Ancient Guides at Ancient Sites
In each episode of the sequel trilogy, Rey encounters a wizened old character at an ancient location aligned with a different aspect of the Force. In each case, the old character tries to guide Rey onto a particular path, and in each case, she resists this guidance and goes in the opposite direction.
In The Force Awakens, Rey encounters Maz Kanata at her castle on Takodana, a "watering hole" that she has been running for "a thousand years." Maz is neither Jedi nor Sith, but she knows the Force and urges Rey to take the Skywalker saber instead of returning to Jakku. Rey refuses her advice and runs off into the forest. Like its proprietor, the ancient castle is not aligned with the Jedi or the Sith; instead, judging by its verdant surroundings, it seems to be strong with the Force in a natural or neutral way.
In The Last Jedi, Rey encounters Luke Skywalker at the first Jedi temple on Ahch-To. The old Jedi Master insists that it is time for the Jedi to end. Rey refuses his guidance and perpetuates the Jedi.
In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey encounters Emperor Palpatine at the ancient Sith citadel on Exegol. The old Sith Lord urges Rey to strike him down and become a Sith. Rey refuses his guidance and ends the Sith.
It is significant that Rey receives the best, most balanced guidance from Maz, at an ancient castle surrounded by greenery, while Luke and Palpatine – representatives of the Jedi and the Sith, residing at their ancient sites and tending toward their respective extremes – offer bad advice that she is right to refuse.
EXPLORE FURTHER…
Characters: Luke Skywalker / Maz Kanata / Palpatine / Rey
Films: Episode VII: The Force Awakens / Episode VIII: The Last Jedi / Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker
GO DEEPER INTO THE ARCHIVES…
Interpretive Tools: Tripartite Soul Theory
READ MORE ABOUT…
Follow The Jedi Archives on…