Why did Rey bury Anakin's lightsaber in sand?

In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker (Episode IX), Rey buries Anakin Skywalker's lightsaber in the sand on Tatooine as part of a symbolic act that marks the end of one era and the beginning of a new one. The scene is rich in meaning, and there are several reasons why Rey chooses to bury the lightsaber in the sand:

1. Letting Go of the Past:

Anakin's lightsaber is deeply tied to the past, especially to the legacies of both Anakin Skywalker (who became Darth Vader) and Luke Skywalker. Throughout the sequel trilogy, Rey has struggled with her heritage and the weight of the Jedi legacy, particularly her connection to Palpatine, the dark side, and the Jedi's turbulent history.

• Anakin's Legacy: Anakin's lightsaber has seen much suffering—it was wielded by Anakin when he was both a Jedi Knight and later as Darth Vader, a Sith Lord. It also symbolized Luke Skywalker's attempt to restore the Jedi Order after the fall of the Republic. Rey's decision to bury it represents letting go of the past and the complex history associated with the Skywalker name.

• Moving Forward: By burying the lightsaber, Rey signifies that the Jedi Order, as it once was, is over. She is choosing not to be weighed down by the mistakes, failures, and legacies of those before her. Instead, she is starting her own journey, free from the shadows of past heroes and villains.

2. Rey’s New Path:

At the end of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey chooses to take on the Skywalker name as a way of forging her own destiny, not defined by her bloodline but by her choices. The burial of Anakin's lightsaber marks this symbolic transition.

• Starting Fresh: Burying the lightsaber in the sand, particularly on Tatooine (the home of both Anakin and Luke Skywalker), suggests that Rey is putting an end to the old era and starting a new chapter for the Force. By choosing Tatooine, Rey acknowledges the planet's importance in the Skywalker saga but also chooses to leave that chapter behind.

• Her Own Identity: In the final scenes of the film, Rey constructs her own lightsaber, which is a distinct symbol of her newfound identity. She no longer needs to carry the burden of Anakin's or Luke's past weapons. Her new lightsaber, a gold one, represents the future of the Jedi and her personal path.

3. The Symbolism of Tatooine:

Tatooine is a planet that holds deep significance in the Star Wars saga. It is the home of Anakin Skywalker, who was discovered as a child there, and the place where Luke Skywalker grew up. Both of these figures represent major moments in the galaxy's history. Rey's decision to bury Anakin’s lightsaber on Tatooine ties her to that history but also allows her to move on.

• Full Circle: Tatooine is where Anakin’s journey began, and it is also where Rey’s journey ends, completing a circle in the Star Wars saga. By burying the lightsaber, Rey symbolically closes that loop while also creating space for a new beginning.

4. A Tribute to the Skywalkers:

The burial of the lightsaber is also a quiet tribute to the Skywalker family and their impact on the galaxy. Despite Rey’s earlier rejection of her Palpatine lineage, she embraces the Skywalker name and their legacy. The act of burying the lightsaber honors both Anakin and Luke, acknowledging their struggles and their contributions to the galaxy.

• Respecting the Past: While Rey lets go of the old Jedi Order, she still respects the legacy of those who came before her. Buried on Tatooine, Anakin's lightsaber remains a quiet reminder of the Skywalkers' enduring influence on the galaxy.

5. Closure for the Saga:

This act is symbolic of the conclusion of the Skywalker saga. Throughout the nine films of the main Star Wars series, the Skywalkers have been at the center of the conflict. By the end of The Rise of Skywalker, Rey is no longer defined by the Skywalker legacy but instead becomes her own person. The burial of the lightsaber is a gesture that helps close the narrative arc of the Skywalker family while leaving space for new stories to unfold.

Conclusion:

Rey buries Anakin’s lightsaber in the sand as a symbolic gesture of letting go of the past, embracing her own future, and honoring the Skywalker legacy while marking the end of the Skywalker saga. It is a moment of closure for Rey, who has come to terms with her identity and is now ready to start anew, both as a person and as a Jedi.

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