How lightsaber designs reveal the connections between Star Wars characters
Many people would probably agree that the coolest and most iconic part of Star Wars is the lightsabers. While we also love the costumes, spaceships, and the angst and drama of the Saga, laser swords are arguably the coolest item in cinematic history.
At first glance, lightsabers are visually appealing, and lightsaber combat is mesmerizing. However, when you begin to dive into the actual design of a lightsaber's hilt and what it reveals about its wielder, you discover a meaningful layer of storytelling. This is a testament to the skilled artisans who have worked on Star Wars for over 40 years. The Saga is so rich in storytelling and character development that even the prop makers incorporate these details into their props, which I find incredibly cool.
The design of a lightsaber is a direct reflection of its wielder and also reveals the owner's relationships with other Star Wars characters. This is one of my favorite hidden details in Star Wars, so let's explore it further.
Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi
The first Jedi Master and Padawan pair that we meet in the Star Wars timeline is Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, in Episode I: The Phantom Menace. Their lightsabers have very similar colors, button placement, and ridges. This indicates that Obi-Wan, as Qui-Gon's padawan, is still learning a great deal from Qui-Gon, to the point where his saber's design is heavily influenced by his master. Obi-Wan is not yet fully confident enough to create something entirely his own or lead on his own.
Qui-Gon’s lightsaber in A Phantom Menace
Obi-Wan’s lightsaber
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker
In Attack of the Clones, Obi-Wan becomes Anakin's Master in the Jedi Order. Interestingly, Anakin has created a lightsaber that differs from Obi-Wan's, which is not surprising given Anakin's headstrong nature and determination to forge his own path. However, one could argue that Anakin's vertical grips are an echo of Obi-Wan's horizontal ones. As Anakin is Obi-Wan's padawan, he may be influenced by him, whether he accepts it or not.
Obi-Wan’s lightsaber
Anakin’s first lightsaber in Episode 2
By Revenge of the Sith, Obi-Wan has a completely new lightsaber, but it still bears resemblance to his old saber. The pommels are circular and have gear-like pieces sticking out, just like his previous one. Additionally, he now has the same gold switch as Anakin, which suggests that they now share a closer bond akin to brotherhood, where they influence each other yet remain independent.
Obi-Wan’s Revenge of the Sith lightsaber
Anakin’s lightsaber
Interestingly, when Anakin becomes Darth Vader, his new lightsaber looks extremely similar to his lightsaber from Attack of the Clones. This shows that he never truly left Anakin behind, despite his claims to the contrary.
Anakin’s first lightsaber
Darth Vader’s lightsaber
Ahsoka Tano
When examining Ahsoka's lightsabers in The Clone Wars, it is clear that while she is Anakin's padawan, her sabers incorporate elements from both Anakin and Obi-Wan's lightsabers. This demonstrates a close bond and influence from both Jedi. Ahsoka used Obi-Wan's pommel and mirrored Anakin's emitter in her design.
Ahsoka’s lightsabers
Obi-Wan’s lightsaber
Anakin’s lightsaber
In the Star Wars timeline, Ahsoka built her first lightsaber before she met Anakin and Obi-Wan. However, one could argue that the Force influenced her design choices, foreshadowing the deep connection they all would have. Alternatively, Ahsoka may have known of Anakin before they met and been influenced by him. Or perhaps this was simply a decision made by a Clone Wars prop maker in order to communicate their connection to us. Regardless, I love all of the possibilities.
This is why I adore Ahsoka's new white lightsabers that we first see in Star Wars Rebels. They feature a completely new and unique design, with not even a hint of her former mentors. At this point in her life, she becomes her own master and forges her own path. The diamond pattern on the hilt reinforces this message. The two diamonds come from the diamonds on her forehead, and this diamond motif is frequently used in Star Wars to indicate that Ahsoka is involved in something (such as Fulcrum). Having diamonds on her lightsabers shows us that she is completely confident in herself, and is guided by her own convictions alone.
Luke Skywalker and Leia Organa
In Return of the Jedi, when Luke creates his first lightsaber, we can see that Old Ben Kenobi had left quite an impression on him despite their short time together. Both of their lightsabers are almost identical.
Obi-Wan/Ben Kenobi’s lightsaber
Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber
Here are Luke and Leia's lightsabers. First of all, Leia's lightsaber is one of my all-time favorites. I have loved and been inspired by Princess Leia ever since I was a kid, and seeing her get her own lightsaber in The Rise of Skywalker was definitely a super cool moment. The lightsaber's overall design is so regal, and the rose gold is absolutely perfect. I just love it, but I digress.
Leia was mentored by Luke, which is absolutely evident in her lightsaber's design. The top half of both lightsabers have the same silhouette, and I love how her vertical grips are reminiscent of her dad's.
Luke’s lightsaber
Leia’s lightsaber
Ben Solo/Kylo Ren
This particular lightsaber pair always hits me right in the heart. When Ben Solo constructed his lightsaber, even though he was trained by Luke, he doesn't seem to have been inspired by him but instead by his mom, Leia. The design of their grips are exactly the same, and he played with that same curved metal grip shape and just stuck it in the pommel.
Ben Solo’s lightsaber
Leia’s lightsaber
Another parallel that I find really interesting is when Ben turned to the Dark Side and became Kylo Ren. Instead of building a new lightsaber to match his new identity, he simply modified his existing lightsaber to add a crossguard. This shows us that, like Anakin, he could never truly let go of his past and forget who he used to be.
Kylo Ren’s lightsaber
Ben Solo’s lightsaber
Rey
Finally, similar to Ahsoka, when Rey builds her own lightsaber, she chooses to turn a part of her staff — an item that is deeply unique and personal to her — into her saber instead of designing one that reflects Luke, Leia's, or the legacy saber. This shows us that even though she wants to carry on the Skywalker name, she's choosing to move forward in her own path and legacy, with a new tradition of Jedi. She’s confident in herself and her abilities as a leader.
If you're as fascinated and obsessed with lightsabers as I am, I highly recommend the book Star Wars The Lightsaber Collection. This incredibly detailed guide contains clear images of almost every single lightsaber in the Star Wars Saga, along with background information about each one. In fact, the images used in this post were taken from that book.
After reading it, I was excited to see some of the theories and connections I explained here confirmed in the book, such as Ahsoka's saber design reflecting her connection to Anakin and Obi-Wan. I encourage you to check it out and spend time examining all the lightsabers and discovering more connections between them. There are so many more than I'm able to discuss here - I might have to write a part 2!
If you enjoyed this breakdown and would like to read more film and tv analysis from me, definitely read my previous blog breaking down the use of color motifs in Crimson Peak or my blog analyzing how Loki's costumes in his TV series reflect his character's journey.
