The Mysterious Journey of Ahsoka in the Star Wars Universe

Highlights

The Blade of Talzin, wielded by Morgan Elsbeth in the Ahsoka season finale, is a relic from the distant past that made an appearance in The Clone Wars. This formidable weapon, endowed with Nightsister magick, possesses the extraordinary ability to repel lightsaber strikes.

Force-imbued blades, such as the Blade of Talzin, offer an intriguing alternative to lightsabers in the Star Wars universe. They not only align with the Jedi's belief in the Force as a unifying energy, but also provide opportunities for diverse weapon designs and storytelling possibilities.

Dave Filoni, a renowned storytelling master in the Star Wars realm, has proven his proficiency in projects like Star Wars: Rebels and the recently concluded first season of Ahsoka. Through these works, he not only delves into the future of the Star Wars saga, but also establishes connections to its rich past, linking various eras of the franchise. A pivotal element in accomplishing this feat is the Blade of Talzin, bestowed upon Morgan Elsbeth by the Great Mothers of Peridea upon their celestial tower. Selected by Thrawn to defend against adversaries like Ahsoka and her companions, Elsbeth remained in the distant galaxy, enabling the escape of Thrawn and the Nightsisters.

Where Has The Blade of Talzin Been Seen Before?

In the Ahsoka season finale, Morgan Elsbeth wielded a physical blade that was presented to her by the Nightsisters. This particular weapon has appeared in the Star Wars universe before, as it holds historical significance. As the Great Mother summoned it and spoke the words "The Blade of Talzin," devoted fans immediately recognized its significance. They were first introduced to this weapon during season six of The Clone Wars when a Nightsister engaged in combat with a Jedi. Interestingly enough, it was used against none other than Jedi Master Mace Windu.

What is The Blade of Talzin?

Yet, the Nightsister Mother Talzin stands apart from her fellow Nightsisters. Notably, she holds the esteemed title of being Darth Maul's mother, the beloved Sith warrior, and she is recognized as one of the most formidable Nightsisters of her era. In a riveting encounter with Mace Windu on the planet Zardossa Stix, she boldly cautioned him that his abilities were no match for her mystical powers. To showcase her dominance, she effortlessly conjured a seemingly ordinary blade, which materialized from thin air within a mesmerizing pillar of vibrant green essence. Windu's lightsaber failed to swiftly slice through her metallic weapon with the ease it would possess against an ordinary sword.

The Blade of Talzin defies the power of a Jedi's lightsaber effortlessly. The Force allows for such incredible feats. It remains unknown whether the Nightsisters summoned the blade from pure magick, materializing its form, or fabricated it through a meticulous process of forging and hammering, enabling them to summon it at will. Nevertheless, the existence of the blade is made possible by the Force. Nightsister magick, a variant of Force Magic, falls under the domain of Dark Side Force abilities.

A Case for More Blades Like Talzin in Star Wars

In both The Clone Wars and Ahsoka, the Blade of Talzin exhibits the unique ability to deflect lightsaber attacks with the same precision as an actual lightsaber due to the infusion of magick. While it may not possess the same cutting power as a lightsaber against all materials, it remains equally portable as the witches are able to summon it effortlessly out of thin air.

In the Star Wars universe, the Blade of Talzin isn't the only physical blade resembling a lightsaber. As per Legends material, early Jedi warriors wielded Force-imbued blades as their preferred weapons long before the lightsaber was invented. These blades, made of solid metal, did not rely on kyber crystals and emitted a radiant glow fueled by the Force. By channeling the Force through their weapon, the blade would become exceptionally sharp, capable of slicing through any material, much like a lightsaber. However, without the Force, it would be as dull as a butter knife. Fans of Star Wars games might recall encountering such weapons in Star Wars: The Old Republic. Considering this rich history, Dave Filoni could explore the idea of moving away from lightsabers in future Jedi storylines, allowing a return to their original roots.

The blades rely on the user channeling the Force in order to function. This concept aligns well with a group of individuals who view the Force as a unifying force. In the stories of the High Republic, it is revealed that Jedi crafts required the Force to be operated. This approach not only adheres to the comprehensive teachings of the Jedi but also makes their equipment exclusive to those who possess the ability to use the Force. It alleviates concerns of untrained individuals wielding lightsabers against the Jedi or theft of their vehicles by common thieves.

Furthermore, this would ultimately lead to greater satisfaction among fans in the long run. Allow me to elaborate on this point. With each new addition to the Star Wars universe, fans eagerly anticipate the unveiling of new lightsaber designs. However, they are often disappointed as these designs usually only pertain to the hilt, which does not meet their expectations. Had Kylo Ren's hilt been designed as a physical sword, it would not have received the same level of criticism. Additionally, the effects team would have the opportunity to create unique designs for the glowing blade, allowing each one to manifest its glow in distinct ways. Ultimately, the introduction of the Blade of Talzin paves the way for a more varied assortment of weapons in the Star Wars universe, an aspect that is always thrilling for fans to witness.