The Star Wars universe, all lightsabers are sought-after weapons for a variety of reasons. When Luke Skywalker first held Anakin’s lightsaber, the Jedi told him that it was “an exquisite weapon that was meant for an era of civilized living.” Ever since then, the lightsaber has been an icon that is associated with Star Wars – the brilliant blues and greens are an expression of hope, while the blood-red hues of the Sith lightsabers have caused fear throughout the galaxy.
Gorgeous as they may appear however, the lightsaber is not simple. The mechanism of a lightsaber may be simple, but its power is derived from the Kyber crystal inside. A Jedi bonds with it, and the crystal has been called “a lens that concentrates the light inside and around the Jedi.” According to the newly released Secrets of the Jedi, using a lightsaber is not like holding a sword as it’s the directing of a stream of energy. This connection between the Jedi as well as the light-saber may explain why specific blades have become revered, with the lightabers worn by Anakin and Luke Skywalker regarded as to be particularly valuable.
Star Wars Legends introduced several lightsaber styles, but most of these were rendered non-canon following the Disney acquisition in 2012. However, since then Lucasfilm has introduced a wide variety of lightsabers that are brand new. This is everything that fans need to be aware of about the lightsabers in the Star Wars canon.
The Standard Lightsaber
The most well-known lightsaber is the standard blade. It is the weapon utilized by celebrities like Luke and Anakin Skywalker. George Lucas chose to give Jedi lightsabers in part because they had been seen as ritualistic objects and were associated with mystical meaning or as proof of birthright. This history makes the passing of Anakin’s lightsabers to his son Luke particularly important, which is why Kylo Ren felt so enraged to find his grandfather’s sword at the disposal of Rey. Since the kyber crystal is able to do the hard work to focus the plasma, anyone can use any of the lightsabers. However, only Force users are able to make them work to their full potential.
Lightsabers can be constructed from anything. Aayla Secura had a blade constructed of Durasteel specifically designed for strength and strength, while Rey’s latest lightsaber that was seen at the conclusion of Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker was built in part from her old staff in order to demonstrate her character growth. Some lightsabers come with bent hilts, helping to improve the appearance for to be used for dueling. others have different nozzles to create a slightly different shape; and, obviously, lightsabers are available in all kinds of sizes. All lightsabers are in some way or another reflections of their respective users. In the past, Jedi frequently adorned their lightsabers with embellishments and beautiful designs. Some were continuously modified because of changes in galactic fashions this practice can be traced all the way to Star Wars’ High Republic Era.
Dual-Phase Lightsaber
Darth Vader was proficient with all lightsabers, but he also preferred and personally utilized the unique and versatile dual-phase model. The dual-phase lightsaber is thought to be a relic from an earlier, more violent age, the dual-phase lightsaber possesses two Kyber crystals. At the flick of an switch, Vader can rotate the kyber crystals to the new position, changing how long his sword. This can be useful in making an opponent look like a fool but the various lengths require different combat techniques and only a skilled in combat should be able to use a dual-phase lightsaber. Although all types of lightsabers are dangerous, the dual-phase lightsaber could be the most dangerous to users that have no connection or even a weak relationship with the Force.
Training Lightsaber
The Star Wars prequel trilogy included scenes in which an entire group of Younglings were shown training using lightsabers. It’s important to remember that they were not normal lightsabers, but instead ones specifically designed to train. They are a bit shorter than a typical lightsaber, designed to fit in young hands. Furthermore, their power is set to a low amount to avoid injury. According to Lucasfilm’s Book Star Wars: The Lightsaber Collection The force of a strong hit can deliver a jolt that temporarily numbs muscles.
The Protosaber
It was the Vader Immortal VR game featured a fascinating weapon called the protosaber. It was much more elaborate than standard lightsabers. It had corkscrew prongs swiveling on the underside of its blue blade of energy and an intricate fan-like structure that linked the crossguard with the hilt. The crystal of the kyber was exposed, and was mounted on some sort of ignition ring that is believed to be a testament to the incredible the age of this Force relic.
Shoto Blades
The Jedi Ahsoka Tano’s lightsabers come with what’s called a shoto blade. This kind of shorter lightsaber is usually used by a more aggressive Jedi warrior, and Star Wars: The Clone Wars showrunner Dave Filoni intended this to signal Anakin’s influence upon Ahsoka. She was accustomed to holding the Shoto blade in her left hand, and it made her a formidable combatant. Sourcebooks have identified a different variant of the Shoto called a “Guard Shoto.” The hilt is placed at 90 degrees which helps the Jedi move smoothly from attack to defense.
Double-Bladed Lightsabers
In the moment that Darth Maul made his first appearance in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, he made use of a weapon unlike anything previously seen by fans. The double-bladed lightsaber sports an extra long hilt and apparently incorporates multiple crystals of kyber. According to Star Wars: The Lightsaber Collection, Maul discovered how to make this by studying ancient Sith documents.
