Mara Jade Skywalker: From Emperor’s Hand to Jedi Master and Beyond
Introduction
Before Ahsoka Tano, there was Mara Jade – a powerful and complex female character who captivated Star Wars fans for decades. In a galaxy far, far away filled with heroes, villains, and morally grey characters, Mara Jade Skywalker stands out as a particularly compelling figure. Her journey, fraught with conflict, redemption, and ultimately, love, made her a fan favorite in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, now known as Legends. More than just a strong female character, she represented a bridge between the dark side and the light, a testament to the power of change and the enduring hope within the Star Wars saga. But who exactly was Mara Jade Skywalker? She was the Emperor’s Hand, a highly skilled assassin and operative reporting directly to Emperor Palpatine himself. Later, she evolved into a respected Jedi Master and, perhaps most surprisingly, the wife of Luke Skywalker.
Mara Jade’s journey from a ruthless servant of the Emperor to a respected Jedi Master and Luke Skywalker’s wife is a compelling narrative that highlights her strength, adaptability, and enduring appeal to Star Wars fans. Her story, though no longer considered canon by Lucasfilm, remains a vital part of the Star Wars legacy, influencing fan-made content, discussions, and hopes for future inclusion.
A Life Forged in Darkness: Service to the Emperor
Mara Jade’s early life remains shrouded in mystery, but her path was undeniably shaped by the Galactic Empire. She was discovered by Emperor Palpatine, who recognized her latent Force abilities. Indoctrinated and rigorously trained, she became known as the Emperor’s Hand. This title was more than just a label; it signified her role as Palpatine’s personal agent, executing his will with unwavering loyalty and ruthless efficiency. Unlike the Emperor’s other Force-sensitive servants, such as Darth Vader, Mara was not a Sith. Instead, she operated in the shadows, a silent assassin, a master of espionage, and a powerful operative capable of handling tasks too delicate or too dangerous for the Sith.
As the Emperor’s Hand, Mara Jade undertook numerous missions of critical importance to the Empire. These ranged from eliminating political dissidents and suppressing rebel uprisings to gathering intelligence and manipulating galactic events to Palpatine’s advantage. She was a master of disguise, infiltration, and hand-to-hand combat. Her Force abilities augmented her already formidable skills, making her a deadly and unpredictable opponent. Mara’s unwavering loyalty to the Emperor stemmed from a deep-seated belief in his vision for the galaxy, a vision of order and control maintained through absolute power. She saw him not as a tyrant, but as a necessary force to prevent chaos and destruction. This belief, instilled from a young age, fueled her actions and shaped her identity.
One of the defining moments of Mara’s service was the Emperor’s final command. In the chaos of his demise at the Battle of Endor, Palpatine used the Force to transmit a final order to Mara: “You will kill Luke Skywalker.” This command, echoing in her mind, became an unshakable burden, a constant reminder of her past and a barrier to her future. It set her on a collision course with the Jedi Master, a path that would ultimately lead to her redemption and transformation.
From Imperial Assassin to Smuggler: A Transition and Redemption
The death of Emperor Palpatine plunged Mara Jade into a state of turmoil. Without her guiding force, her purpose seemed lost. The Emperor’s final command, the order to kill Luke Skywalker, haunted her every waking moment. This directive conflicted with her growing awareness of the Empire’s cruelty and her own increasing doubts about its ideals.
Mara found herself adrift, an agent without an assignment, a weapon without a wielder. Seeking a new direction, she joined Talon Karrde’s smuggling organization. This decision marked a significant turning point in her life. Working alongside smugglers and outlaws exposed her to a different side of the galaxy, a world of freedom, independence, and diverse perspectives. Talon Karrde, a shrewd and pragmatic leader, recognized Mara’s potential and valued her skills. He provided her with opportunities to use her abilities for a purpose beyond the Empire’s agenda.
During her time with Karrde, Mara’s moral compass began to shift. She witnessed firsthand the suffering caused by the remnants of the Empire and the efforts of the New Republic to rebuild the galaxy. She began to question the Emperor’s teachings and to see the value of freedom and justice. Key events, such as assisting the New Republic in uncovering Imperial plots and rescuing captured rebels, further solidified her transformation. The people she encountered, the friendships she forged, and the sacrifices she witnessed all contributed to her growing sense of empathy and her desire to break free from the chains of her past.
Love and Destiny: Relationship with Luke Skywalker
The initial encounters between Mara Jade and Luke Skywalker were far from amicable. Driven by the Emperor’s final command, Mara saw Luke as an obstacle to be eliminated. Luke, sensing her potential for good, sought to understand her and guide her toward the light. Their interactions were charged with tension, distrust, and a mutual respect for each other’s abilities.
