WARNING! This article contains spoilers for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #4.The final moments of General Leia Organa in Star Wars: Episode XI: The Rise of Skywalker were portrayed as a moving sacrifice; a mother giving her life force to reach her wayward son. However, a comic adaptation subtly but significantly expands upon this tragic scene, making Leia’s death all the more meaningful.

This expanded view of Leia’s end comes from Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #4, written by Jody Ho with art by Will Sliney. In a pivotal moment, as Leia reaches out to her son, Ben Solo, she makes him a mother’s promise: “I'll be with you to the end.”

The comic's portrayal of this scene, when considered alongside the established Star Wars lore when it comes to the Force, shows that Leia's connection to her son, and her presence in the galaxy, did not end with her physical death.

The Enduring Power Of A Force Connection Between Mother And Son

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #4; Written By Jody Ho With Art By Will Sliney

In The Rise of Skywalker, Leia's death comes after expending all her remaining lifeforce to reach Ben through the Force. However, the comic greatly expands upon Leia's role after death. The comic shows Leia appearing to Ben on Kef Bir as a Force ghost, telling him that it's never too late for him to come home. Given the significance of Leia existing in the Force beyond her death, her promise that she will be with Ben "to the end" is not merely a loving farewell; it carries a far more literal and profound meaning, implying that she will not leave him again.

Leia, a Skywalker and a powerful Force-sensitive who had received some Jedi training from Luke, possessed the natural capability to live on through the Force, as shown by her presence as a Force ghost beside her brother at the end of The Rise of Skywalker. Now, years after the film and after Carrie Fisher's tragic death, the comic reveals Leia's continued commitment to remain present in Ben's journey, not just through memory or spiritual inspiration, but as an active, conscious Force presence. Leia stayed with Ben after her physical death, refusing to leave the troubled son she so loved to walk alone.

Leia's Continued Presence In Ben's Redemption Redefines Their Relationship

A Mother's Love Transcended Death

The timing of Leia's sacrifice and Ben Solo's subsequent, immediate, and powerful redemption is critical. In the film, almost instantly after Leia's final act, Ben Solo, confronted by Han Solo's memory, casts aside his lightsaber and fully embraces his identity as Ben. He then embarks on a rapid journey of atonement, battling the Knights of Ren and ultimately aiding Rey against Palpatine. While Leia's physical sacrifice undoubtedly served as the catalyst for his turn, the revelation that she is actually present with him via the Force suggests her continued, active role in his final moments of struggle and triumph.

Leia was with Ben not just in spirit, but as a conscious entity, walking alongside him through his darkest moments, helping him to reclaim his true self and fulfill his destiny.

Leia's Force presence didn't just flicker out after inspiring Ben; rather, she maintained her connection, ing him through his most challenging trials. This elevates Leia's role in her son's redemption from a sacrificial lamb to an enduring, active Force ally. It means Leia was with Ben not just in spirit, but as a conscious entity, walking alongside him through his darkest moments, helping him to reclaim his true self and fulfill his destiny. This offers a more empowering and comforting legacy for Leia Organa, showcasing her strength and unwavering commitment to her son beyond the confines of life and death.

Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker #4 is available now.