Five of the Strongest Women in ‘Star Wars’
Star Wars has been an undeniable part of pop culture since its debut in 1977.
Through over 4 decades of existence, the franchise has remained at the forefront of the cinema landscape; operating as an example in world-building, and the sustainability of an interconnected saga of films.
One thing that Star Wars has always come to represent is the inclusivity of its cast of characters. Derived from this endeavor by original creator George Lucas came the creating of some of cinema’s strongest female characters.
These women have come to represent the competence, strength, grace, and determination of the Star Wars franchise.
What better way to celebrate Woman’s History month than by discussing five of the strongest women in Star Wars history.
5. Padme Amidala
The prequel trilogy that began with the debut of The Phantom Menace in 1999 saw George Lucas continue much of the trailblazing that he set out with A New Hope in 1977; with its limitations well in tack as well.
One major continuum between the two trilogies was the undeniable strength of the films leading lady.
Padme Amidala wasn’t just a politician; she was the representative of the entire planet of Naboo. She had a seat at the table of the entire galactic order, she was royalty, but most overlooked; she was a child.
Her character embodied grace in strength; a level head, logical approach, and an empathetic disposition were hallmarks of who Padme was.
She would grow into a loving partner, while also growing in her strength.
When the entire galactic republic applauded the transfer of power, granting Palpatine control of the galaxy, she was one of the few who recognize the dark days ahead; and the cost that comes from democracies death.
4. Rey
There is, perhaps, no character on this list who gets as mixed a reaction as Rey.
The main protagonists of Disney’s sequel trilogy, there are those who adore the incredibly powerful character and those who disagree immensely with what she means to the Disney trilogy.
There is something that is undeniable about Rey; she is one of the strongest characters in the Star Wars universe.
Raised on her own on the barren wasteland planet of Jakku, Rey would scavenge former empirical or rebel ships for parts to simply find the means to feed herself.
Rey faces every challenge with her head held high- she never allows fear to alter her resilience, and she has proven, time and time again, to fight for the side of good; regardless of the opposition she faces.
3. Ahsoka Tano
Not only is this next character one of the strongest women in Star Wars, but she is also one of the strongest Jedi, period.
Anakin Skywalker’s only apprentice, Tano was thrown directly into the height of the clone wars as a young, wide-eyed padawan.
What followed in the events of the Clone Wars series is the story of Ahsoka’s growth from that young padawan, to a woman secure enough to leave behind the Jedi in an effort to find her own place in the galaxy.
Tano is, perhaps, the only Jedi who was cognizant enough to recognize the flaws in the Jedi way and the first who was strong enough to step away from the ruling Jedi order and seek out a true balance, and connection with the force.
2. Jyn Erso
Though every character on this list exemplifies strength as much as any Star Wars character, perhaps none are faced with as grim a circumstance as Jyn Erso.
Her strength was a necessity for her survival; but her determination and unmatched willpower were a necessity for her to be, quite possibly, the great catalyst for the rebellion uprising of the original trilogy.
Born to a father whose knowledge was used by the empire for a detrimental end; and whose non-cooperation led to the death of Jyn’s parents.
Raised by the extremist Saw Gerrera, Jyn eventually confronts the real necessity of the rebellion.
Not only does Jyn accept the call to lead the original Rogue One team to a suicide mission in order to turn the tides of the galactic war between the rebellion and the empire; she also atones for the sins of her father with the ultimate sacrifice.
The price that she pays, the burden she chooses to carry, and her growth despite the incredible odds stacked against her, make Jyn one of Star Wars prime examples of the power of good prevailing over the tyranny of evil.
1. Leia Organa
There is possibly no female character more recognizable, more distinctly unique, or more revolutionary rebellious than that of Princess Leia.
If Luke Skywalker was the prodigious hero, and Han Solo was the gunslinging antihero, then Leia was the logical, tactful, and determined head of the trio; a role she filled with a steady hand and a firm fist.
Much like her mother, Leia Organa was royalty in her native Alderaan. The downfall of her planet left her without a home, and the circumstances of the time required a much tougher demeanor. Leia Organa was equal parts beauty and brawn.
She stood her ground when faced with the most destructive entity in the universe; Darth Vader. She respected his power but denied him ground to intimidate her.
She strangled the most notorious underworld boss in the Star Wars universe; Jabba the Hutt, before taking on the role of a bounty hunter and infiltrating Jabbas palace.
There are few female characters who are as important to film history.
She was one of the first of her kind. She was smart, she was beautiful, she was determined, she always fought on the side of good, but most of all, she was a badass.
In terms of strong women who fill the Star Wars universe, Leia stands above them all.
Honorable Mention: Shmi Skywalker
A character that is often overlooked, Shmi Skywalker was the mother of the eventual copilot of the empire, Anakin Skywalker.
Shmi was met on Tatooine by Jedi master Qui-Gon Jinn. She was a slave to Sebulba, but was always immensely strong, and nurturing, to the brilliant and capable boy she was raising.
Shmi made the ultimate sacrifice when she stayed behind, despite her circumstance, to allow her son to train to become a Jedi.
Her presence is felt throughout the entirety of the prequel trilogy, as she was, inadvertently, a constant in Anakin’s struggle against the pull to the dark side.
What did you think of our list? Who is your favorite woman of the Star Wars universe? Let us know in the comments below.
