Ben Skywalker is from the Star Wars Expanded Universe, which encompasses a vast array of stories and characters that exist beyond the main Star Wars films. He was first introduced in the novel Star Wars: Dark Nest I: The Joiner King by Troy Denning in 2005. Ben is the son of Luke Skywalker, the legendary Jedi Knight who played a central role in the original Star Wars trilogy, and Mara Jade Skywalker, a former Imperial assassin who becomes a Jedi Knight and Luke’s wife.
Ben Skywalker Fact File
| Name | Ben Skywalker |
|---|---|
| Occupation | Jedi Knight |
| Affiliations | Jedi Order, Galactic Alliance |
| Family | Luke Skywalker (father), Mara Jade Skywalker (mother), Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader (grandfather), Leia Organa Solo (aunt), Han Solo (uncle), Jacen Solo (cousin) |
| First Appearance | “Star Wars: Dark Nest I: The Joiner King” by Troy Denning (2005) |
| Notable Appearances | “Legacy of the Force” series, “Fate of the Jedi” series |
| Personality Traits | Brave, loyal, introspective, haunted by the legacy of his grandfather, struggles with his own darkness |
| Skills | Highly skilled in lightsaber combat, proficient in the Force, skilled in diplomacy and negotiation |
| Key Storylines | Manipulated by his cousin Jacen Solo/Darth Caedus in “Legacy of the Force,” helps to rebuild the Jedi Order in “Fate of the Jedi” |
| Canon Status | Part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe/Legends, not part of current “official” canon |
Ben’s character is defined by his unique lineage and the challenges that come with being the child of two powerful Force users. As the grandson of Darth Vader, the infamous Sith Lord who was once Anakin Skywalker, Ben must grapple with the fear that he may have inherited his grandfather’s dark tendencies. At the same time, he is raised in the Jedi Order and trained by his parents, which instils in him a strong sense of duty, loyalty, and self-discipline.
Ben’s Journey as a Jedi Knight
As Ben grows older, he becomes a formidable Jedi Knight in his own right, with a deep understanding of the Force and a variety of combat and diplomatic skills. In the Legacy of the Force series, which takes place several years after the events of the original trilogy, Ben is a key player in a galactic conflict between the Galactic Alliance and the resurgent Sith Order. He is also forced to confront his own darkness when he is manipulated by the Sith Lord Darth Caedus, who is actually his own cousin Jacen Solo. This conflict sets the stage for Ben’s development in later stories.
In the Fate of the Jedi series, which takes place several years after the events of Legacy of the Force, Ben is a more mature and experienced Jedi Knight, but still faces significant challenges. He is tasked with helping to rebuild the Jedi Order, which has been fractured by internal conflicts and external threats. He also continues to explore his own identity and potential, as well as his relationships with his family members and other key characters.
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