Luke Skywalker’s journey from a humble farm boy on Tatooine to the hero who toppled the Galactic Empire is one of the most iconic arcs in Star Wars. After defeating Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader in Return of the Jedi, Luke takes on a new mission: rebuilding the ancient Jedi Order that once protected the galaxy. But did he truly succeed in restoring the Jedi ways? The answer varies between Disney’s official canon and the now-designated Legends continuity (the expansive Star Wars stories that predate Disney’s acquisition of Lucasfilm).
In this article, we’ll explore Luke’s endeavors in both canons, the challenges he faced, and the ultimate legacy of his attempts to resurrect the Jedi. By the end, you’ll gain clarity on how these two storylines differ, and what it means for the Jedi’s future in the Star Wars universe.
Luke’s Vision for the New Jedi in Disney Canon
1. The Aftermath of Endor
In the official Disney canon, the Empire’s defeat at the Battle of Endor in Return of the Jedi paves the way for the New Republic to rise. With Emperor Palpatine (seemingly) gone and Darth Vader redeemed in his final moments, Luke is free to pursue his destiny: restoring the Jedi Order from scratch.
- Immediate Focus: Luke devotes himself to gathering knowledge of the Force, searching for lost Jedi artifacts, and learning from whatever remnants of Jedi lore survived the Galactic Civil War.
- First Steps: Acquiring lightsabers, ancient texts, and clues about the Jedi’s history, Luke sets out across the galaxy. His quest leads him to places like the planet Pillio (as depicted in tie-in materials such as Battlefront II) and eventually to the first Jedi Temple on Ahch-To.
2. Founding the Jedi Temple and Training New Students
Luke’s aspiration culminates in establishing a new Jedi training temple, sometimes referred to as a Jedi academy. Though details are mostly hinted at in flashbacks during Star Wars: The Last Jedi and expanded upon in supplementary materials, we do know:
- Gathering Force-Sensitives: Luke identifies promising Force-sensitive individuals, hoping to train them in the light side of the Force.
- Key Student – Ben Solo: Among Luke’s most gifted apprentices is his nephew, Ben Solo (the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa). Ben shows immense potential but struggles with inner conflict.
3. The Tragic Fall: Ben Solo Becomes Kylo Ren
Luke’s plan to rebuild the Jedi takes a dark turn when Ben Solo falls to the dark side under the influence of Supreme Leader Snoke (and Palpatine’s hidden machinations). A pivotal moment during Ben’s training leads to:
- Destruction of the Temple: Ben turns on Luke, destroying the fledgling academy and, according to Luke, killing many of his fellow Jedi students.
- Luke’s Self-Imposed Exile: Overwhelmed by guilt and despair, Luke retreats to the remote planet Ahch-To, severing his ties to the galaxy and allowing the remains of his Order to crumble.
4. Did Luke Ultimately Succeed?
From a Disney canon perspective, Luke’s initial progress was substantial: he rediscovered Jedi lore and trained a group of Force-sensitive initiates. However, the tragic events involving Ben Solo indicate he did not manage to establish a lasting, fully functioning Jedi Order. By the time of the sequel trilogy, the Jedi are once again on the brink of extinction, with Rey emerging as a new hope for preserving the Jedi’s legacy.
- Legacy and Hope: Despite his failure, Luke’s legend endures. Rey inherits the sacred Jedi texts (taken from Ahch-To) and gains Luke’s guidance—albeit posthumously—to continue the fight against the dark side.
- Symbolic Victory: Although Luke’s academy is destroyed, his influence lives on through the Force, suggesting that the seeds he planted may still blossom in the future.
Luke’s New Jedi Order in Legends Continuity
Before Disney restructured the Star Wars timeline, the Expanded Universe (EU)—now called Legends—provided an in-depth look at Luke’s post-Return of the Jedi activities.
1. The Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4
In Legends, Luke establishes a Jedi Praxeum on Yavin 4, choosing the same moon that once hosted the Rebel Alliance before the destruction of the first Death Star.
- Gathering Allies: Luke brings together Force-sensitive youths and survivors of Order 66, including Kam Solusar and others who had lived in hiding.
- Training Philosophy: His approach to teaching is more flexible than the old Jedi Order’s rigid methods, blending traditional Jedi principles with new insights gained from Luke’s own unique experiences.
2. Notable Students and Challenges
Luke’s trainees in Legends include some now-famous expanded universe characters:
- Kyp Durron: A powerful Force user who battles his own temptations toward the dark side.
- Corran Horn: A former Corellian Security Force officer with a complicated lineage.
- Mara Jade: A former Emperor’s Hand who becomes a Jedi Master in her own right—and eventually Luke’s wife.
Despite various threats—from Imperial warlords to the resurrected Emperor Palpatine and alien invaders like the Yuuzhan Vong—Luke’s New Jedi Order endures and grows over the decades in Legends.
3. Triumphs and Setbacks
- Surviving Galactic Turmoil: The New Jedi become a formidable force, crucial in defending the galaxy from successive crises.
- Internal Strife: Like any evolving organization, disagreements and ideological conflicts arise, especially regarding the use of Force powers and the concept of pacifism versus necessary action.
By the later Legends novels, Luke’s rebuilt Jedi Order stands as a centerpiece of the galaxy’s defense and maintains a significant presence in the New Republic and its successor governments.
Comparing Canon and Legends
- Outcome
- Disney Canon: Luke’s new Jedi Order does not survive its earliest years, destroyed from within by Ben Solo’s betrayal.
- Legends: Luke successfully establishes a thriving New Jedi Order that persists despite many trials.
- Tonal Differences
- Disney Canon: Focuses on tragedy, cautionary tales, and Luke’s personal failures leading to renewed hope through younger heirs like Rey.
- Legends: Depicts a more triumphant progression of the Jedi, showcasing Luke as a master who overcomes challenges and ultimately forms a lasting legacy.
- Luke’s Arc
- Disney Canon: Presents Luke as a hero whose moment of doubt has catastrophic consequences, ultimately leading him to a redemptive sacrifice that inspires the galaxy anew.
- Legends: Develops Luke into a grand mentor figure, leading a new generation of Jedi over decades, reflecting the growth and stability of his leadership.
Conclusion
Whether you view the Star Wars universe through the Disney canon lens or the Legends continuity, Luke Skywalker’s efforts to rebuild the Jedi Order stand as a testament to his enduring belief in hope and redemption.
- Disney Canon: Luke’s attempt ends in tragedy, yet his legend and teachings indirectly pave the way for Rey to continue the Jedi’s legacy. While he doesn’t rebuild the Order in a lasting sense, his quest ensures the Jedi flame isn’t fully extinguished.
- Legends: In contrast, Luke’s New Jedi Order thrives on Yavin 4, with dozens of Jedi knights, masters, and padawans carrying on the traditions of the Force for years to come.
In the end, Luke’s greatest success might be less about a formal institution and more about the spark of hope he represents. Whether it’s passing on ancient Jedi texts to Rey in Disney canon or training new generations of Jedi in Legends, Luke’s influence continues to guide the galaxy toward balance and harmony.