Analysis: Rey's Star Wars Sequel Introduces Groundbreaking Lightsaber Evolution (& Lucas' Hypothetical Approval)

A Star Wars theory suggests that Rey Skywalker's Jedi in Star Wars: New Jedi Order could make a radical lightsaber change, and George Lucas would support it. While not much is known about the story of Rey's Star Wars return, one thing that has been revealed is that it will explore whether the galaxy wants or needs the Jedi. This is an interesting premise that is unique for Star Wars.

After decades of war, oppression, and corrupt governments and the failure of the Jedi to stop it, the people of a galaxy far, far away are in crisis. The Jedi were supposed to be peacekeepers and paragons of justice. Yet, during the Clone Wars, they became warriors and pawns of the Republic. When the First Order was rising, Luke Skywalker abandoned the people. As such, Rey's Jedi Order will likely need to make some big changes to adapt to the needs of the galaxy and prove that she has returned to the original mission of the Jedi.

Rey’s New Jedi Order Could Face A Lightsaber Ban

Rey holding Anakin's lightsaber in The Force Awakens next to the poster for Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker - Rey’s New Jedi Order Could Face A Lightsaber Ban

It may sound crazy, but it's actually not as far-fetched as it seems at first. Both Jedha and Ilum have been wiped out, and the Empire and First Order took most of the remaining kyber crystals for their superweapons, making kyber crystals scarce. This has made it much more difficult to build lightsabers, so the new Jedi Order may need to explore other weapon options.

Lightsabers are the most recognizable item that Jedi own. Everyone in Republic/Empire territory can spot a Jedi by their lightsaber. It represents the old Order and its customs. During the Clone Wars, Jedi relied on lightsabers as their weapon of choice, a period that led many to lose trust in the Jedi. Because of this, there is now a more negative association with lightsabers.

The Lightsaber Ban Would Mirror Lucas’ Own Inspiration

Banning lightsabers would not only have a practical effect, but it would also serve a narrative purpose. It would symbolize a rejection of the traditional Jedi symbol of authority and power, signifying a galaxy that is ready to move on from the old light versus dark cycles. This decision would align with the movie's theme of questioning the necessity of the Jedi and examining their legacy in a more critical light.

Luke and Anakin Skywalker's lightsabers laying on a cloth in The Rise of Skywalker as Rey is about to bury them on Tatooine - The Lightsaber Ban Would Mirror Lucas’ Own Inspiration

George Lucas found inspiration from katanas when designing lightsabers, leading to some noticeable similarities between the two. The Darksaber, in particular, bears a strong resemblance to a katana. Katanas were first crafted during the Japanese Heian period and were primarily used by Samurai. Similar to lightsabers, they quickly became a symbol of prestige. However, in 1876, the Meiji government introduced the Sword Abolishment Edict, a law aimed at aligning Japan with the Western world. This edict prohibited the public carrying of all swords.

Katana production continued in Japan and they became popular collectible items. In the 1950s, the Japanese government tightened laws on owning swords once again. Currently, katanas are illegal in Japan, except for military use or as art pieces and cultural artifacts. In the latter case, katanas can be owned for display purposes only, not for actual use. Importing and exporting katanas is also prohibited without specific documentation and permission.

Given George Lucas' interest in political commentary and his inspiration from katanas for lightsabers, it is likely that he would support a temporary ban on lightsabers in the Star Wars universe.

What Would The Jedi Be Without Their Lightsabers?

George Lucas has always been fascinated by social science and often drew inspiration from real-world events when creating Star Wars. With his passion for political commentary and his admiration for katanas, it is likely that Lucas would support the idea of a temporary lightsaber ban in the Star Wars universe. This could not only serve as a commentary on real-life katana bans and explore their consequences, but also pay homage to the origins of the iconic lightsaber.

High Republic Jedi and Lightsabers - What Would The Jedi Be Without Their Lightsabers?

For years, there has been a lingering question about the original mission of the Jedi. Despite being peacekeepers, their symbol is a lightsaber - a weapon with a blade hotter than the surface of the sun. In the Star Wars universe, lightsabers are some of the most powerful hand-held weapons. It's interesting to note that while lightsabers are not peaceful by nature, the Jedi still claimed to be peacekeepers, even though their symbol has always been a weapon.

Despite claiming to be humble peacekeepers during the Clone Wars, it was clear that the Jedi had become warriors in the eyes of the people. In Star Wars: The Clone Wars, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Duchess Satine Kryze debated whether the Jedi could still call themselves peacekeepers. Obi-Wan argued that sometimes a swift offense was necessary for defense, but Satine disagreed, emphasizing the importance of pacifism.

The tension between how the Jedi see themselves and how they are perceived by others may lead to doubts about their relevance in the galaxy in Star Wars: New Jedi Order. If Rey and her Jedi Order follow the same path, they may face rejection from the people. A possible lightsaber ban could signal the beginning of a shift away from the Jedi, prompting the galaxy to consider a future without them.

The Jedi were seen as warriors by many.

It will be exciting to see how Rey's Jedi fare in the New Jedi Order. Star Wars: The Clone Wars portrayed characters questioning the Jedi's ethics and relevance, but never on this level. Only time will reveal if Rey's New Jedi Order film will depict the Jedi adjusting to a chaotic galaxy or meeting the same fate as those before them.

Source: Katana Sword

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Editor's P/S:

The article presents a compelling theory that Rey's Jedi Order in the upcoming "Star Wars: New Jedi Order" film could implement a radical lightsaber ban. While initially surprising, the reasoning behind this decision is intriguing. The scarcity of kyber crystals and the negative association of lightsabers with the Jedi's past failures make the ban a practical and symbolic move.

Moreover, it aligns with George Lucas's inspiration from katanas, which faced similar bans in Japan. The ban would symbolize a rejection of traditional Jedi authority and power, prompting the galaxy to examine the Jedi's legacy and consider a future without them. It remains to be seen how Rey's Jedi Order will fare in this new era, but the lightsaber ban concept raises thought-provoking questions about the Jedi's role and the evolution of the Star Wars universe.