Why Did Kylo Ren Kill His Father but Spare His Mother?

In the intricate narrative of the Star Wars saga, particularly within the third sequel trilogy, the character of Kylo Ren (Ben Solo) presents complex motivations and actions. One of the most enigmatic choices for many fans is why Kylo Ren chose to kill his father, Han Solo, but spare his mother, Leia Organa. This decision reveals a deeper understanding of the character's inner conflict and the consequences of his motivations.

Motivations Behind Kylo Ren’s Actions

Kylo Ren's actions were driven by a dual struggle: the internal battle between the Light and Dark sides of the Force, and his unwavering loyalty to his master, Snoke. Kylo was under intense internal pressure to prove his loyalty to Snoke, which culminated in the infamous scene where he killed his father, Han Solo, as a testament to his allegiance.

When Snoke subjected Kylo to a series of humiliations and insults, specifically denouncing him as 'just a mask,' it further fueled his inner turmoil. The moment was emotionally charged: Kylo had just murdered his father, the man who had given him life, only to be publicly denounced by his mentor. This dichotomy created a perfect storm of resentment, trauma, and desire for validation.

The Impact of Killing Han Solo

After the brutal killing of Han Solo, Kylo Ren was left in a state of emotional and psychological turmoil. He was still grappling with the horrific act he had committed, which was made more difficult by the suggestion that Snoke had been using him all along. The insult from Snoke made Kylo feel even more alienated and betrayed.

Despite the intense emotional pain, the scenes at the end of The Last Jedi hint at a change in Kylo's perspective. He is seemingly less enamored with the Dark Side and more inclined to leave its path. This is evident in his reaction to the unforgivable wound he received at the hands of Che">ebi', '', 'Chewbacca

Kylo's Attitude Towards Killing His Mother

While Kylo clearly knew of his mother's presence on the Mon Calamari cruiser, it is implied that he was aware of her presence through the Force. His mother, Leia Organa, is a vital figure in his life, the woman who raised him and cared for him. It is highly unlikely that Kylo would intentionally kill someone who played such a significant role in his upbringing. The Force connection between them would have made it nearly impossible for him to shoot her.

Furthermore, the textual evidence suggests that Kylo never truly harbored malicious intent towards his mother. His actions were primarily driven by his loyalty to Snoke and his weaker sense of self. When confronted with the choice, he would have grappled with overwhelming emotions, ultimately choosing compassion over hate.

The Implied Choice

In the final scene of The Rise of Skywalker, when Kylo looks into Rey’s eyes, his voice cracking with emotion, it reveals a depth of humanity that seems out of context with his character. However, it is plausible he had already made a choice within himself not to harm his mother. His emotional reaction to killing Han, combined with his struggle to choose between good and evil, suggests a possible leap in his journey away from the Dark Side.

The question of why he didn't kill Leia also ties into the broader narrative of Star Wars, where self-sacrifice and redemption are recurring themes. Koly Ren's sparing of his mother could be seen as a small act of redemption, a moment of clarity amidst the chaos of his journey.

Thus, the motivations behind Kylo Ren's decision to kill his father and spare his mother are intricately linked to the character's identity crisis, loyalty, and the emotional turmoil he experiences. His actions, while dark, are imbued with a depth of complexity that resonates with the audience, challenging the binary nature of the Star Wars universe.