Rey: A Force User or a True Jedi?

At the conclusion of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey is described as a Jedi. This title is often attributed to her primarily because she has aligned herself with the principles and practices of the Jedi Order. However, a close examination of her actions and powers highlights a more nuanced understanding. In this article, we will explore whether Rey should be considered a Jedi or merely a force user, delving into her powers, her choices, and the role of the Jedi Order.

Rey as a Force User

Rey is undoubtedly one of the most powerful force users in the Star Wars universe. She possesses an array of abilities, including the ability to use force lightning, which she demonstrated during her confrontation with Kylo Ren in The Last Jedi. Additionally, her healing abilities are a testament to her exceptional connection with the Force. These powers veer into the realm of both the light and dark sides of the Force, challenging the traditional categorizations of Jedi and Sith.

Power Transfer and Neutral Force Use

A significant argument supports the notion that Rey is a force user rather than a true Jedi. She and Kylo Ren were involved in a profound leap of faith, allowing Rey to transfer the power of the Force. Both individuals performed feats that were not known to even the high-ranking Sith lords Sidious and Palpatine. This power transfer is a significant departure from the binary nature of Force use that the Jedi and Sith were locked into. It suggests that true force use is holistic and neutral, embracing both light and dark energies as needed.

Rey's Actions and Emotions

Rey's actions throughout the later parts of the Star Wars saga frequently blur the lines between Jedi and Sith. For instance, her fear and love for Ben Solo are pointed out as potential flaws. The Jedi Order forbids emotions such as fear. Conversely, the dark side is often associated with fear and hatred. Rey's fear when healing Ben, her romantic feelings for him, and her willingness to embrace powerful knowledge (as represented by the Knights of Ren) all complicate her categorization. This emotional and ethical complexity suggests that Rey may not fit into the stark categories of Jedi or Sith, instead embodying a more neutral form of force user.

The Philosophical Question: More to the Force

As Yoda stated, in his moment of rage, "Strong with the Force you have become. But the Force can be a keen weapon in the hands of one such as you." This statement implies that there is more to the Force than rigid adherence to a set of codes and rules. The Jedi code, noble as it is, may be limiting. Yoda's destruction of the Jedi texts, a symbolic act of rebellion against the dogma, reinforces this. The true master of the Force is the one who can wield it equally in both light and dark aspects, adapting to the situation at hand.

The Neutral Perspective on Force Use

Palpatine's statement about Anakin not being able to "save the ones he loved" from a Jedi perspective highlights the rigid and potentially harmful nature of this dogma. The dark side presents an alternative path, one that allows for emotion and connection, rather than suppression. Rey's power transfer and her ability to balance fear and love demonstrate a middle ground in the Force. This flexibility suggests that the ultimate force user is one who is not bound by the strictures of either side and can adapt as necessary.

Conclusion: Neutral Force Use

In conclusion, Rey's journey through the Star Wars saga challenges the traditional categorization of force users. Rather than being strictly Jedi or Sith, Rey embodies a neutral form of force use, one that can draw upon both light and dark energies as needed. Her willingness to embrace love and fear, combined with her powerful force abilities, suggests a more nuanced and flexible approach to Force mastery. The true force user, as represented by Rey, is one who transcends rigid categorizations and finds balance in the complexities of the Force.