The Star Wars lightsaber is one of the most iconic weapons to ever be created for sci-fi and cinema. As the chosen weapon of the Jedi and the Sith, there is a lot more to Star Wars lightsabers than their striking appearance and unique design. They happen to have a very rich history, and their association with the Force is also very strong, given that they were mostly wielded by Force sensitives and Force users.
In the Star Wars universe, nearly every Force user (both light side and dark side users) has wielded a lightsaber in one way or another. The weapon has also become synonymous with the Jedi Order and many of the legendary characters from the show. But are there any connections between lightsabers and their legendary owners? Read on to find out.
The Connection Between Lightsabers and Their Owners
In the Star Wars universe, lightsabers are not just the weapons that the Jedi and Sith use in their neverending battle for the galaxy. They are Force-sensitive weapons that are connected to their owners in more ways than one.
Their Construction is a Rite of Passage
The process of constructing a lightsaber is a rite of passage for both the Jedi and the Sith, albeit they go about it in very different ways. For the Jedi, younglings typically set out to find kyber crystals and other components that will be used to construct their lightsabers. Each Jedi or youngling would have to attune with their kyber crystal to activate it. The activated crystal is then used in the assembly of the lightsaber. If you’re looking to build or collect your own, Galaxy Sabers offers an impressive collection of lightsabers inspired by the Star Wars universe.
The Sith, on the other hand, would customarily take kyber crystals from fallen Jedis and bleed them before using them for their lightsabers.
They are a Reflection of Their Owners Personality and Connection to the Force
Every lightsaber is unique and completely personalised to its owner. The colour, features and functionality of a lightsaber is usually determined by its owner’s essence, personality traits and connection to the Force. For example, the unstable nature of the Kylo Ren lightsaber is a reflection of Kylo Ren’s emotional struggles and his command of the dark side of the Force.
The Jedi and Sith Connect With Them Differently
Both the Jedi and the Sith are capable of wielding lightsabers, but for both groups, lightsabers symbolise ideals that are completely different and opposed within the light and dark side of the Force. What this means is that the way lightsabers are wielded and used will differ depending on whether the user is a Jedi or a Sith.
With the Jedi, lightsabers are used as uniform weapons to symbolise the Order’s commitment to defending and protecting the galaxy against dark forces. It also represents the intentional limitations of their desire for balance and control. Their reverence of the Force is shown through their use of lightsabers.
The Sith, on the other hand, have no reverence for lightsabers, and they do not use them as their primary weapon. Instead, they use them as a symbol of fear while using their command of the dark side to defeat their enemies.
Famous Lightsaber Users and Their Weapons
Throughout the Star Wars saga, several Force-sensitive characters have been known to own and wield different types and colours of lightsabers. Some of the most iconic ones include; Anakin Skywalker and his famous blue lightsaber, Obi-Wan Kenobi and his blue lightsaber, Luke Skywalker and his green lightsaber, Kylo Ren and his crossguard lightsaber, Darth Maul and his Saberstaff, Darth Vader and his dual-phase red lightsaber, Master Yoda and his green shoto lightsaber, Count Dooku and his curved-hilt lightsaber, Mace Windu and his purple lightsaber, and Ahsoka Tano with her two white lightsabers.
Conclusion
Lightsabers are powerful Force-imbued weapons that are typically wielded and owned by equally powerful Force users. Most of the famous and legendary characters from Star Wars have been known to wield these weapons in defence of the galaxy and as a way of fostering strong connections to the Force.