Introduction

The star-crossed connections between Kylo Ren, Palpatine, and Rey have long fascinated fans of the Star Wars saga. One particularly intriguing thread concerns the question of whether Kylo Ren knew that Palpatine was Rey's grandfather. This article delves into the timeline, sources, and motivations behind Kylo’s knowledge, analyzing various theories from the films and other sources.

Knowing the Grandfather

From a narrative standpoint, Kylo Ren's intricate connection to Rey and the Force suggest that he might have had some insight into her lineage. The films, however, do not provide a clear timeline or source for how he came to know about Palpatine's connection to Rey. Given that Kylo is both Rey’s mentor and a potential ally-turned-enemy, this knowledge could have significant implications for the plot.

Theories and Evidence

Several theories and pieces of evidence have emerged regarding how and when Kylo Ren gained this information:

Snoke’s Role

Snoke, as the puppet of Palpatine, is a plausible candidate for having knowledge of Rey's lineage. In the film, there are occasional hints that Snoke had a deep understanding of the Force and the Galaxies’ mysteries. However, he was executed by Kylo Ren, and his death leaves us without clear answers about the extent of his knowledge. The ambiguity surrounding Snoke's role in informing Kylo about Palpatine being Rey’s grandfather remains intriguing.

Palpatine's Revelation

According to a fan theory, Kylo Ren did not know about Palpatine being Rey's grandfather until he was informed by Palpatine himself near the beginning of Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker. In one scene, Palpatine warns Kylo that he doesn't know the full story of who Rey is, to which Kylo inquires, “Who is she?” Although the scene cuts away before we see Palpatine's reaction, subsequent moments in the film reveal that Kylo indeed knew the truth about Rey. This theory suggests that Kylo Ren gained critical information from Palpatine, enhancing the complexity of their relationship and the ongoing conflict between them.

Canon Information and Fan Theories

Another theory posits that Palpatine told Kylo this information right at the beginning of the movie. This might be supported by a specific line spoken by Palpatine, which is not explicitly remembered. Nevertheless, any such revelation would contradict the established canon, as Palpatine is not Rey’s grandfather in the official storyline. This leads us to consider that the information might only exist in fanfiction or alternative interpretations of the lore.

Leah's Lineage and Ben Solo's Knowledge

Within the films, there is no direct evidence that Kylo Ren knew Palpatine was Rey’s grandfather. However, the novels and other expanded universe materials suggest that Rey's lineage was known to some extent. According to these sources, Leia’s lineage was leaked to the public, and Ben Solo (Kylo Ren’s original identity) also obtained this information. While this does not definitively state that Ben knew Palpatine was Rey's grandfather, it indicates that he was aware of her Force-sensitivity.

Motivations and Plot Manipulation

Regardless of the exact source of Kylo Ren's knowledge, his revelation serves to manipulate Rey and further their conflict. This serves the overarching narrative purpose of advancing the tension and intensifying the emotional stakes. By withholding this information, Kylo Ren could be portrayed as a cunning and manipulative figure, further complicating his character arc and ensuring that the audience remains engaged in the story.

Conclusion

The question of whether Kylo Ren knew that Palpatine was Rey’s grandfather remains a fascinating enigma, rich with potential for exploration in both the original films and fan interpretations. As the canonical story continues to evolve, audiences and fans alike will continue to grapple with these revelations, adding layers to the rich tapestry of Star Wars lore.