Ben Skywalker: From Skywalker Lineage to Ben Solo Confusion

Ben Skywalker is a character who has intrigued fans for decades, often found in the Star Wars expanded universe. This article will delve into Ben's origin, his role in the Legends continuity, and the confusion surrounding him as he is often mistaken for Kylo Ren in the new canon. We will explore his character development and the impact of the Yuuzhan Vong War on him.

The Character of Ben Skywalker

Ben Skywalker is a fictional character introduced in the Star Wars expanded universe, specifically within the novels and comics that follow the original film trilogy. He is the son of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade Skywalker, making him a member of the famous Skywalker lineage. Ben was first introduced in Intruders, which is a part of the New Jedi Order series.

The Legend Continuity

In the Legends continuity, Ben's full name is taken from Obi-Wan Kenobi's alias, Ben Kenobi, as this is the name by which Luke knew Obi-Wan when he was a boy. This connection to one of the most revered Jedi figures of the original trilogy adds depth to Ben's character. Ben Skywalker and Ben Solo are often conflated due to their similarities, but they belong to different continuities within the Star Wars universe. Solo is a character from the canon, while Skywalker belongs to the expanded universe (a term now replaced by 'Legends').

Connect to Legends EU

The character of Ben Skywalker exists within the Legends continuation of the Star Wars expanded universe. He is the only child of Luke Skywalker and Mara Jade, both fellow Jedi Masters and individuals of considerable importance in the Expanded Universe. The only connection to the modern Star Wars canon is through his bloodline, with no direct relation to the character Ben Solo of the new canon.

Character Development and Conflicts

Ben Skywalker's character development is marked by his complex relationship with the Force and the various personal and external conflicts he faces. These conflicts are often intertwined with the impacts of the Yuuzhan Vong War. The Yuuzhan Vong War, which lasted from 25,053 to 25,054 BBY, led to significant political and social upheaval across the galaxy. Ben's exposure to these events has dramatically affected his personal and moral development, shaping his journey as he navigates the often tumultuous path of a Jedi.

Ben Skywalker in the Canon

While Ben Skywalker's character is established in the Legends continuity as a legacy of the Skywalker family, it's crucial to note that he is not a character in the current official canon. In the most recent Star Wars canon, the original Ben Solo, who is the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, has taken on a new identity named Kylo Ren. The confusion between these characters often arises due to their shared surname and their roles as important figures in the Star Wars saga.

Conclusion

Ben Skywalker, with his lineage and rich history, remains a significant figure in the Star Wars expanded universe. While he is not part of the modern canon, his character serves as a reminder of the deep connections that bind the Star Wars universe. The mention of Ben Skywalker often brings up the related character Ben Solo, leading to much discussion and debate among fans. Understanding the differences between these characters is key to appreciating the expansive world of Star Wars.

For those interested in learning more about the Legends continuity and Ben Skywalker,etailed character profiles and discussions can be found at [Insert Reference Link].