Did Kylo Ren Really Betray Supreme Leader Snoke and Turn on Him?

In the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Last Jedi (2017), the shocking and dramatic turn of Kylo Ren against Supreme Leader Snoke leaves viewers questioning the true nature of his allegiance. This article explores whether Kylo Ren really did betray his master and examines the complex motivations behind such a significant betrayal in the Sith tradition.

The Nature of Sith Betrayal

The Sith, a notorious and dark force within the Star Wars universe, have a long and violent history of betrayal and power struggles. Sith often rise through the ranks by demonstrating superior abilities and loyalty, but ultimately, their true ambition leads them to betray their former masters. This pattern is not only prevalent in canon sources but also deeply rooted in the lore of the universe.

One of the most classic examples of Sith betrayal is the storyline of Darth Vader and Emperor Palpatine. In Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi (1983), Vader severs Emperor Palpatine’s neck, marking a significant shift in their relationship. This event serves as a parallel to the sequence in The Last Jedi where Kylo Ren massacres Snoke’s guards and ultimately departs from his master.

The Turning Point: Battle of Crait

The turning point for Kylo Ren’s potential betrayal is the scene in The Last Jedi where the invaders attack Snoke’s base on Crait. This is a key moment in the film, as it is during this confrontation that Kylo Ren either confirms or undermines his loyalty to Snoke.

During the chaos of the battle, Kylo Ren is shown to be vulnerable. In his clash with Rey, he is nearly defeated. At this critical juncture, Snoke mentally commands Kylo Ren to kill Rey to free him from his stress. This scene reveals a complex relationship of dominance and submission, highlighting the intricate power dynamics at play.

Analysis of Kylo Ren’s Actions

After hearing Snoke’s plea, Kylo Ren raises his lightsaber, but he seems conflicted. He hesitates, looking as if he is seriously considering obedience to Snoke. The intensifying blueness of the lightsaber indicates a surge of anger and shadows his hesitation. However, just as he contemplates taking the fatal blow, he lowers his blade and puts it in a pouch, seemingly rejecting Snoke’s command.

Despite this gesture, some viewers may still interpret Kylo Ren’s actions as a form of covert resistance or a strategic move to maintain his obedience to Snoke while not directly defying him. This interpretation complicates the question of whether he truly betrayed his master.

Psychological Impact of Sith Leadership

The psychological manipulation and conditioning of Sith such as Kylo Ren by Snoke cannot be overlooked. Throughout the film, Snoke is shown as a manipulative figure who uses threats and mind tricks to control Kylo Ren. This manipulation creates a deep-seated fear and apprehension within Kylo, making him vulnerable to betrayal at any moment.

The episode's conclusion, where Kylo Ren wipes away the blood from Snoke’s neck, is a grim but dramatic endpoint. This action symbolizes the final betrayal and the dissolution of their relationship. The infamous scene leaves the audience questioning Kylo Ren’s true intentions and the extent of his betrayal.

Conclusion

Whether Kylo Ren truly betrayed Supreme Leader Snoke is a question that is open to interpretation. The film provides ample evidence of both a betrayal and a strategic obedience. What is certain is the profound impact this moment has had on the Star Wars saga and continues to bring immense discussion and speculation among fans.

The archetypal pattern of Sith betrayal, combined with the intricate psychological dynamics portrayed in the film, makes it clear that the line between loyalty and betrayal for Kylo Ren is not as black and white as it first appears. The question remains, did Kylo Ren betray Snoke, or was he playing a deeply complex game?

For fans of Star Wars, the debate is far from over. The legacy of Kylo Ren and the psychological impact of Sith leadership continue to captivate the imagination of the global audience.