The Hidden Secrets Behind Ahsoka's Unpredictable Lightsaber Choice in Episode 4

Warning! This post contains SPOILERS for Ahsoka episode 4

Summary

In Ahsoka episode 4, we see a departure from Ahsoka Tano's usual practice of wielding two lightsabers. Instead, she opts to use only her longer lightsaber. It is speculated that the reason behind this decision lies in the fact that her shorter shoto lightsaber would not have been as effective against her formidable adversaries.

During her intense duels with the Imperial Inquisitor Marrok and the Dark Jedi Lord Baylan Skoll, Ahsoka strategically modifies her fighting approach. She focuses on enhancing her defensive techniques and delivering more powerful strikes rather than utilizing the offensive advantages that come with dual-wielding.

Ahsoka's adaptability as a warrior shines through her ability to acclimate and respond to her opponents' individual styles and strengths. She strategically selects the appropriate lightsaber technique based on the circumstances, effectively displaying her expertise and versatility.

Although Ahsoka Tano (portrayed by Rosario Dawson), the former Jedi, typically wields two lightsabers, she opts for just one in the fourth episode of "Ahsoka." In the heat of the Clone Wars, Ahsoka crafted a second lightsaber to wield alongside her first, practicing the dual-wielding method known as Jar'kai. However, there appears to be a compelling motive behind her decision to utilize a single blade during her duels against both the Imperial Inquisitor Marrok and the Dark Jedi Lord Baylan Skoll.

Ahsoka has used different lightsabers throughout her time as Anakin Skywalker's apprentice in The Clone Wars animated series. At first, she had green and then blue-bladed lightsabers. However, she later crafted a pair of white-bladed lightsabers during the era of the Empire. These lightsabers were made by purifying the red kyber crystals that had originally belonged to an Inquisitor. It is worth noting that one of the lightsabers is shorter than the other, known as a shoto. Interestingly, Ahsoka chooses not to wield this shorter lightsaber during the duels featured in Ahsoka episode 4.

Ahsoka Only Ever Uses One Lightsaber During Her Duels

In Ahsoka episode 4, the former Jedi, Ahsoka, engages in a duel with Marrok while her apprentice Sabine Wren faces Baylan's apprentice Shin Hati. Unlike their previous duel on Corellia, Marrok starts the duel on the planet Seatos wielding his fully ignited double-bladed Inquisitor's lightsaber. Ahsoka, on the other hand, chooses to use only her longer lightsaber for this particular showdown. Despite this, she emerges victorious after striking Marrok's chest, causing him to crumple with a burst of green vapor, known as Nightsister magic.

Similarly, Ahsoka's subsequent duel with Lord Baylan Skoll takes place with only one lightsaber, as she keeps her shoto clipped to her side. However, this duel proves to be more intense and challenging for Ahsoka. In the end, Baylan manages to wound Ahsoka and forces her off the side of a cliff into the oceans of Seatos below. Given these circumstances, it is natural to question why Ahsoka didn't use both of her lightsabers during either of the duels in Ahsoka episode 4. Initially, it may appear that wielding two lightsabers would have been advantageous.

The Shoto Blade Wouldn't Have Been Effective Against These Weapons

Considering everything, it appears that Ahsoka chose not to use both of her lightsabers intentionally, likely because the shorter shoto would not have been as effective. When she engaged in a prolonged duel with Marrok and his fully ignited lightsaber, it probably became necessary for Ahsoka to alter her tactics. Hence, she decided to adopt a more defensive style with powerful strikes, prioritizing these over the offensive advantages offered by the shoto and dual-wielding.

The same reasoning likely applied when Ahsoka confronted Baylan, given the immense strength and power he exerted in each swing of his orange-red lightsaber as a Dark Jedi. It is logical to assume that using a one-handed lightsaber grip would not have sufficed for Tano, making her situation even worse. Like with any style of lightsaber combat, the number or variation of lightsabers employed has its pros and cons. Therefore, it is thrilling to witness Ahsoka's adaptability as a warrior, capable of adjusting and responding to the fighting styles and strengths of her adversaries.

Ahsoka releases new episodes Tuesdays at 6pm PT / 9pm ET on Disney+.