I have become entirely convinced that Luke Skywalker is going to be the most solid, legendary hero from the entire Skywalker lineage, and possibly even the entire galaxy.

Yes, I know, many who read this are going to say, "...but the six movies were based entirely around the storyline of Anakin Skywalker/ Darth Vader." I won't disagree with you, but that doesn't mean that Ani/ Vader was the most influential and heroic character that ever existed.

In the NJO book Dark Tide I: Onslaught, Ganner Rhysode is trying to convince Corran Horn, in a time of distrust of the Jedi by the New Republic, that the Jedi of the New Republic time have earned the respect of the galaxy. Corran horn counters him with this: "No, a Jedi did that, the only Jedi there was at the time who was willing to stand up and fight the Empire. Luke Skywalker earned the galaxy's respect, not the rest of us."

I cannot agree more with Corran; Luke risked everything to ensure a better galaxy for the future, and he sure didn't stop after the Battle of Endor. Even 31 years later, he still sacrifices everything day in and day out to protect those who are unable to protect themselves.

It was Luke who saved his father from the Dark Side and thus, in essence, defeated the Emperor. It was Luke who once again defeated the resurrected Clone Emperor. It was Luke who saved yet another from evil, this time in the form of his wife, Mara Jade. It was Luke who resurrected the Jedi Order and fought many another battle, even against formidable alien enemies like the Yuuzhan Vong. It was Luke who solved the Dark Nest crisis, and it was Luke who reinstated the Jedi Council and became the first ever Grand Master (in the new Order).

Alongside these extraordinary feats, Luke discovered unforseen truths about the Force that would forever change the role of the Jedi in the universe. He realized that the difference between the Dark and Light Sides of the Force was more subtle than was thought before. He fulfilled perhaps what was his own destiny by creating a new Jedi order more sensitive to its members' emotional needs, thus possibly safeguarding the Order against another Anakin-type fall to the Dark Side. Everyone knows of Anakin's destiny in bringing balance to the Force, but many forget the second half of it: Luke.

Luke's power in the Force is unparalled, as is evident though his manipulation of black holes and his powerful Emerald Lightning. But more important than that, despite his overwhelming power and a brief lapse to the Dark Side, Luke has remained a solid figure of good, compassion, mercy, love, loyalty, and heroism his whole life through. Now in his fifties, he always seems to be at peace with himself, his family, and the Force.

And now, with the threatening darkness of the Legacy of the Force series drawing nearer, Luke may be forced to be a solid figure of pure good once again, perhaps even fighting against yet another family member, as painful an experience as his previous sparring with his own father. Although as far as I know none can verify this yet, it appears that Luke's nephew, Jacen Solo, may just follow his grandfather, Anakin Skywalker, down a path of evil. The legacy of the Skywalker lineage may come full circle, but Luke, I am sure, will remain steadfast and strong against the oncoming darkness.