Over the years, thousands of fictional movie weapons have been created, but none is quite like the lightsaber. This elegant, energy-filled weapon used by the Force-sensitives has become an iconic symbol of the Star Wars franchise, catching the imagination of fans (young and old) from all over the world – leading to a booming industry of toys and replicas leading to the production of the neopixel lightsaber. But what makes the lightsaber such an alluring weapon? Well, here are some fun lightsaber facts for you.
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Lightsaber Philosophy
Many consider the lightsaber as just a combat weapon, but they are a lot more than that. As a Jedi’s only true ally, the lightsaber can serve as their conduit to the Force. The lightsaber becomes an extension of the Jedi who wields it and by connecting with the Kyber crystal within, the Jedi are able to centre themselves, become more Force-aware and rise above the chaos of combat.
Kyber Crystals Can Be Made To Change Their Colour
A Sith tradition known as bleeding can be used to change the colour of a Kyber crystal to red but it can pose a lot of risks to try, especially if the site is not very force attuned. This is because the Siths are unable to get in tune with the Kyber crystal as most Jedis do. This bleeding process allows them to pour anger, rage, pain, fear and all negative emotions into the Kyber crystal, which ultimately turns its colour to red.
The bleeding process can also be reversed, as seen when Ahsoka Tano healed and purified an inquisitor’s double-bladed lightsaber, turning them white.
There are Materials Resistant to the Lightsaber
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One of the biggest appeals of the lightsaber is that it can cut through almost every material in the galaxy. However, there are still a handful of materials that it cannot cut through. For example, the hide of the extremely rare Zillo beast that showed up in one of The Clone Wars episodes. Some of the other materials that have been known to be resistant to the lightsaber include; Amphistaff, Beskar, Cortosis Ore, Mandalorian Iron, Felucian Skullblade, Orbalisk, Phrik, Neuranium and Songsteel.
There are Seven Forms of Lightsaber Combat
There are seven lightsaber combat forms, and they are;
Form I: Shii-Cho– This is the oldest and most elementary form that every Jedi learns first. It is also the form that most Jedi return to when other fighting styles fail. The form, which involves fast strikes, is quite effective and may come off as aggressive and brutal. To become a true master of Shii-Cho, a Jedi needs to attain inner peace, so the lightsaber can be utilised as an extension of their body.
Form II: Makashi- This form was developed when lightsabers began to gain popularity among both Jedis and Siths. Makashi is a graceful form suited to only skilled duelists as it relies on controlled and careful strikes instead of strength and power. This form is also suited for one on one duels and accommodating experimental lightsaber designs like the crossguard lightsaber and the use of two short blades. Count Dooku was a master of this form.
Form III: Soresu- The lightsaber form is believed to have been created in response to the increasing number of blasters in the galaxy. The form accounts for the way Jedis use their lightsabers to deflect blaster bolts.
Form IV: Ataru- This is one of the most aggressive forms of lightsaber combat. It relies heavily on Force-assisted acrobatics and only a Jedi who is strong in wielding the Force can master this form.
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Form V: Shien & Djem So- This form was developed by Form III: Soresu practitioners who wanted to incorporate a more offensive edge. Shien (which is designed for distance) allows its practitioner to swat back bolts from blasters, while Djem So allows for blade-to-blade combat. Ahsoka Tano and Anakin Skywalker can be seen favouring this form.
Form VI: Niman- As a synthesis of the previous forms, Form VI emphasises balance in the Force. Niman practitioners tend to blend lightsaber combat with the Force itself.
Form VII: Juyo (Vaapad)- This is the final lightsaber combat form, and it is also the most controversial. The form which encourages a Jedi to embrace and use their emotions to fuel relentless assault is unlike any other lightsaber combat form and many Jedi who trained using this form ultimately fell to the dark side, so it was outrightly banned. The Jedi Master, Mace Windu is the only known master of this combat form.
Lightsabers can run out of Power
Remember when Qui Gon Jinn used his lightsaber to melt a metal door in The Phantom Menace? That must have required an immense amount of power. Typically the Kyber crystal of a lightsaber is powered by the diatium power cell placed with the hilt. These diatium power cells actually lose energy slowly and can recharge themselves. However, overuse can drain this power cell and cause the lightsaber to lose power. The good news is a properly assembled lightsaber can have a battery life of between 50-100 years.
Conclusion:
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The lightsaber is undeniably one of the best movie weapons to have ever graced our screens, and the facts above serve to further prove how amazing this weapon truly is.
