Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens

At the end of The Force Awakens, Rey finds Luke Skywalker on Ahch-To and offers him his old lightsaber, seeking his help. Instead of the respectful response many expected, Luke, burdened by regret and disillusionment, dramatically throws the lightsaber over his shoulder and off a cliff. This action symbolizes his rejection of the Jedi legacy and his desire to distance himself from his past. The choice to dismiss the saber was a pivotal moment, reflecting Luke’s internal struggles and serving as a visual statement of his broken spirit.

The scene is powerful and emotionally charged, especially with John Williams’ iconic music swelling during the moment. However, if this ending had been the conclusion of the movie, it might have been seen as too abrupt or bleak for audiences, especially since it leaves Luke’s fate uncertain and his attitude seemingly hopeless. Fortunately, the film was followed by The Last Jedi, which expanded on Luke’s story, showing his gradual path toward redemption and understanding. The film revealed that Luke’s rejection was rooted in deep personal failure, but ultimately, he found a way to return and help the Resistance.

A fan-made mashup cleverly combines the scene from The Force Awakens with the visuals from The Last Jedi, where Luke’s scene is played in quick succession with his later heroic return. This humorous juxtaposition highlights how radical the scene was and adds a touch of satire to Luke’s body language and the iconic music. While the ending of The Force Awakens was intentionally mysterious and somewhat shocking, the continuation in the next movie allowed Luke’s arc to be fully realized, transforming him from a disillusioned hermit into a revered hero once again. Had the story concluded with Luke’s lightsaber toss, viewers might have been left with a more unresolved and somber note, but thanks to the subsequent film, Luke’s legacy was ultimately restored, making the saga’s ending both dramatic and meaningful.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57