Her Royal Highness, Princess Leia Organa Solo of Alderaan (born 19 BBY), a fictional character in the Star Wars universe played by actress Carrie Fisher in the films and by Ann Sachs in the 1980s radio drama.

She appears in major roles in all three movies of the original trilogy and the post-Return of the Jedi novels.

History

Leia Organa is the daughter of Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker, adopted daughter of Bail Organa of Alderaan, and twin sister of Luke Skywalker (though this is not revealed unambiguously until Return of the Jedi). A politician turned fighter and spy, She had a forceful personality and bright intellect, having accomplished much in her youth: she was a strong proponent for the Rebel Alliance, a former senator of the Galactic Empire (many years later, Chief of State of the New Republic), and a member of the Royal Family of Alderaan. Though raised in privileged surroundings, this fiery diplomat received martial training in order to defend herself, both with a blaster and just her bare hands.

Early life

Leia Organa is the daughter of Padmé Amidala and Anakin Skywalker, adopted daughter of Bail Organa of Alderaan, and twin sister of Luke Skywalker (though this is not revealed unambiguously until Return of the Jedi). Her life began in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith a force choked Padmé Amidala Skywalker gave birth to the twins at Polis Massa before she died being comforted by Obi-Wan Kenobi. Leia was sent to Alderaan with R2-D2 and C-3PO by Bail Organa so she would not be found by the Empire.

At the age of 18, she became youngest member of the Imperial Senate. She would also become one of the driving forces behind the Rebel Alliance, the New Republic and even later, the Galactic Alliance.

Life as a rebel

In Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Senator Leia was captured by the Dark Lord of the Sith, Darth Vader. He accused her of being a traitor and demanded to know the location of the secret technical plans of the Death Star, the Empire's newest and most powerful weapon. Unknown to him, the young senator had hidden the plans inside an R2 unit, R2-D2, and had sent it to find the legendary Jedi Knight, Obi-Wan Kenobi, on the nearby planet of Tatooine. Later, Vader had her tortured, but she resisted telling him anything. Still believing she could be useful, Grand Moff Tarkin, Commander of the Death Star, threatened to blow her homeworld up unless she would reveal the location of the hidden Rebel base. Fortunately, she still did not give in and lied to them, as Tarkin ordered Alderaan to be destroyed anyway. Expecting to be terminated, the brave princess did not give up hope and was finally rescued by unlikely heroes: Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, the cocky smuggler Han Solo, the Wookiee Chewbacca, and the two droids, R2-D2 and C-3PO. When they finally escaped, though at the expense of Obi-wan's life, they took part in the Battle of Yavin and Luke, in his one-man X-wing fighter blew up the Empire's most dreaded weapon. Finally, in the Massassi Temple at the hidden Rebel base of the 4th moon of Yavin, the radiant Princess Leia Organa presented medals of bravery to her rescuers and the heroes of the battle.

The Empire Strikes Back

Three years later, in Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Princess Leia helped with the evacuation of the rebel base on Hoth, an icy-rock planet. Despite the ongoing battle, she remained vigilant and issued commands from the crumbling base. Luckily, she was able to escape any danger and flee with C-3PO, Han Solo and Chewbacca on the Millennium Falcon. Though they were pursued by Imperial fighters, they managed to dodge their fire by flying into an asteroid field as the hyperdrive broke down. Though, Princess was constantly at odds with Han Solo, romance blossomed and while hiding in a cave (actually the mouth of a space slug), and she shared her first kiss with Han Solo, the scruffy-looking Correlian smuggler. Later, when they stopped at Bespin, Cloud City, for repairs, Han Solo's friend, Lando Calrissian, betrayed them and they fell into the hands of Darth Vader. However, the Imperials at Bespin were not interested in them, but instead used Princess Leia and her friends as bait for the young Commander, Luke Skywalker. Han Solo was also used as a test for the carbon freezing chamber, meant for Commander Skywalker, and it was there Princess Leia finally confessed her love for him. Later, Lando Calrissian helped the Princess, Chewbacca and the two droids escape. While escaping, she senses Luke was in trouble and made them go back for him. They managed to save Luke, who was badly hurt after an exhausting battle with Darth Vader.

Post-Return of the Jedi Era

In the books that continue the adventures of the Star Wars universe, Princess Leia marries Han Solo, and they have three children together: twins Jaina Solo and Jacen Solo, and Anakin Solo, who was named after his grandfather Anakin Skywalker. Her duties include a prominent role in the government, as the Head of State of the New Republic and later Diplomat and Chief of Defense of the New Republic.

After Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Leia receives Jedi training from her twin brother, Luke Skywalker. Princess Leia wields a red lightsaber.

Princess Leia holds her position as Princess of Alderaan as she is publicly believed to be Bail Organa's natural daughter and heir. Traditionally, the heir of the Alderaan throne also serves in the legislative High Council of Alderaan and a term as Senator of Alderaan. After Alderaan was destroyed she led the Alderaan survivors to New Alderaan, which was founded after the Galactic Civil War. The Royal House of Alderaan, in the person of Leia Organa-Solo and her children, continue to hold sovereignty of both New Alderaan and the Alderaan system. The government on New Alderaan administers their former Alderaan system.