George Lucas ensured thatStar Wars’most unique weapon wouldn’t undermine the power and impact of the lightsaber. Lightsabers have been a staple inStar Warssince the first movie, 1977’sStar Wars– later retitledA New Hope– premiered in theaters. They’re an extension of a Jedi’s (and a Sith’s) power; there’s a reason they aren’t normally wielded by those without access to the Force.
This exclusivity, as it were, is a large part of what makes lightsabers such an appealing and enduring part ofStar Wars’iconography. Very few weapons are effective against them, andthe range of lightsaber colors, hilt designs, and modifications gives them real meaning and a connection to each character who wields them.
Though there are hundreds, if not thousands, of known lightsaber designs,the most unique lightsaber of all is undoubtedlythe Darksaber, forged byTarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian Jedi. The Darksaber has taken on a mythical quality inStar Wars’ lore. After Vizsla’s passing, it was traditionally wielded by the Man’dalor, the leader of all Mandalorian clans. Interestingly, though, the Darksaber wasn’t originally meant to be a lightsaber.
Dave Filoni, who worked closely withStar Warscreator George Lucas onthe animated seriesStar Wars: The Clone Wars, toldStar Wars Insiderthat the Darksaber was originally meant to be a regular sword. However, Lucas vetoed this concept,insisting that any weapon“shaped like a sword”should never be able to withstand a direct blow from a lightsaber blade. According to Filoni, Lucas argued:
“No way. There’s no way that there would be a weapon shaped like a sword that could counter a lightsaber blade. If you do that, a lightsaber isn’t special, and then why wouldn’t the Jedi also be using those things? It doesn’t make any sense.”
Lucas’ refusal is entirely justified, and not just because the Darksaber has become such an integral part ofStar Wars’storytelling. Lightsabers are, essentially, laser swords. If a regular, non-kyber-powered sword-shaped blade could easily deflect them, why would lightsabers still be so revered (and feared)?
The Darksaber means something to more than just one individual Jedi. It’s a symbol of hope, a cultural relic, and even a tool of oppression.
Of course,Star Warsdid still canonically introduce a rare substance that was strong enough to withstand a direct blow from a lightsaber blade: beskar.Beskar was traditionally mined and shaped by Mandalorians, forged into armor and weapons that could therefore repel the Jedi. Din Djarin and Morgan Elsbeth used a spear made of beskar in duels against lightsaber wielders inThe Mandalorian, for instance.
The Darksaber Remains One Of Star Wars' Most Unique Lightsabers (& Weapons)
The Darksaber’s appeal is undoubtedly down to its unique design.The modified broadsword shape of the blade, its black glow, the hilt (infused with beskar), its inexplicable weight, and even the sound it makes when it’s turned on are all careful design choices that make it stand apart from all other lightsabers.
Another major factor of the Darksaber’s appeal is its historical significance. That history has influencedStar Wars’wider storytelling, especially inThe Clone Wars,Star Wars Rebels, andThe Mandalorian. This fits in with what Bryce Dallas Howard, one ofThe Mandalorian’s directors, revealed at this year’s MegaCon:the Darksaber was inspired by King Arthur’s legendary sword, Excalibur.
The Darksaber means something to more than just one individual Jedi. It’s a symbol of hope, a cultural relic, and even a tool of oppression. It holds generational emotional weight, and that makes itStar Wars’most exceptional weapon by far.
The Mandalorian and Grogu
