The lightsaber is the iconic weapon of the Jedi Order in the Star Wars universe. Lightsabers consist of a plasma blade powered by a kyber crystal that projects from a metal hilt. One of the most distinguishing features of a lightsaber is the color of its plasma blade, which varies depending on the individual wielding it. This has led many Star Wars fans to wonder – do Jedi get to choose the color of their lightsaber blade? Or is the color predetermined by some other factor? In this article, we will examine the different colors lightsaber blades can take on, what influences a Jedi’s choice of color, and the meaning behind each hue.
Common Lightsaber Colors
The most common blade colors seen among Jedi are:
- Blue
- Green
- Yellow
- Purple
However, many other shades have also been observed:
| Color | Example Wielders |
|---|---|
| Red | Darth Vader, Darth Maul |
| White | Ahsoka Tano, The Grand Inquisitor |
| Black | The Pre Vizsla |
| Orange | Plo Koon, Rey (temporarily) |
The most common blade types among Jedi and Sith tend to be blue and green, with other colors being rarer. However, the expanded Star Wars universe has introduced many other lightsaber variants.
What Determines a Lightsaber’s Color?
In the current Star Wars canon, a lightsaber blade’s color is determined by the kyber crystal used in its construction. Kyber crystals are naturally attuned to the Force and come in a variety of colors. However, when a Jedi builds their lightsaber, they use the Force to bond with their chosen crystal, altering its natural hue. This attunement process is deeply personal to each Jedi.
For this reason, the final kyber crystal color is somewhat self-determined by the Force user based on their own connection to the Force and their own personality. However, the adjustment of the kyber color is not a conscious choice but an intuitive process guided by the Force.
Meaning Behind Each Color
Although the color is not deliberately chosen, each hue represents a certain meaning or trait for the Jedi wielding the blade:
Blue – Blue is one of the most common colors and indicates a Jedi’s duty to society, law, and order. Blue crystal wielders are typically focused on structure, responsibility, and combat training. Examples: Obi-Wan Kenobi, Anakin Skywalker
Green – Green is the other most prevalent lightsaber color. Green crystals match Jedi who strongly focus on their connection with the Force itself. They tend to be more contemplative, scholarly, and introspective. Examples: Qui-Gon Jinn, Luke Skywalker
Yellow – Yellow blades indicate Jedi sentinels – those who walk a balance between scholarly pursuits and hands-on training. They often act as liaisons or intermediaries. Examples: Bastila Shan, Temple Guards
Purple – Purple is one of the rarest colors, indicating a Force user who walks the line between light and dark. They tread a morally grey area. Example: Mace Windu
Red – In the current canon, red blades are made by corrupting a normal kyber crystal with the dark side. The bloody shade represents rage, hatred, and unchecked emotion. All Sith use red blades.
White – White is purged red blade, free from dark side corruption. It stands for a redemption from evil and return to the light side. Examples: Ahsoka Tano, the Grand Inquisitor
Black – Black kyber crystals are extremely rare but produce intimidating black blades. They seem to be associated with conquest and domination. Example: The Pre Vizsla
Orange – Orange indicates a strong connection to the living Force, favoring interdependence with living beings over isolation. Example: Plo Koon
Can a Jedi’s Blade Color Change?
For most Jedi, their kyber crystal selection and resulting blade color stays the same throughout their life. Their personality and connection to the Force stays relatively constant, so too does their lightsaber.
However, a Jedi’s blade can change color in some rare situations:
– Healing or purifying a corrupted red kyber crystal will turn it white. This happened when Ahsoka purified the crystals she took from the Sixth Brother.
– Major shifts in a Jedi’s personality or allegiance to the Force can cause a kyber crystal change. Cere Junda’s blade turned red when she fell to the dark side after Order 66 but later turned white again after being redeemed.
– Cracking a kyber crystal can lead to the blade becoming unstable and flickering between two colors, like blue and green. This happened to Cal Kestis’ blade after a fight with Darth Vader.
– Using a damaged lightsaber with a cracked crystal for an extended period can cause permanent color change, like Rey’s switch from blue to yellow after healing her mother’s damaged saber.
So in summary, a Jedi’s lightsaber color is mostly fixed at the start of their Jedi training based on their Force affinity and personality. But in rare cases, the crystal and blade can change colors to match a shift in the wielder’s connection to the Force.
Conclusion
A Jedi’s lightsaber color is not arbitrarily chosen but determined by an intuitive, mystical process of connecting with a kyber crystal using the Force. While the most common blades are blue and green, many other colors are possible that represent different aspects of a Jedi’s personality and approach to the Force. In rare instances, lightsaber colors can shift if a Jedi undergoes a major transformation in their outlook or connection to the Force. But for most, their kyber crystal and blade color will remain a constant reflection of their inner self throughout their Jedi journey. The color itself holds deeper meaning, giving insight into the wielder’s very essence as a Force user.
