The Star Wars canon offered a surprising tribute to Han Solo after his death. While trying to reach Kylo Ren on Starkiller Base in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Solo met his untimely end when his son stabbed him with his lightsaber. The moment was among the most pivotal in the sequel trilogy, having a profound effect on a number of the characters away and present for Han's death. Kylo Ren was shaken the most by his own actions, with his own guilt manifesting in a memory of the confrontation with his father in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker that ended how he wished it had: by throwing his lightsaber away and coming home.
Han's true mission to Starkiller ultimately succeeded, even if it took time and pain to be fulfilled. His last act of forgiveness and love for his son embodied who Han Solo was beneath his rough exterior, the heart of gold pushing past the bravado. Han occasionally chose to go out in dramatic fashion, such as with the uncertain carbon-freezing process that left him in limbo, and it would be unbecoming of the character to not have some kind of major legacy left in his wake. When the First Order base was destroyed, Han was granted a place among the stars.
Starkiller Base Formed A New Star - One Named "Solo" In Han's Honor
Following the destruction of Star Wars' Starkiller Base, a new star was formed and named "Solo" to honor the legacy of the lost scoundrel. Previously known as the planet Ilum, the ice world's transformation into a super weapon began prior to the original trilogy, with Cal Kestis discovering the desecration of the holy location in Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Drawing from the energy of a sun, the weapon was capable of destroying entire solar systems across hyperspace in single blasts. The Resistance destroyed the base and world in a joint effort in The Force Awakens, resulting in the planet's implosion and release of stored stellar matter into a star.
To honor Han's death, the resulting star was unofficially named the "Solo" by survivors of the battle. Beyond giving his life to show his son the light, Han was instrumental in the destruction of Starkiller Base. The smuggler planted explosives in the thermal oscillator where Han's final confrontation with Ren transpired which, when blown open, was left vulnerable for an attack run by Poe Dameron to take down the weapon. In a matter of seconds, the corrupted planet went from preparing to fire on Leia in the D'Qar system to serving as the beacon of hope in "Solo."
The True Nature Of "Solo" Makes The Name A Beautiful Tribute To Han
There's a sweet irony in the new star's name. Han received his last name from an Imperial officer because he didn't have a family, but "Solo" joining a binary system adds to the theme that he was never truly alone. It took Han many years to allow himself to be vulnerable, but the scoundrel always had his trusty co-pilot Chewbacca at his side and eventually became a general for the Rebellion. Even in death, Han Solo remains among the stars, where he was most in his element.
When Starkiller Base's cold features were blown away, all that remained was the burning heart of "Solo." Han gave off a passive nature when he met Luke and Leia in A New Hope, but he had a heart of gold and returned to the Battle of Yavin to save his friends. He would act selflessly many times in the following years for the people he cared about, who returned the favor out of equal loyalty. Though Han's end was one of the most tragic deaths in Star Wars, the cocky hero was instrumental in the galaxy's efforts to restore freedom, and his legacy will remain forever.