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Who is Hera Syndulla? With all episodes of Ahsoka streaming on Disney Plus, you might be wondering just who the Twi'lek Rebel leader is and what her story involves. Hera is a Star Wars Rebels character, which means that, if you haven't seen the animated show, you'll be missing some crucial backstory. But that's where we come in.
If you haven't got time for a binge-watch – or you can't squeeze in the key episodes we recommend in our what to watch before Ahsoka guide – we've got what you need to know right here. You'll find the complete lowdown on Hera Syndulla below, with details on her revolutionary family, what happens to her at the end of Rebels, and her relationship with the Jedi Kanan Jarrus. That means you'll be all caught up in no time...
For an even deeper dive, check out our guide on everything you need to know about Star Wars Rebels.
Who is Hera Syndulla?
Hera Syndulla is captain of the Ghost ship and a key figure in the Rebellion. She's the de facto leader of the Ghost crew, too – that's Ezra Bridger, Kanan Jarrus, Sabine Wren, Garazeb Orrelios, and the droid Chopper.
Hera is a level-headed, intelligent, and sensible leader who is seriously committed to the Rebellion, which means putting the mission first. She's not impressed when people disobey direct orders, but she's a kind and compassionate captain who cares deeply about her crew.
Who is Hera Syndulla's father?
Hera's rebel spirit could be in the blood, since her father, Cham Syndulla, is a revolutionary leader on his home planet of Ryloth. Cham appears in The Clone Wars and is later seen in Rebels.
Hera and her father have a tense relationship since Cham is solely dedicated to Ryloth. But, they somewhat reconcile in the series and Cham helps the Rebels out when they come to Ryloth (though after briefly betraying them for his own revolutionary ends first). Cham also had a wife and son – Hera's mother and brother – who died; his wife Eleni in a struggle against the Empire, and his unnamed son of causes yet to be revealed.
Does Hera Syndulla have a history with Grand Admiral Thrawn?
Hera has a run-in with Grand Admiral Thrawn on her home planet of Ryloth, which also involves her father Cham. The incident sees Hera taken as Thrawn's captive and the Imperial even takes possession of a Syndulla family heirloom, which represents the family. Luckily, Kanan later gets it back for Hera.
The Twi'lek also comes across Thrawn a fair few times thanks to her status as a key leader in the Rebellion, at one point fighting a huge, almost catastrophic battle against him when the Admiral discovers the Rebel base on the planet Atollon.
What is Hera Syndulla and Kanan Jarrus' relationship?
Hera and Kanan were a couple before Kanan was tragically killed. In fact, Hera declares her love for the Jedi just moments before his heroic sacrifice. To allow the crew to escape an Imperial facility, Kanan holds back a massive blast of fire – but the flames ultimately engulf him. Hera is devastated by his loss.
Who is Hera Syndulla's son, Jacen Syndulla?
In the Rebels epilogue, it's revealed that Hera and Kanan had a son together named Jacen Syndulla. He's said to be born to fly like his mother, and in her narration, Sabine points out that everyone knows who his father was – so we can assume he's Force-sensitive like Kanan.
Interestingly enough, Jacen is the name of Han Solo and Leia Organa's son in the now defunct Legends continuity. Jacen Solo went bad, becoming Darth Caedus. The name could be no coincidence, then, and it's possible Jacen Syndulla has a dark future ahead of him.
A Lego set revealed Jacen's presence in the show ahead of his live-action debut in Ahsoka episode 3.
How does Hera Syndulla's story end in Star Wars Rebels?
In the Rebels epilogue, we learn that Hera fought in the Battle of Endor – AKA the fight at the end of Return of the Jedi, which destroys the second Death Star. She's last seen flying with her son Jacen, and fortunately both of them look very happy.
What is Hera Syndulla doing in Ahsoka?
Mary Elizabeth Winstead plays the Twi'lek Rebel in Ahsoka. So far, we've learned she's been busy as a General before she calls in some help from an old friend, Ahsoka Tano. We've not found out too much about her life yet in the show, but we know she's still got Chopper by her side, and in Ahsoka episode 3, we finally meet Jacen.
Hera also does her best to get the New Republic's aid in the race to stop Thrawn's return, but she's blocked by Senator Xiono, who thinks she's just trying to find Ezra.
The General is later called to answer for helping Ahsoka and Sabine get to Thrawn, but rescue comes in the form of C-3PO, who was sent along by none other than Leia Organa.
In Ahsoka episode 8, we see Hera very briefly when Ezra finally returns to the main galaxy (though Ahsoka and Sabine remain stranded). Ezra, Hera, and Chopper reunite in a touching moment.
All episodes of Ahsoka are airing on Disney Plus now.
For more on the show, check out our deep dive on the mystical Star Wars realm of the World Between Worlds, get the lowdown on the history between Anakin and Ahsoka, and see our round-up of all the upcoming Star Wars movies and TV shows for everything else the galaxy far, far away has in store.
You can also get started on the animated shows in earnest with our guide on how to watch The Clone Wars in order.
