Lightsabers are the iconic weapons used by both Jedi and Sith in the Star Wars universe. They consist of a plasma blade powered by a kyber crystal. Lightsabers come in a variety of colors, with each color having its own meaning and associations. The most common lightsaber colors are blue and green, which are typically wielded by Jedi. The Sith often wield red lightsabers. However, some Jedi and Sith have been known to use other colors as well, such as purple or orange. The color of a lightsaber offers clues about its owner’s alignment and personality. This article will specifically explore the meaning and history behind orange lightsabers, and whether they are affiliated more with the Jedi or Sith.
History of Orange Lightsabers
Orange lightsabers are quite rare compared to other colors, but they have appeared occasionally in Star Wars lore. One of the most prominent orange lightsaber wielders was the Jedi Master Plo Koon. Master Plo Koon used an orange blade during the last decades of the Galactic Republic. As a wise and noble Jedi Council member, this demonstrates that orange lightsabers are indeed perfectly suitable for Jedi.
The video game Star Wars: The Old Republic also featured orange lightsabers as one of the available options for players to construct. The game allows players to join either the Jedi or Sith factions, indicating that both groups can reasonably use the distinctive orange hue.
Some Sith Lords have made use of orange lightsabers as well. Darth Malgus, who lived centuries before the events of the original Star Wars trilogy, utilized an orange blade in combat. The color complemented Malgus’ fierce warrior nature. Yet other Sith, like Darth Sidious, have clearly preferred red lightsabers, despite the option to use orange.
Meaning Behind Orange Lightsabers
When a Jedi or Sith constructs their lightsaber, the color of the blade is not random. It depends on the kyber crystal’s natural hue and also reflects the wielder’s character and values. So what could the meaning and significance of the orange color be?
Orange lies between red and yellow on the visible spectrum of colors. In this sense, it falls between the passion of red associated with the dark side, and the optimism and intellect of yellow associated with Jedi Sentinels. The orange color therefore represents a balance between emotion and wisdom.
Additionally, orange is strongly associated with the spirit of the Jedi Order. When a Jedi passes away, their spirit is believed to become “more luminous than a kyber crystal.” In many Star Wars tales, deceased Jedi Masters glow with an orange hue when they return as spirit guides. This spiritual resonance lends the orange lightsaber an air of mysticism and attunement with the light side of the Force.
Advantages of Orange Lightsabers
The unique orange blade color provides some unique advantages in lightsaber combat. One benefit is concealment. The orange hue blends somewhat with natural backgrounds and environments, making it slightly harder for opponents to track during duels. This can allow for surprise attacks and clever feints.
Orange lightsabers also stand out from the ubiquitous blue and green hues, giving the wielder a psychological edge. Opponents may be caught off guard and distracted when they expect to see a green Jedi weapon but are instead met with the unusual orange blade.
From a real-world perspective, orange lightsabers are easier to see on screen than yellow blades. They provide a vibrant pop of color against other lightsaber hues. This visibility makes orange an excellent choice for dramatic battles and action sequences in the Star Wars films and TV shows.
Famous Orange Lightsaber Users
In addition to the Jedi and Sith already mentioned, a few other prominent Star Wars characters have used orange lightsabers:
– Bastila Shan – A Jedi Knight who lived centuries before the Star Wars films, Bastila Shan fought in the Jedi Civil War using her orange-bladed lightsaber. She was renowned for her Battle Meditation ability.
– Rey – In a vision scene in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rey briefly wields an orange lightsaber against a phantom version of herself. This represents her struggle to find balance between the light and dark sides of the Force.
– Jaina Solo – In the Star Wars Legends expanded universe, Jaina Solo constructed a blue-orange ombré lightsaber that reflected her well-rounded personality and skills as both a Jedi Knight and pilot.
– Quinlan Vos – The Jedi Master Quinlan Vos wielded an orange lightsaber when he went undercover as a spy during the Clone Wars, symbolizing his struggle to remain grounded in the light as he took on the role of a double agent.
Construction of Orange Lightsabers
For Jedi and Sith seeking an orange blade, the first step is obtaining an orange kyber crystal. Natural orange kyber crystals are extremely rare, but synthetic crystals can be created or imbued with the desired orange color.
The rest of the lightsaber’s components must be gathered carefully. Power cells, emitters, pommels, and outer casings that resonate with the user’s personality and Force abilities will result in the strongest lightsaber. The components are then assembled with intricate precision using the Force.
Jedi often construct their lightsabers while meditating in caves strong with the light side of the Force, where kyber crystals are plentiful. The Sith, in contrast, typically bleed their crystals with the dark side by forcing them to bend to their will through rage and pain. This bending creates the red hue associated with Sith lightsabers.
Conclusion
Orange lightsabers represent a balanced wielder who walks the line between the light and dark sides of the Force. The unusual color has drawn both Jedi and Sith to wield orange-bladed lightsabers, with its rarity and mysticism making it a compelling choice. While they are not the norm, orange lightsabers can be a bold choice for Jedi or Sith seeking to show their complex personalities and Force abilities through the color of their blade.
Summary
– Orange lightsabers are rare and have been used by both Jedi and Sith.
– The color represents balance between emotion and wisdom. It is also tied to the spiritual energy of deceased Jedi Masters.
– Advantages of orange blades include concealment, uniqueness, and visibility.
– Famous wielders include Plo Koon, Bastila Shan, Rey, Jaina Solo, and Quinlan Vos.
– Constructing an orange lightsaber requires an orange kyber crystal and components that align with the user’s Force skills.
