I recently went to see the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One, and it got me thinking about why I love that series so much.

Is it the lightsabers? The innumerable planets? Yoda? Padme Amidala's super cool dresses?

All of these elements do help me enjoy Star Wars, but I think the reason why I began loving it as a little girl is because of Princess Leia (who is so much more than her slave bikini and iconic hairdo).

She's a strong, smart, and devoted woman.

Over the course of the Star Wars movies, Leia discovers her strength and Force sensitivity and uses it to aid the efforts of the Rebellion.

Leia also falls in love, and while Han is a key figure in her life, her character arc is not only about romance.

She's also very sassy and has some of the franchise's best one-liners.

Leia also isn't afraid to do whatever it takes to save herself and other people.

She devotes her entire life to the rebellion (eventually becoming General Leia) even when her son turns to the dark side.

It also looks like she'll be a significant person in Rey's life, even if she doesn't turn out to be her mother. I'm looking forward to seeing that in the next movie!

There are many other reasons why I love Star Wars and its strong female characters, but Princess Leia Organa will always be at the top of the list.