Why didn’t Luke Skywalker kill Kylo Ren when he had the chance?

Table of Contents

In the grand, seemingly endless universe that is Star Wars, it's easy to get lost in the countless stars, galaxies, and plotlines that abound. And within these tangled threads of narrative, there are moments that leave us scratching our heads, staring at the screen, and asking, "Why on Tatooine did that just happen?" One such moment, my friends, is the scene in "The Last Jedi" where Luke Skywalker, the original hero of the galaxy, contemplates killing his nephew, Ben Solo, in his sleep, fearing his inevitable turn to the dark side. A moment of high drama, high stakes, and, some would argue, high strangeness. The question that arises from this moment is as perplexing as it is simple: Why didn't Luke just kill Kylo Ren (Ben's angsty alter ego) when he had the chance? It's a question that's boggled many a Star Wars fan, and today, we're going to dive into the heart of that enigma.

Now, to properly answer this question, we can't just focus on the moment itself. No, no, no, that would be too easy. And as any Jedi will tell you, the easy path is often not the right one. So, we're going to do this the proper way - by delving into the mind, the soul, the very essence of Luke Skywalker himself. Because let's be real, understanding Luke is key to understanding...well, just about everything in this scenario.

I. Understanding Luke Skywalker

Luke Skywalker. The name itself is practically synonymous with the Star Wars saga. From his humble beginnings as a moisture farmer on the desolate desert planet of Tatooine, to his rise as a Jedi Knight and his epic battles against the dark side of the Force, Luke's journey is the stuff of intergalactic legend. But what makes Luke, well, Luke?

To start, let's talk about his journey. From the moment he gazes longingly at the twin sunset in "A New Hope," yearning for adventure, it's clear that Luke is destined for greatness. He's not just a farm boy; he's a hero in the making. A hero who, despite his power and potential, never loses his fundamental decency and belief in the good in people.

And this belief is not just some abstract notion; it's a core tenet of his character. Take his relationship with Darth Vader, for instance. Here we have Vader, one of the most feared figures in the galaxy, a man who's done unspeakable things, and yet Luke believes in his capacity for redemption. He sees the goodness buried deep within Vader, and ultimately, this faith is rewarded when Vader turns against the Emperor to save his son. This is a crucial point because it sets a precedent for Luke's approach towards Ben Solo, or as we more ominously know him, Kylo Ren.

Which brings us to Luke's respect for free will and destiny. Throughout the Star Wars saga, Luke has shown a reluctance to interfere with individual choices and paths. He believes in the Force's guidance and the role of destiny, even when the destiny in question seems darker than the space between galaxies. He's not one to impose his will on others, to decide their fates for them. And this, ladies, gentlemen, and droids, is a key factor in our understanding of why Luke didn't kill Kylo Ren.

So there you have it. That's our Luke – a believer in the good, a respecter of free will, and a man with an inherent faith in the guiding hand of the Force. Now that we have a better grasp on his character, we can better understand why he chose not to kill Kylo Ren,despite foreseeing his turn to the dark side. So, buckle up, because we're about to plunge lightsaber-first into the heart of the matter.

Remember, when it comes to Star Wars, nothing is as simple as it seems. The dark side is always waiting, and the light is never far away. The Force, after all, is all about balance. And speaking of balance, let's dive into the next section where we'll dissect the scene of Luke's contemplation and how it embodies the very struggle between light and dark, choice and destiny, that defines our hero. Buckle up, Star Wars fans, it's about to get interesting.

II. The Scene of Contemplation

So, here we are. The scene that's got Star Wars fans buzzing like a nest of angry Porgs. The moment when Luke Skywalker, of all people, ignites his lightsaber with the intention (however fleeting) of killing his own nephew. It's a moment that seems wildly out of character for our hero, but let's put on our Jedi mind trick hats and try to understand what's happening here.

Luke's at war with himself in this moment, and it's not hard to see why. On one hand, he's got the future of the galaxy to think about. On the other, he's got his principles, his faith in the good in people, and his belief in free will. The conflict is visible on his face, a testament to Mark Hamill's stellar acting. He ignites his lightsaber, a symbol of his fear and uncertainty, but the very next moment, he regrets it. It's a decision, or rather a non-decision, that's very much in line with his character, showing us that despite his fears, Luke Skywalker is not one to let fear dictate his actions.

III. The Aftermath: Kylo Ren and the Repercussions of Luke's Decision

Alright, so Luke decides not to kill Kylo Ren. Good for him, right? He stays true to his principles, he doesn't let fear get the better of him, and he respects Ben Solo's right to choose his own path. But this is Star Wars, and no good deed goes unpunished.

Ben Solo wakes up, sees his uncle standing over him with a lightsaber, and, understandably, freaks out. What follows is a chain reaction of events that leads to Ben becoming Kylo Ren, the destruction of Luke's Jedi Academy, and a whole lot of chaos in the galaxy. It's a classic case of the butterfly effect, with Luke's decision to not kill Ben setting off a chain of events that dramatically alters the course of the Star Wars saga.

And then there's Luke. Our hero retreats into exile, wracked with guilt over his momentary lapse in judgement. It's a dark time for him, but it's also a time of introspection and growth. He grapples with his failure, ultimately coming to accept it and learn from it. In true Jedi fashion, he finds wisdom in his mistakes and comes out stronger for it.

IV. Conclusion

So, what have we learned from our deep-dive into the mind of Luke Skywalker? Well, for one, we've learned that being a Jedi is complicated. It's not just about waving around a lightsaber and using the Force. It's about making difficult decisions, grappling with moral dilemmas, and learning from your mistakes.

When it comes to the question of why Luke didn't kill Kylo Ren, the answer isn't simple. It's not just because he's a good guy, or because he didn't want to. It's because he's Luke Skywalker, a man who believes in the good in people, who respects free will, and who understands that every decision has consequences.

Star Wars, at its core, is a saga about moral choices and their repercussions. It's about the struggle between light and dark, right and wrong, fear and courage. And Luke's decision to not kill Kylo Ren, as perplexing as it may seem, is a perfect embodiment of these themes. It's a testament to the enduring complexity of his character and a reminder that, in the Star Wars universe, nothing is ever as simple as it seems. So, may the Force be with you as you continue to explore, debate, and marvel at the mysteries of that galaxy far, far away.