The Challenge of the Mind represented one of the three trials that a prospective Alderaanian heir was required to complete; success in all three proved their eligibility for formal recognition as the successor to the Alderaanian throne. The other two challenges were those of the Body and Heart. This particular challenge was designed to evaluate the intellectual capabilities of the heir.
For her own Challenge of the Mind, Leia Organa assisted her father, Bail Organa, functioning as his aide within the Imperial Senate. She also acted as Alderaan's representative in the Apprentice Legislature.