Rey is one of the most talked-about characters in Star Wars. Her journey is full of mystery, strength, and big choices.
Many fans wonder how she fits into the Skywalker family. The Skywalkers are a key part of the Star Wars story, with deep roots and strong ties.
Rey’s last name raises questions for people who want to understand her place in the galaxy.
This blog looks at where she stands in the Skywalker line. It helps make sense of who she is and how she connects to the famous family.
Who is Rey?
Rey is one of the main characters in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. She first appears in The Force Awakens (2015).
At the start, she is a lonely scavenger living on the desert planet Jakku. She has no clear memory of her parents and grows up waiting for them to return. Rey is brave, kind, and strong with the Force, even though she has no formal training.
As her story goes on, Rey learns more about her powers and her past.
She becomes close to key Star Wars characters like Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker. But her true place in the Skywalker family tree is not by blood, it’s by choice and meaning.
What is the Skywalker Family Tree?
The Skywalker family tree is one of the most important parts of the Star Wars story. This family line includes Jedi, Sith, heroes, and villains. The saga of the Skywalkers spans many generations and shapes the galaxy.
The prominent members of the Skywalker family are:
- Shmi Skywalker
- Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader)
- Padmé Amidala
- Luke Skywalker
- Leia Organa (Leia Skywalker)
- Ben Solo (Kylo Ren)
Each person in this family has a strong link to the Force. Some use it for good. Others turn to the dark side. Their choices affect the lives of many people across the galaxy.
The Skywalker Family Tree by Generation
To fully understand how Rey fits into the Skywalker family, it helps to look at the family one generation at a time. Below is a simple breakdown of who belongs to each part of the Skywalker family line.
Generation 1: Shmi Skywalker
Image Source: StarWars.com
This generation shows where the Skywalker family begins.
Shmi Skywalker: She is the first known member of the Skywalker family. She was a slave on Tatooine and gave birth to Anakin Skywalker. She says there was no father. This means the Force itself may have created Anakin.
Generation 2: Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala
Image Source: Star Wars Canon Wikia Fandom
This generation marks the rise and fall of a powerful family line.
Anakin Skywalker (Darth Vader): He is the son of Shmi. He was a strong Jedi Knight who later turned to the dark side. After joining Emperor Palpatine, he became the Sith Lord Darth Vader.
Padmé Amidala: She was the Queen and later a Senator of Naboo. She married Anakin in secret. Padmé loved Anakin deeply but died shortly after giving birth to their children.
Relationship: Anakin and Padmé were husband and wife. They had twins, Luke and Leia.
Generation 3: Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa
Image Source: Vox
This generation carries the Skywalker name into the fight for freedom.
Luke Skywalker: The son of Anakin and Padmé. Luke became a Jedi like his father once was. He played a significant role in defeating the Empire and bringing balance to the Force.
Leia Organa (Leia Skywalker): Luke’s twin sister. She was raised by the royal family of Alderaan. Leia became a Princess, Senator, Rebel leader, and later trained in the ways of the Force.
Han Solo: A smuggler who became a hero of the Rebellion. He later married Leia and helped fight against the Empire.
Bail Organa: A senator and royal of Alderaan. He adopted Leia after Padmé’s death and raised her as his own daughter.
Breha Organa: Queen of Alderaan and wife of Bail Organa. She helped raise Leia in a royal home filled with care and purpose.
Relationships:
- Luke never married or had children in the films.
- Bail and Breha Organa adopted Leia.
- Leia married Han Solo. They had one son, Ben Solo.
Generation 4: Ben Solo (Kylo Ren)
Image Source: StarWars.com
This generation shows the struggle between light and dark.
Ben Solo (Kylo Ren): He is the only child of Leia and Han. Ben trained with Luke Skywalker to become a Jedi. He was drawn to the dark side and took the name Kylo Ren, becoming a leader in the First Order.
Relationship: Ben is the grandson of Anakin Skywalker. He belongs to the Skywalker family by blood.
Chosen Heir: Rey Skywalker
Image Source: Screen Rant
This generation continues the legacy by choice, not by blood.
Rey Skywalker: She was born Rey Palpatine, the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine. Her parents hid her as a child to protect her from the dark side. Rey grew up alone on Jakku but became strong with the Force. She trained with Leia and learned from Luke. In the end, she chose to carry the Skywalker name.
Relationship: Rey is not part of the Skywalker bloodline, but she chose the name to honor Luke and Leia. She is the spiritual heir to the Skywalker legacy.
Rey’s Connection to the Skywalkers
Rey’s bond with the Skywalkers is not by blood, but by choice, teaching, and shared purpose. Here’s how she becomes tied to them:
Rey and Han Solo
Rey meets Han in The Force Awakens. He offers her support and sees something special in her. Even though their time is short, he treats her with care and trust.
Rey and Leia Organa
Leia gives Rey guidance and emotional strength. She becomes a mentor and a mother figure. Leia also trains Rey in the ways of the Force.
Rey and Luke Skywalker
Rey seeks Luke on Ahch-To, hoping to bring him back to the fight. At first, he refuses to help. But he sees Rey’s power and agrees to teach her. He warns her about the dangers of the Force and shares his own failures.
Rey and Ben Solo (Kylo Ren)
Rey and Ben share a strong Force connection. They battle many times but also understand each other deeply. In the end, Ben turns back to the light to help Rey. He gives his life to save her.
Why Rey Chooses the Name “Skywalker”
At the end of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey visits Luke’s childhood home on Tatooine. She buries Luke and Leia’s lightsabers there. A local asks her name. Rey looks to the spirits of Luke and Leia, then replies:
“Rey Skywalker.”
She chooses the Skywalker name to honor those who raised her in the ways of the Force, Luke and Leia. Though her bloodline is from Palpatine, her heart and actions match the Skywalker values.
Rey’s Role in the Jedi Legacy
By taking the Skywalker name, Rey takes on their hopes and struggles. She carries:
- Anakin’s power
- Luke’s wisdom
- Leia’s leadership
- Ben’s final act of good
She also brings something new. Rey starts a new chapter. Her yellow lightsaber shows balance. It’s different from Jedi blue or Sith red. This color shows a fresh path, built on the past but looking to the future.
She may one day start a new Jedi Order, one that learns from both light and dark. Rey now leads the next steps in the Skywalker legacy.
What Makes Someone a Skywalker?
Family in Star Wars is not only about blood. It’s also about choice, heart, and action. Rey was born a Palpatine, but she chose to be a Skywalker. That matters more than her name at birth.
She trained with Luke. Leia guided her. She fought beside Ben. She honored their memory. She earned the right to take the name.
Rey shows us that we are not just where we come from, we are who we choose to be.
Final Thoughts
The Skywalker family tree is filled with stories that shaped the Star Wars galaxy. Each person made choices that changed the future.
Rey’s part in this story adds a new layer to the family. She stands for courage, growth, and finding your own path.
Her name connects her to a long line of heroes and lessons. Looking at the whole family tree helps fans understand not just Rey’s role, but how each Skywalker is tied together.
It brings the bigger picture into view. If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or save it for your next Star Wars rewatch.