Forced alliances and shared missions gradually fostered understanding between them. They found themselves working together to combat common enemies, facing perilous situations, and relying on each other for survival. Through these experiences, they began to see beyond their initial perceptions and to recognize the strengths and vulnerabilities within each other. The animosity slowly gave way to a grudging respect, which eventually blossomed into a deep and abiding love.
Their romantic relationship was not without its challenges. Mara’s past as the Emperor’s Hand created a significant barrier of distrust. Luke struggled to reconcile his feelings for her with the knowledge of her past actions. Philosophical differences, stemming from their contrasting backgrounds and experiences, also presented obstacles. However, their shared commitment to justice, their mutual respect for the Force, and their undeniable connection ultimately allowed them to overcome these challenges.
Their eventual marriage was a landmark event for the Star Wars universe. It symbolized the union of two opposing forces, the reconciliation of past and present, and the hope for a brighter future. It also solidified Mara’s place within the Skywalker family and her role in shaping the future of the Jedi Order. Their partnership became a source of strength and inspiration for both of them, enabling them to face the challenges ahead with renewed resolve.
Becoming a Jedi Master: Embracing the Light
Mara Jade’s path to becoming a Jedi Master was unique and unconventional. Unlike most Jedi, she did not begin her training from a young age. She came to the Jedi Order with years of experience as a skilled operative, a master of espionage, and a survivor of the dark side. This background gave her a distinct perspective and a set of skills that proved invaluable to the New Jedi Order.
Under Luke Skywalker’s guidance, Mara honed her Force abilities and learned the ways of the Jedi. She embraced the Jedi Code, but she also retained elements of her past training, integrating her unique experiences into her practice of the Force. She excelled in combat, both with a lightsaber and without, and she possessed a keen understanding of strategy and tactics. Mara’s strength as a Jedi stemmed from her resilience, her determination, and her ability to adapt to changing circumstances. She refused to be defined by her past, instead using her experiences as the Emperor’s Hand to inform her actions as a Jedi.
Mara Jade played a vital role in numerous conflicts and crises within the Expanded Universe. She fought alongside Luke Skywalker and the other Jedi against the remnants of the Empire, the Yuuzhan Vong invasion, and other threats to the galaxy. She mentored young Jedi, sharing her knowledge and experience, and she served as a trusted advisor to Luke. Her contributions to the New Jedi Order were immeasurable, and she earned the respect and admiration of her fellow Jedi.
A Lasting Impression: Legacy and Impact
Mara Jade Skywalker’s popularity within the Star Wars fandom is undeniable. She remains one of the most beloved and iconic characters from the Expanded Universe. Her compelling backstory, her complex personality, and her dynamic relationship with Luke Skywalker have resonated with fans for decades. She became more than just a character; she became a symbol of hope, redemption, and the power of love to overcome even the darkest of pasts.
Mara’s impact on female characters in Star Wars is also significant. She shattered stereotypes and redefined what it meant to be a strong female character in a science fiction setting. She was not a damsel in distress, nor was she simply a warrior. She was a multifaceted individual with strengths and weaknesses, hopes and fears, and a capacity for both good and evil. She served as an inspiration for countless fans, demonstrating that women could be powerful, intelligent, and complex characters in their own right.
The decision by Lucasfilm to relegate the Expanded Universe to “Legends” status has left many fans disappointed by the absence of Mara Jade from the current Star Wars canon. Calls for her return have been persistent, with fans proposing various ways she could be integrated into the current timeline. Some suggest reimagining her backstory, while others advocate for a direct adaptation of her existing story. Regardless of the method, the desire to see Mara Jade Skywalker once again grace the Star Wars universe remains strong. The enduring appeal of her character speaks to the power of her story and the lasting impact she has had on the Star Wars fandom.
Conclusion: An Enduring Legend
Mara Jade Skywalker’s journey is a testament to the power of redemption and the enduring strength of the human spirit (or, in this case, the Force-sensitive spirit). From her origins as the Emperor’s Hand to her transformation into a Jedi Master and the wife of Luke Skywalker, she defied expectations and carved her own path in the galaxy far, far away. Her story is one of conflict, love, and ultimately, hope. Though her future within the current Star Wars canon remains uncertain, her legacy as one of the most beloved and iconic characters from the Expanded Universe is secure. Mara Jade Skywalker will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Star Wars fans, a reminder that even the darkest of pasts can be overcome and that love and hope can prevail in the face of even the greatest challenges. Her story serves as a compelling reminder that even those who start on a path of darkness can find their way to the light, becoming beacons of hope for others in the galaxy. And who knows, perhaps one day, we will see her story continue in a new and exciting way.
