The Enigmatic Supreme Leader Snoke: A Deep Dive into the First Order’s Puppet Master

The Mystery Unveiled (or Still Obscured)

The First Appearance

From the shadowed corridors of the *Star Wars* universe emerged a figure shrouded in mystery: Supreme Leader Snoke. A being of immense power and unsettling presence, he commanded the First Order, the resurgent evil rising from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. But who was this enigmatic leader? What were his true intentions? And how did he shape the fate of the galaxy far, far away? This article dives deep into the heart of the Snoke enigma, exploring his origins, his influence, and his lasting impact on the *Star Wars* saga.

The Theories

One of the most prevalent fan theories revolved around a connection to Darth Plagueis, the Sith Lord who supposedly possessed the power to manipulate midi-chlorians to create life and cheat death. The narrative from *Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith*, where Palpatine tells the story of Plagueis to Anakin Skywalker, sparked intense interest in how Snoke’s ability to manipulate the Force and his knowledge of the dark side might tie in with this character. Proponents of this theory suggested that Snoke might have been Plagueis, or perhaps a creation of Plagueis, using the power of the dark side to cheat death.

Another popular theory considered Snoke’s potential connection to Mace Windu, the Jedi Master who was seemingly killed by Palpatine in *Revenge of the Sith*. Given Windu’s powerful Force abilities and his fall from grace, some fans proposed that Windu might have survived and turned to the dark side, ultimately becoming Snoke. This theory was fueled by the visual resemblance of Snoke to Windu.

Alternatively, some explored the possibility that Snoke was a product of the cloning process. The presence of cloning in the *Star Wars* universe, particularly with Emperor Palpatine’s return, suggested that Snoke could have been a clone of a powerful Force user, or perhaps a being whose genetic material had been manipulated to create a vessel for a dark presence.

The arguments supporting these theories were based on a combination of visual cues, narrative hints, and the established mythology of the *Star Wars* universe. The absence of concrete evidence made it difficult to prove or disprove any of them, increasing the allure of the character.

The Revelation (and Its Implications)

The ultimate reveal of Snoke’s fate and his relationship to Kylo Ren in *Star Wars: The Last Jedi* provided a significant narrative shift. Instead of the anticipated grand reveal of a complex history, Snoke met a surprisingly abrupt demise at the hands of his apprentice. Kylo Ren, in a shocking turn of events, betrayed and killed Snoke, claiming the Supreme Leader’s position for himself. This surprising move, while loved by some, was controversial. It challenged the long-held expectations of a grand villain and the importance of the mysteries that had been established around Snoke.

Snoke’s Character and Role in the Story

Powers and Abilities

Beyond his mysterious origins, Supreme Leader Snoke possessed formidable powers and abilities, making him a dangerous force in the galaxy. He wielded the dark side of the Force with apparent mastery, capable of wielding telekinesis and manipulating others through the Force, even across vast distances. The extent of his power became apparent as he effortlessly controlled Kylo Ren and seemingly held him as a puppet. Snoke’s abilities showcased a level of Force proficiency that rivaled or even surpassed that of Emperor Palpatine, the primary antagonist of the original trilogy.

Visually, Snoke was often portrayed as a frail figure. His body bore the marks of time, scars, and possibly the injuries he sustained during his dark side practices. The visual depiction of Snoke, with his disfigured face and gaunt figure, emphasized his vulnerability and hinted at the dark path he had traveled.

Relationship with Kylo Ren and the First Order

Snoke’s relationship with Kylo Ren and the First Order was central to his role in the story. Snoke cultivated Kylo Ren as his apprentice, training him in the ways of the dark side and seeking to exploit his conflicted nature. Kylo Ren was the key to Snoke’s plans. Kylo was driven to destroy the Jedi and destroy any memory of his past, and as he rose in power, he posed an increasingly serious threat to The Resistance. Snoke manipulated him with promises of power and control. This manipulation was key to Snoke’s control over the First Order. Through Kylo, Snoke sought to extend his influence and rebuild the Sith’s rule over the galaxy.

Motivations and Goals

Snoke’s ambitions and objectives were not completely known, but they are the driving force behind many of his actions. His primary goal seemed to be the subjugation of the galaxy and the establishment of a new order, mirroring the goals of the Galactic Empire. Snoke sought the destruction of the remaining Jedi, who represented an obstacle to his plans. He believed they were a threat and wanted to eliminate them. He wanted to use Kylo Ren to help him to achieve his goals. These objectives show his plans to destroy the old order and establish a new one.

Snoke and The Force

Snoke’s power stemmed from his mastery of the dark side of the Force. He saw the Force as a tool to be used to achieve control, bending the universe to his will. His connection to the dark side permeated his very being, influencing his thoughts, his actions, and his relationship with others. This deep connection to the Force drove his ambitions and influenced the way he viewed the Jedi, The Force, and the galaxy. His motivations, driven by a hunger for power, and his mastery of the dark side solidified his position as a significant figure in the *Star Wars* saga.

The Impact of Snoke

On the Narrative

The influence of Snoke has been profound, shaping the narrative trajectory of the *Star Wars* sequel trilogy in several key ways. His control of Kylo Ren and the First Order set the stage for the conflict between the First Order and the Resistance. His actions directly led to the rise of Kylo Ren. Even after his death, his presence loomed large over the story.

On the Audience

The controversial nature of Snoke’s character sparked substantial debate among fans. The discussions centered on the mystery surrounding his origins, his powers, and the ultimate significance of his character. Some viewers embraced the mystery, viewing him as an agent of chaos. Others felt that Snoke’s abrupt demise and lack of backstory diminished his impact on the overall narrative. The disagreement around the Snoke reveal has been one of the most debated aspects of the *Star Wars* sequels.

The Legacy of Snoke

Ultimately, the legacy of Snoke will be considered in context of the other antagonists. His character, while brief, had a significant impact on the story. It is still debated whether he was a puppet or the master of the dark side. His story will continue to spark discussions and further explore the depths of the *Star Wars* universe.

Conclusion

The enigma of Supreme Leader Snoke will continue to fuel speculation and debate among fans for years to come. He was a complex and controversial character who, despite his limited screen time, left a lasting mark on the *Star Wars* saga. His presence underscored the power of the dark side. His rise and fall serve as a reminder of the ever-present struggle between good and evil within the galaxy. The legacy of Supreme Leader Snoke will continue to be debated and dissected, as the *Star Wars* saga continues to grow. The mystery surrounding his origin is just one more question about the past that may one day find answers.