In his latest piece for IGN, Coffee With Kenobi host Dan Z examines the symbolism surrounding Han Solo’s fate in the carbon freeze chamber of Cloud City in a truly iconic moment from The Empire Strikes Back. What does this moment tell us about the man himself, and his growth as a character?

Check out an excerpt below:

Han Solo’s immersion into the carbon freeze chamber in The Empire Strikes Back is a classic moment from the original Star Wars trilogy, a beloved and moving scene that retains its impact almost 40 years after it first played in theaters. But it’s also symbolic, and takes on many classic archetypal patterns. In a matter of minutes, this scene provides implicit insight into the Corellian smuggler turned hero of the Rebellion. Solo in carbonite suggests many things about his internal struggle and, while it certainly appears tragic, there is also hope for rebirth and renewal.

You can read “The Symbolism of Han Solo in Carbonite” by Dan Z in its entirety over at IGN.com.