Ren’s struggle with his identity was also reflected in his relationship with Rey, the film’s protagonist. Rey was a symbol of hope and the light side, and Kylo Ren was initially drawn to her. However, his desire for power and control ultimately led him to reject the light side and embrace the darkness.
