When the fictional energy sword known as the lightsaber made its debut in the first Star Wars movie over 40 years ago, it was described by Obi-Wan Kenobi as an elegant weapon for a more civilised age. These powerful Force-imbued swords could be associated with either good or evil as they were wielded by both the Jedi and the Sith.
However, to the legendary Jedi Knights who wielded them, these lightsabers served as a symbol of their commitment to protecting and defending the galaxy from dark forces. They also represented the Jedi Order’s intentional limitations of their desire for balance and control.
Right from the very first film, it has been quite obvious that in the Star Wars universe, there is a link between lightsabers and the various characters who wield them. A good example would be how the unstable nature of Kylo Ren’s crossguard lightsaber explicitly reflects the character’s internal conflicts, immature bravado, and unstable personality.
But just how strong is the bond between lightsabers and the legendary heroes who wield them? And as a Star Wars fan, can you also form this bond with your lightsaber? Keep reading to find out.
Lightsaber Construction is a Rite of Passage
In the Star Wars universe, lightsaber construction is a highly individualised process that was considered a rite of passage for every Jedi and Sith. To construct their lightsaber, a Jedi would embark on a journey to find a kyber crystal and all the other materials that would be needed to craft their weapon. Jedi younglings typically got their kyber crystals from the icy caves of Ilum (a Force-rich planet in the galaxy far, far away) during The Gathering.
Once a crystal is found, the Jedi would first attune it with the Force before using it in the construction of their lightsaber. This process of attunement bonds the Jedi to their kyber crystal and depending on their relationship with the Force, the kyber crystal also changes colour.
The Lightsaber Chooses Its Master
The thirty-fifth issue of the canon Star Wars comic book series, star wars #35 shows Luke Skywalker on a quest to repair his lightsaber’s broken blade on Christophsis. While on this quest, Luke meets Dr.Cuata (a scientist and an expert in kyber crystals), who tells him more about the connection between a lightsaber’s kyber crystal and its owner. According to Cuata, a kyber crystal and its owner have to choose each other. He further explained that if there is a good connection between a lightsaber and its wielder, the weapon would feel as if it’s moving itself.
This idea that a kyber crystal chooses its wielder only serves to deepen the bond that a Jedi has with their lightsaber, and since lightsabers are Force-imbued weapons, having such a connection with them is what truly makes a great Jedi.
Bonding With Your Lightsaber
As the proud owner of a replica lightsaber, you, too, can form a strong bond with your weapon, just like the Jedi Knights in the Star Wars universe. By personalising your weapon and choosing lightsaber features (blade colour, hilt design, and sound effects) that accurately reflect your personality and style, you make your light saber realistic and also show the world the type of relationship that you have with the Force.
Conclusion
In the Star Wars universe, there is a unique connection between lightsabers and the Jedi who wield them. This connection is a result of a Jedi attuning their kyber crystal to the Force, which then, in turn, bonds the kyber crystal to the Jedi. It is this Force bond between the Jedi and their kyber crystal that also determines the colour of their lightsaber’s blade.
