The lightsaber is the iconic weapon of the Jedi and Sith in the Star Wars universe. Lightsabers come in a variety of colors, but the most common for Jedi are blue and green, representing the ideals of the light side of the Force. However, there are some rare instances of Jedi using lightsabers with unconventional colors like purple or even red.
What Determines a Lightsaber’s Color?
The color of a lightsaber blade is determined by the kyber crystal used in its construction. Kyber crystals are force-attuned crystals that power lightsabers and can come in many colors both naturally and through artificial means.
Naturally, kyber crystals tend to align with the light side of the Force and take on green or blue hues. However, through manipulation and corruption by dark side Force users, kyber crystals can be made to “bleed” and turn red.
This is why red blades became associated with Sith and dark side users – they use the Force to make the crystal “bleed” red. However, there are rare instances of red blades being used by light side Force users as well.
Why Don’t Jedi Normally Use Red Lightsabers?
The predominant reason Jedi avoid using red-bladed lightsabers is the symbolic association with the dark side. The Sith are most known for using red sabers after ritually corrupting the kyber crystals to “bleed” them red. This intentional pushing of a kyber crystal to the dark side is viewed as an unnatural and corrupt process by the Jedi.
Jedi see themselves as guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy. Their lightsabers are powered by kyber crystals which align naturally with the light side of the Force. Using a red lightsaber could undermine a Jedi’s image as a protector and guardian, associating them with the darkness and violence of the Sith.
In essence, the Jedi avoid red lightsabers to maintain an ideological separation from the Sith and dark side. They don’t want to give the impression that they tap into darker emotions and the dark side in combat.
Examples of Jedi Using Red Lightsabers
While quite rare, there are a few canonical examples of Jedi wielding red-bladed lightsabers despite the dark side symbolism:
- Plo Koon – Had a temporary red lightsaber after losing his blue one on a mission
- The Jedi Temple Guards – Elite Jedi guards who wielded yellow-red or red-bladed pikes
- A’Sharad Hett – Tusken Jedi who constructed a red lightsaber from salvaged parts
- Cal Kestis – Repaired an Inquisitor’s lightsaber with a red crystal (Jedi: Fallen Order)
In these cases, necessity or special circumstance led the Jedi to construct red lightsabers without actually embracing the dark side. The Temple Guards viewed the red blades as symbols of their mandate to keep the peace within the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. For others like Plo Koon and Cal Kestis, they simply used what kyber crystals were available at the time.
Could a Jedi’s Lightsaber Change Color?
Though uncommon, it is possible for a Jedi’s lightsaber blade to change color during their life. This can happen if they switch out the kyber crystal for a new one or heal and redeem a corrupted red crystal. Some examples:
- Ahsoka Tano – Originally wielded a green saber, then switched to blue lightsabers
- Anakin Skywalker – Blue as a Jedi, then red as Darth Vader, then blue again after redeeming himself
- Cere Junda – Her original green crystal was bled red by the Empire, but later healed back to green
The color change represents a shift in the Jedi’s identity or circumstances. Obtaining a new crystal or healing a corrupted one reflects a change or redemption within the character. Their blade color can reflect their new path or understanding of the Force.
When Might a Jedi Use a Red Lightsaber?
Though generally avoided, there are some situations where a Jedi may wield a red lightsaber or have their blade turn red:
- Lack of options – If no other kyber crystals are available, a Jedi may have no choice but to use a red crystal.
- Undercover work – To infiltrate the Sith or Empire, a Jedi may wield a red blade as a disguise.
- Redeeming a red crystal – If a Jedi heals and redeems a corrupted kyber crystal, they may briefly use the red blade.
- Special assignment – Elite Jedi guards or Shadows may use red blades to signify their mandate.
- Falling to the dark side – If corrupted, a Jedi’s blue/green blade could turn red as they turn hostile.
In these extraordinary situations, the practical need outweighs concerns about symbolism and optics. However, these instances are quite rare in Jedi history.
Could Other Colors Symbolize the Dark Side?
Though red kyber crystals are most associated with the dark side, other colors could also carry dark side symbolism under the right context:
- Black – A black-bladed lightsaber could symbolize a void in the Force or a extremely corrupted crystal.
- Orange – Associated with ancient darksiders like the Legions of Lettow.
- Yellow – Yellow eyes are common among dark side Force users.
- Purple – Some shades associated with bastardized or corrupted crystals.
However, red remains the quintessential dark side blade color due to the bloody connotations and Sith history. Other colors may carry dark symbolism situationally, but red is universally associated with Sith corruption.
Conclusion
While Jedi traditionally avoid red-bladed lightsabers due to Sith associations, there are occasional instances where necessity leads Jedi to use red kyber crystals. A Jedi’s blade color can also change over their life as they switch crystals or are redeemed from darkness. In extraordinary circumstances, Jedi may wield red lightsabers without fully embracing the dark side. But ideologically, the Jedi remain devoted to the light side and naturally aligned blue/green kyber crystals.
| Jedi | Original Color | Changed Color |
|---|---|---|
| Ahsoka Tano | Green | Blue |
| Anakin Skywalker | Blue | Red (as Vader) |
| Cere Junda | Green | Red (corrupted) |
