Knights of Ren

The Knights of Ren are characters that belong to the Star Wars universe, prominently appearing in the sequel trilogy films "The Force Awakens," "The Last Jedi," and "The Rise of Skywalker." Introduced as an enigmatic group, the Knights of Ren are a band of elite warriors associated with the dark side of the Force who pledge loyalty to the First Order's Supreme Leader, Kylo Ren, from whom their name derives.

In terms of their origin, the Knights of Ren existed even before the rise of Supreme Leader Snoke and the First Order. However, much about their beginnings remains shrouded in mystery. It's known that they emerged from the Unknown Regions of the galaxy, and they were drawn together by their innate abilities to wield the dark side of the Force. These force-sensitives subsequently became Ren, a term that symbolizes their loyalty to Master of the Knights of Ren - Kylo Ren.

Unlike the Sith or Jedi, the Knights of Ren are not religiously tied to the Force, but they greatly utilize it. They are not formal Sith nor do they strictly adhere to the principles of the Dark Side. Instead, they perceive the Force as a tool to attain power and spread chaos. This broad, opportunistic approach to the Force separates them from their Sith counterparts.

The Knights of Ren, including Kylo Ren, are all Force-sensitive, although the level of their abilities varies. They don't carry traditional Sith or Jedi weapons. Instead, they don blasters, clubs, and axes - all upgradeable with aspects of lightsaber technology. Even their outfits, which are custom-made, are different from the typical Sith or Jedi. They don battle-worn, enigmatic armors and helmets, granting them a unique, darker aesthetic in the Star Wars universe.

Ultimately, the tale of the Knights of Ren was marked by their loyalty to Kylo Ren and their destructive actions for the First Order. However, their journey ended in "The Rise of Skywalker," when a redeemed Ben Solo decimated the group while armed with a Skywalker lightsaber. This brought an end to this group of dark warriors, whose legacy remains appreciated by Star Wars fans for adding a darker, more complex facet to the universe.