Switchblade
This peculiar double-bladed lightsaber is also called the switchblade. The two blades can be folded up so they are side-by-side, or switched down into the conventional double-bladed arrangement. The switchblade was introduced in Star Wars: The Clone Wars which featured an infamous switchblade, which was used by Jedi Master Pong Krell. A live-action version was finally found in Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker which was used by a dark image of Rey. It is interesting to note that the sequence suggested that this could be used quite effectively in a duel, as Dark Rey used the switchblade to trap Rey’s own lightsaber between her two blades. She could have weakened her adversary by a quick flick of her wrist.
Lightsaber Pikes
Not to be mistaken for double-bladed lightsabers the lightsaber pike is seen in Star Wars animations such as Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels. It was utilized by the temple guards of Coruscant, and the red blades are a symbol of the enduring light of Jedi Order, and the security of its guardians. There were single-bladed variations of the lightsaber pike, with Luke Skywalker discovering one in the comics and another available in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.
Crossguard Lightsabers
The crossguard lightsaber is an interesting design incorporating three blades. Kylo Ren was seen using an unstable crossguard lightsaber, and was quite enthralled by the sinister crackling sound produced by the blade. A different lightsaber with a crossguard was used at the time of the High Republic Era, wielded by Stellan Gios. It appears to be an improvement on the previous crossguard design Kylo Ren came up with, incorporating physical quillons to control and direct the energy streams at the sides. These are pointed forward when the saber is not in use and the weapon lies in a specially designed holster.
The Inquisitors”Lightsabers”
The Jedi-hunting Inquisitors, Darth Vader’s agents were introduced to the public in Star Wars Rebels. They wielded unusual and distinctive lightsabers, which they could actually spin as an unmanned helicopter as seen in Obi Wan Kenobi. The spinning could provide a advantage in any lightsaber duel and the idea of spinning lightsaber blades can be extremely intimidating – useful for a variety of work with the Inquisitor. The saber of the Eighth Brother was equipped with additional buzz-saw teeth, giving an additional edge when it comes to combat and intimidation.
Lightsaber whip
The story of Star Wars: The High Republic, the lightsaber whip from the old Expanded Universe made a comeback. In the popular Star Wars: The High Republic, it is heavily associated with the Nightsisters of Dathomir, the lightsaber whip is an unusual weapon that the Jedi dislike. Jedi Knight Vernestra “Vern” Rwoh nonetheless created one under the direction by the Force. At the hands of a master the whip for lightsabers could be the most flexible of the various blade types.
The Darksaber
The unique Darksaber of The Mandalorian is a unique lightsaber, created around a thousand years ago by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian to join The Jedi Knights. While the weapon is similar to the standard lightsaber, its blade is a strange, glittering black – one that is flat, not cylindrical, giving the Darksaber its distinctive look. Anyone who is able to hold the Darksaber believed to be the one to declare themselves ruler of Mandalorians. Curiously, the Darksaber’s weight and power in combat is determined by the state of mind and emotions of the person who uses it. Apart from just Force proficiency, the Darksaber could be effectively used with willpower. This is the reason Moff Gideon was able to move it with ease.
Ezra’s Unique Lightsaber
Within Star Wars Rebels, Ezra Bridger created among the most impressive lightsaber designs to date. Jedi had always built lightsabers based on whatever was on hand, but in the case of Ezra, he built the lightsaber using a blaster. It was powered by a blue kyber crystal, it allowed Ezra to alternate between blaster-based shots and the more traditional melee weapon known as the lightsaber. In reality, it was more an indication of Ezra’s doubts about his capabilities, and when it was destroyed by Darth Vader and he re-used the lightsaber with a normal one.
The Lightspear
It is believed that the early Sith utilized a different type of lightsaber, known as a lightspear. It was not seen as a part of the Expanded Universe and has only one time been mentioned in canon, In Charles Soule’s Light of the Jedi. The Sith lightspear of the High Republic has never been detailed and so there isn’t much discovered about the model. We’re hoping it won’t be too long until the lighthouse is back with a more detailed explanation.
The Most Powerful Type Of Lightsaber
All lightsabers, even the ones used to help train Jedi younglings, can be extremely powerful weapons in the hands of an experienced user. Darth Vader’s dual-phase light sword is the perfect marriage of weapon and man. Vader’s preferential use of a lightsaber to kill, and both Legends as well as canon implies that his dual-phase lightsaber has the most kills of any other known lightsaber from Star Wars. In addition to the tactical benefit of being able to alter the length of the blade as needed and the fusion of two kyber crystals, and Vader’s synergy with his dark side of the Force makes his dual-phase lightsaber an advantage in nearly every duel. It’s worth noting that Luke was able to defeat Vader during Empire Strikes Back because of an extensive amount of training, one of which was Luke’s nine lightsaber duel before fighting Darth Vader. In addition, a basic lightsaber, when handled with the right hands, can turn out to be one of the most formidable lightsaber to be seen in Star Wars at any given time.