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What Are The Knights of Ren? Who, History & Legacy

In the Star Wars universe, we encounter many mysterious Force-wielding factions within and beyond the Jedi and the Sith, and the Knights of Ren is one of the most alluring. What are the Knights of Ren? Channeling the darkness of the Sith, the Knights of Ren are a shadowy order of Force-sensitive warriors aligned with the Dark Side, feared for their ruthless tactics and mysterious origins.

So, who are the Knights of Ren members and where did they come from? The Knights of Ren first arrived on the scene as allies of the First Order (initially led by Supreme Leader Snoke) during the tumultuous events depicted in Star Wars: Episode VII — The Force Awakens.

The name “Ren” comes from both the title given to the group’s leader and the philosophy they follow. Before Kylo Ren (Ben Solo), the son of Leia Organa and Han Solo, claimed the role, the title was held by a scarred warrior known simply as Ren. This small but intimidating gang of armed marauders acted as his personal bodyguards, and also aided him in the search for the “last Jedi,” Rey Skywalker. However, there is far more to the Knights of Ren than their on-screen appearances in the sequel trilogy. 

Their history dates back centuries in both Legends and canon sources, and touches on several important aspects of Star Wars lore. They are feared beings who have been the subject of fantastical tales—with varying degrees of truth behind them—since they first emerged in the Unknown Regions at some date now lost to time.

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Characteristic Of The Knights Of Ren

The Knights of Ren often resembled a roving gang more than an organization in the formal sense. Their headquarters, if you can call it that, was the modified dungeon ship known as the Night Buzzard, customized to reflect their malevolent aesthetic. 

The Knights liked to project an intimidating look, and, to that end, they wore masked helmets and battle-damaged armor, favoring the color black. Although they shared the same general appearance, each of the Knights had their own distinct style. For instance, every Knight was allowed to choose their own type of armament, which could range from clubs to blasters.

Ren wielded a unique and unstable lightsaber powered by a cracked kyber crystal. To keep it from destroying itself while in use, he incorporated crossguard vents (quillons) that allowed excess energy to escape. Without these vents, the unstable weapon could detonate if activated by anyone else, making it a deadly safeguard against would-be thieves.

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The Knights of Ren were aligned with the Dark Side of the Force. They had an amoral, pirate-like code, known as “the Ren,” that guided their actions: If they wanted to possess something, they merely took it if they could. Membership in the Knights was open only to those who were Force-sensitive and tended toward the Dark Side. Nonetheless, the Knights were notorious for being unschooled devotees of the Force—they were brawlers more than students of the finer points of martial arts. Gain more insights by reading how martial arts inspires lightsaber combat.

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Leadership Of The Knights Of Ren in Star Wars

Before asking, Who are the Knights of Ren?, it’s necessary to understand the leadership origins. The leader of the Knights of Ren was known as the “master of the Knights of Ren.” The first recorded holder of this title was Ren, a Force-sensitive human whose face and body bore many scars and burn marks from his years of aggressive and advanced lightsaber combat. Ren saw the enormous potential of Ben Solo, who was highly recommended by Supreme Leader Snoke, and allowed him to join the Knights of Ren, setting the stage for Ben’s eventual rise as Kylo Ren.

How Kylo Ren Took Command Of The Knights Of Ren

Enabling Ben Solo to join the collective didn’t go as planned. That’s because, unfortunately for Ren, this act eventually proved to be his undoing when Ben slew him on Mimban and, taking the name Kylo Ren, assumed the title of master of the Knights of Ren. Unbeknownst to Ren, the rank-and-file members of the Knights considered Darth Sidious their true master, foreshadowing their role in the Emperor’s final plans, as we see in Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker.

What Happened To The Knights Of Ren?

The Knights of Ren eventually met their unceremonious end when Kylo Ren returned to the Light Side of the Force and killed them all during the Battle of Exegol in Star Wars: Episode IX — The Rise of Skywalker. In the lead-up to this final confrontation, Kylo Ren’s fighter, TIE Whisper (aka TIE/wi modified interceptor, but often mistakenly referenced as Kylo Ren’s TIE Fighter, a less advanced model), was seen in pursuit of Rey, cementing the Knights’ place in the sequel trilogy’s climactic events.

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Now that you have the answers to What are the Knights of Ren? and related questions, build a custom lightsaber inspired by your favorite characters. Also, if you’re interested in Star Wars or lightsaber history, discussing the Knights of Ren in Star Wars lore, or anything else in the galaxy far, far away, please visit SaberForum.com for in-depth discussions with other fans! And, of course, if you have any questions about the Ultrasabers line of premium lightsaber products, don’t hesitate to contact us!