When it comes to iconicStar Warsheroes, it’s hard to forget Princess Leia. Played by the late Carrie Fisher in the movies, Princess Leia is one of the Rebel Alliance’s most stalwart champions. Her accomplishments in the films are certainly noteworthy. After all, defeating the Galactic Empire is no easy task!
RELATED:Star Wars: Worst Mistakes Made By The Rebels
Despite these impressive feats, the character achieved even more outside of the movies. Unsurprisingly, much of this material stems from the old Expanded Universe, now known as Legends. For fans who are unfamiliar with theStar WarsLegends continuity, these daring exploits performed by the Rebel heroine may seem surprising.
6Duelled Darth Vader
One of the first additions to the old Expanded Universe was a 1978 novel titledSplinter of the Mind’s Eye. In this story, set after the events ofA New Hope, Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia are marooned on a swamp planet known as Mimban. While on the planet, Luke tries to obtain a rare Kaiburr crystal, an artifact strong in the Force.
When the duo’s exploitsattract the attention of Darth Vader, Leia briefly fends off the Sith Lord while Luke is incapacitated. She is badly wounded in the process but succeeds in buying Luke enough time to confront Vader. Aided by the power of the Kaiburr crystal, Luke even manages to slice off one of Vader’s arms! Leia’s willingness to defend Luke against impossible odds is one of the character’s noblest moments.
5Protected Her Son From A Reborn Emperor Palpatine
The galaxy receives a rude awakening when it’s discovered that Palpatine’s spirit survived his mortal body’s death at Endor. While inhabiting a clone body, Palpatine unites the disparate forces of the Empire under his banner once again. With the aid of several terrifying superweapons, Palpatine nearly brings the fledgling New Republic to its knees.
RELATED:Star Wars: Terrifying Things Palpatine Did In The Legends Universe
However, when his clone body begins to fail, Palpatine seeks out another host. Ultimately, he tries to possess the body of the newborn Anakin Solo, Han and Leia’s son. Fortunately, Leia manages to tap into her latent Force powers, shielding her son fromthe Sith Master’s grasp. Unable to inhabit a new body, Palpatine’s spirit is finally vanquished permanently.
4Became A Leader Of The New Republic
The Rebel Alliance gains newfound legitimacy afterthe Empire’s defeat at the Battle of Endor. The loose organization of separatist cells transitions into a functioning, governing body that replaces the Imperial administration. Many of the Rebellion’s heroes, including Princess Leia, Han Solo, and Luke Skywalker, all play leading roles in the new government, known as the New Republic.
Leia, in particular, occupies several important positions throughout the New Republic’s lifespan. Her most important contribution came when she was first elected Chief of State roughly seven years after the showdown at Endor. It’s only fitting that such a prominent figure of the Rebellion would occupy the New Republic’s most important post.
3Joined The New Jedi Order
Of course, Leia wasn’t the only one who was busy after the Empire’s defeat. While Leia is primarily concerned with politics, Luke sets aboutrestoring the Jedi Order. It proves to be a long, difficult process with its fair share of setbacks. For her part, Leia is initially hesitant to embrace her Force potential, unsure of what it means to be Darth Vader’s daughter.
RELATED:Star Wars: The Old Republic - Jedi Knight Class Guide
Nevertheless, as the years pass, Leia eventually decides to train as a Jedi. Furthermore, her three children, Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin, also become Jedi. After years of training, and with the help of her brother, Leia became an accomplished practitioner of the Force and a valued member of the New Jedi Order.
2Played A Role In Grand Admiral Thrawn’s Death
Grand Admiral Thrawn was one of the Empire’s most capable and brilliant military tacticians. He briefly managed to unite many of thesquabbling Imperial Warlordsto wage a new conflict against the New Republic, a struggle that the Grand Admiral almost won. Thrawn, however, was assassinated by his Noghri bodyguard while at the pinnacle of his power.
Leia played an indirect role in this assassination. The Noghri species once pledged their allegiance to Darth Vader, who tricked them into thinking the Empire would help restore their home planet from ruin. Subsequently, the Noghri viewed Thrawn as Vader’s successor and dutifully served him as well. When Leia fell into the clutches of the Noghri, they discovered that she was the daughter of Darth Vader.
Leia revealed the Empire’s deception to the Noghri and convinced them to join the New Republic. Enraged by the Empire’s betrayal, Thrawn’s bodyguard, Rukh, killed Thrawn by stabbing him in the chest. Leia’s role in this episode is clearly pivotal.
1Infiltrated The Black Sun Crime Syndicate
One of the most acclaimed pieces ofStar WarsLegends content is the 1996 novel,Shadows of the Empire. The book’s setting takes place betweenThe Empire Strikes BackandReturn of the Jedi. The crime boss of the Black Sun syndicate, Prince Xizor, attempts to kill Luke Skywalker in an effort to gain the Empire’s favor.
Leia and Chewbacca infiltrate Prince Xizor’s organization for information, where the arrogant crime lord attempts to seduce Leia. These advances are rebuffed, which lands the Princess in Xizor’s prison. A chaotic escape ensues and the events ofReturn of the Jediare set into motion.
