Who is Poe Dameron talking to at the beginning of “The Force Awakens?”
At the beginning of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens," Resistance pilot Poe Dameron arrives in the remote village of Tuanul on the desert planet Jakku. His mission is shrouded in secrecy, as he has been entrusted with an essential task by General Leia Organa. But who is the recipient of Poe's clandestine visit? That would be none other than the village elder, Lor San Tekka.
Lor San Tekka, a pivotal yet enigmatic character in the Star Wars universe, is a member of the Church of the Force. This underground faith-based organization remained steadfast in their belief in the Jedi way and the Force, despite the Jedi's decimation after Order 66 and during the reign of the Galactic Empire. Tekka is not a Force-sensitive, but his devotion to the old Jedi religion is unwavering, earning him respect among the faithful and making him a target of the First Order.
In his younger years, Tekka was a well-traveled explorer who had a keen interest in Jedi history and mythology. His extensive knowledge of Jedi lore, combined with his strong belief in the Force, was instrumental in helping Luke Skywalker rebuild the Jedi Order following the fall of the Galactic Empire. This relationship with Skywalker implies a depth of trust and a shared purpose, which is mirrored in his involvement with the Resistance in "The Force Awakens."
When we meet Tekka in "The Force Awakens," he is living a humble life in the village of Tuanul on Jakku. His meeting with Poe Dameron, however, reveals the significant role he continues to play in the galaxy's unfolding drama. Tekka has obtained a fragment of a map that reveals the location of the self-exiled Luke Skywalker. Understanding the magnitude of what he possesses, Tekka entrusts the map to Poe, placing him in the crosshairs of the ruthless First Order.
When the First Order raids Tuanul, Tekka is captured and brought before Kylo Ren, the dark side user who was once Ben Solo, a pupil of Luke Skywalker. In this critical encounter, Tekka's strength of character and unflinching belief in the light side of the Force are evident. He confronts Ren with the truth of his past, refusing to be intimidated. Despite meeting a tragic end at Ren's hands, Tekka's contribution to the Resistance's cause endures, shaping the course of events to come.
Thus, Lor San Tekka, the individual Poe Dameron was conversing with at the beginning of "The Force Awakens," is more than just a village elder. He is a beacon of faith in a time of growing darkness, a preserver of the Jedi's legacy, and a pivotal catalyst in the search for Luke Skywalker. His brief appearance belies his significance in the overarching narrative, illustrating the profound impact seemingly minor characters can have on the direction of the epic Star Wars saga.
