Leia and Wicket

During the events of the Original Trilogy, we see Leia Organa in many roles: a defiant prisoner, a soldier and rebel leader…but one thing we see very rarely is her acting as a politician. It’s a bit odd how rarely we see her in this role, considering the emphasis on her position as both a senator in the Imperial Senate and the future Queen of Alderaan. It’s a life she all but left behind after Alderaan was destroyed. We all know her as a leader of the Rebel Alliance, of course – but leading a military is very different than acting as a senator and representative.

In Return of the Jedi, we finally have a moment where Leia is able to call upon those skills: when she meets Wicket on Endor.

Our group of heroes have all volunteered to participate in the ground assault on the Forest Moon of Endor, looking to disable the shield generator and allow for a full assault on the Second Death Star above the planet. Leia makes the spontaneous decision to follow some of the Scout Troopers by speeder bike and Luke follows. Eventually the two are separated and while Luke eventually finds himself back with the strike team, Leia is nowhere to be found.

It turns out that instead of Han and Luke, Wicket finds Leia first. Initially scared of Leia and on the defensive, she employs her skills as a diplomat to quickly form a bond with Wicket.

Leia speaks to Wicket, making a point to understand him as an equal. She offers him a cracker as a piece offering showing him that she can be trusted. She most importantly, presents herself as just Leia – not a planetary or military leader, but just simply as herself – knowing that will likely be the best way for forge a friendship with him. She lets Wicket take charge and lead her back to Bright Tree Village, and we even see Leia change her clothing to reflect Ewok culture. She also finds that they share a common opinion: they both hate the Empire.

Compare these interactions to Han and Luke’s interactions with the Ewoks. After they’re cut down from the trap, they choose to try and fight back. It’s primarily Han causing the problems, but the group is unable to allow the Ewoks to take the lead and they refuse to cultivate a connection, therefore they almost end up as dinner. Thank goodness Leia (with some help from Luke and C-3PO) is able to convince them otherwise.

Throughout their time in Bright Tree Village, a strong alliance is formed between the Rebels and the Ewoks, not only allowing for the shield generator to be disabled, but ultimately leading to the successful attack on the second Death Star, as well as Luke’s successful confrontation with Vader and The Emperor. Without the help of the Ewoks, none of these things would have happened and the tide wouldn’t have turned for the Rebels leading to an ultimate victory against the Empire at The Battle of Jakku.

Blasters, starships, & the Force aren’t the only thing that lead the Rebel Alliance to victory – Leia’s quiet leadership and friendship with Wicket ultimately won the war.

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