The novel Star Wars: Legacy has provided a definitive answer to a key question left hanging after the release of The Rise of Skywalker: how did Luke and Leia Skywalker know about Rey's lineage as Emperor Palpatine's granddaughter?
The 2019 film revealed Rey's heritage, a twist that led her to isolate herself on Ahch-To. In the movie, Luke Skywalker's Force ghost tells Rey that he and his sister, Leia, were already aware of her Palpatine connection. This revelation left many fans wondering about the source of their knowledge.
Star Wars: Legacy, written by Madeleine Roux, dedicates significant attention to the developing master and apprentice relationship between Rey and Leia. Early in their connection, a distance exists between them, amplified by Kylo Ren's presence. However, Leia's protective feelings toward Rey become evident as the narrative progresses.
Luke's Revelation to Leia
The novel details a crucial scene, set after Luke's death, where he appears as a Force ghost to Leia. This encounter occurs after Rey has retreated from the group on Tython, grappling with her potential for darkness. Leia senses Luke is withholding information about Rey and probes him about its severity. In a passage directly quoted from the book, Luke explains his knowledge is dependent on Leia's future actions, judgment, and capacity for forgiveness, calling it their "shared burden."
Luke reveals he uncovered Rey's lineage after his own demise, noting a "dark signature" in her that he also sensed in Kylo Ren and their father, Anakin Skywalker. While Luke struggles to look beyond Rey's bloodline, he believes Leia, with her greater empathy and optimism, can approach the truth differently than he can. This difference in perspective mirrors their respective views on Anakin Skywalker's influence on their lives.
Leia's Acceptance and Protection
Leia's response confirms Luke's assessment. She tells Luke that parentage is not a defining factor in one's identity and vows to keep Rey's heritage a secret to protect her. This moment underscores Leia's compassionate nature and offers new insight into the dynamic between the Skywalker siblings, even in the afterlife. The novel explores their perspectives on Rey and their own complex relationship with the dark side through their father, Darth Vader.
Star Wars: Legacy has addressed a long-standing mystery for fans since 2019, demonstrating the value of spin-off material in expanding upon and clarifying elements from the main film saga. The book is currently available for purchase.