Supreme Leader Snoke

Introduction

Supreme Leader Snoke is a pivotal and enigmatic character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy, introduced in the 2015 film Star Wars: The Force Awakens. He is the powerful and mysterious leader of the First Order, a faction risen from the ashes of the Galactic Empire. Snoke’s creation and backstory are deeply intertwined with the larger narrative of the Star Wars universe, particularly with the manipulations of Darth Sidious, also known as Emperor Palpatine.

Snoke was created as a genetic strandcast on the Sith planet of Exegol, a product of Palpatine’s genetic engineering to serve as a puppet and expand the First Order’s influence^[3][4] . Despite his significant role, Snoke’s origins and true nature remained shrouded in mystery until the release of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, which revealed his connection to Palpatine.

As a master of the dark side of the Force, Snoke’s defining traits include his immense power, manipulative abilities, and his role as the spiritual and mental core of the First Order. His influence was crucial in seducing Ben Solo, the son of Han Solo and Leia Organa, away from the Jedi path and into the dark side, transforming him into Kylo Ren^[1][3].

Role in the Story

Snoke’s storyline is central to the sequel trilogy, beginning with his introduction in The Force Awakens. He is depicted as the leader of the First Order, a technologically advanced and highly mobile force that seeks to destroy the New Republic and the Resistance. Snoke’s rise to power involved consolidating the remnants of the Imperial forces that retreated into the Unknown Regions after the Empire’s defeat. He helped these Imperials settle and eventually betrayed their leadership, taking control of what would become the First Order^[3].

Snoke’s primary goal was to eliminate the last remnants of the Jedi Order and to find Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi, to kill him. He achieved this partially by manipulating Ben Solo, who under Snoke’s influence destroyed Luke’s Jedi temple and slaughtered many of the young Jedi apprentices^[1].

In The Last Jedi, Snoke’s plans come to fruition as he orders Kylo Ren to complete his training by killing Rey, a young Force-sensitive individual. However, Snoke’s visions and Force senses ultimately betray him when Kylo Ren, conflicted and driven by his own demons, turns against him and kills him using Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber^[1][5].

Despite his death, Snoke’s legacy continues in The Rise of Skywalker, where it is revealed that he was merely a puppet created by Palpatine as part of a larger scheme to regain control over the galaxy. This revelation adds a new layer to Snoke’s character, highlighting his role as a tool in Palpatine’s grand plan^[3][4].

Character Analysis

Snoke’s personality is marked by his cunning, power, and manipulative nature. He is a master of the dark side, using his abilities to influence and control others. His relationship with Kylo Ren is particularly complex, as he both mentors and manipulates him, exploiting Ren’s inner conflict and desire for power^[1][3].

Snoke’s motivations are deeply rooted in his creation and purpose. As a strandcast created by Palpatine, his primary goal is to serve Palpatine’s interests and expand the First Order’s power. However, he also exhibits a desire for autonomy and control, as seen in his eventual betrayal of the Imperial leaders who initially followed him^[3][4].

One of Snoke’s greatest strengths is his ability to manipulate others through the Force, creating powerful emotional and psychological bonds with his apprentices. However, this also highlights one of his flaws: his overconfidence in his own abilities and his underestimation of the resolve and power of his adversaries^[1][5].

Snoke’s development throughout the trilogy is marked by his increasing dominance over the First Order and his ultimate downfall. His character serves as a bridge between the old Empire and the new First Order, embodying the continuation of the dark side’s influence in the galaxy.

Themes and Symbolism

Snoke embodies several key themes in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He represents the enduring power of the dark side and the cyclical nature of evil, as the First Order rises from the remnants of the Empire. His character also explores the theme of manipulation and control, highlighting how powerful figures can use their influence to shape the destinies of others^[1][3].

The symbolic element of Snoke as a puppet created by Palpatine adds depth to the narrative, illustrating the idea that even the most powerful individuals can be mere pawns in a larger game. This theme is reflective of the broader Star Wars universe, where characters often find themselves caught in complex webs of power and manipulation^[3][4].

Cultural Impact

Supreme Leader Snoke has had a significant cultural impact since his introduction. His enigmatic presence and powerful portrayal by Andy Serkis have captivated audiences, making him one of the most intriguing villains in the Star Wars universe. Despite his relatively short screen time, Snoke’s influence on the narrative and his complex backstory have sparked extensive discussion and speculation among fans^[2][5].

Snoke’s character has also been portrayed in various adaptations and spin-offs, including books and other media, which have further explored his origins and motivations. His influence can be seen in other works of fiction, where similar characters embody the themes of manipulation and dark side power^[3].

Critical Reception

The critical reception of Supreme Leader Snoke has been mixed. Some critics have praised his ominous presence and the mystery surrounding his character, while others have criticized the lack of depth and screen time given to him, particularly in comparison to other Star Wars villains like Darth Vader or Emperor Palpatine^[2][4].

The sudden death of Snoke in The Last Jedi was a point of contention for many fans, who felt that his character was not fully developed before his demise. However, the subsequent revelation in The Rise of Skywalker that Snoke was a puppet of Palpatine has provided a new perspective on his role, mitigating some of the initial disappointment^[1][3].

Legacy

Supreme Leader Snoke’s legacy in the Star Wars universe is complex and multifaceted. Despite his relatively short tenure as a major character, he has left a lasting impact on the narrative and the characters around him. His role as a bridge between the old Empire and the new First Order, and his connection to Palpatine, have enriched the Star Wars lore.

Snoke’s character continues to inspire discussions and analyses among fans and critics, particularly regarding the themes of power, manipulation, and the cyclical nature of evil. His influence can be seen in other fictional works and character archetypes, solidifying his place as one of the most intriguing and complex villains in the Star Wars universe.