Summary
The meaning of orange lightsabers in the Star Wars universe is unexplained, leaving fans curious and eager for answers.
The color of lightsabers can vary depending on the emotions of the individual using them, indicating their connection to the Force. However, the meaning behind the color orange is still uncertain. A potential explanation for this ambiguity could be found in Ahsoka season 2 or other supplementary materials within the Star Wars universe, which often delve into intricate details like this.
The Ahsoka season finale left viewers with numerous unanswered questions for future Star Wars projects. However, the most prominent unexplained mystery revolves around Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati and their orange lightsabers. Fans were immediately captivated by the visually remarkable blades upon the release of the first Ahsoka trailer. Consequently, they eagerly anticipated an explanation for the significance of an orange lightsaber within the Star Wars universe. Regrettably, Ahsoka season 1 failed to address this matter, leaving it uncertain when Star Wars will provide a resolution.
Nonetheless, orange lightsabers are not entirely unfamiliar in the Star Wars saga. By examining previous stories, insights can be gleaned regarding their meaning within the canon. Ahsoka also offers details about the characters that support several theories, and a closer look at Ahsoka Tano's lightsabers may provide context for Baylan's. It is possible that Ahsoka season 2 will shed light on what the first season did not, but until then, the orange lightsabers wielded by Baylan and Shin remain an enigma.
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Baylan & Shin's Orange Lightsabers Were A Major Star Wars Mystery
The appearance of orange lightsabers in Star Wars is quite rare, suggesting that they hold special significance. While various lightsaber colors, including orange, had their own unique meanings in the Legends continuity, the Star Wars canon has introduced new explanations for lightsaber colors. A kyber crystal powers a lightsaber, typically occurring in blue, green, and occasionally purple shades. This mirrors the lightsabers used by the Jedi in the Star Wars films and TV series, although there are occasional deviations. Jedi Temple guards notably wielded double-bladed yellow lightsabers, potentially implying that Rey, adopting this color in the final installment of the sequel trilogy, assumes the role of the guardian of the Jedi Order.
Star Wars' Orange Lightsabers Simply Went Unexplained
The lightsaber in Star Wars canon has undergone a significant modification whereby the color of a kyber crystal can now be altered depending on the individual wielding it. These kyber crystals, inherently connected to the Force, possess the ability to be influenced by the emotions of the wielder, thereby changing their state. In the case of the Sith, it was customary to corrupt a Jedi kyber crystal, infusing it with their anger and hatred, resulting in a process known as "bleeding." On the other hand, Ahsoka's possession of two white lightsabers signifies her affiliation with neither the Jedi nor the Sith. Although there are numerous lightsaber colors recognized in canon and a method to change their hues, the placement of orange within this spectrum remains uncertain.
The significance of the orange lightsaber color remains a mystery even after the Ahsoka finale. It's a missed opportunity as a TV show could have delved deeper into the exploration of lightsaber colors. Ray Stevenson's portrayal of Baylan was outstanding, and his character was flawlessly crafted. Ahsoka could have gone further and provided an explanation for his choice of orange lightsabers for both himself and his apprentice. Baylan made it clear to the New Republic captain that he and Shin were not Jedi, nor were they Sith. This opens up several possibilities for what the color orange may symbolize.
Will Star Wars Ever Explain What An Orange Lightsaber Means?
A possible explanation is that Baylan and Shin's affinity for the dark side is comparable to Ahsoka's white blades, yet they do not possess the same level of malevolence as the Sith. This concept draws parallels to the use of orange lightsabers in Legends, often wielded by "Gray" Jedi who did not fully align with either the light or dark side of the Force. However, similar to the Jedi Temple guards who brandished yellow blades, it is plausible that orange lightsabers signify a unique role within the Jedi Order. It is also plausible that Baylan utilized a different type of crystal, considering that kyber crystals became extremely rare after the Empire's conquest of the galaxy.
Orange lightsabers in Star Wars may be explained in the future, but probably not in Ahsoka season 2. It would be interesting if Baylan or Shin had the opportunity to reveal the significance behind the orange blades. However, Star Wars has often left such explanations for non-movie and TV content. The process of lightsaber creation was never explained in the films, and even when Star Wars: The Clone Wars covered it, the natural colors and the creation of red blades were explored in books and comics. Even the purpose of yellow lightsabers was never directly addressed onscreen; their meaning was only implied and later clarified outside the show.
In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Kylo Ren's red lightsaber had a unique feature. Guidebooks revealed that its handle showcased an ancient design, and the unstable blade was a result of a cracked kyber crystal. Considering the previous explanations of lightsaber colors, it is likely that orange lightsabers will receive further elaboration in an Ahsoka tie-in book or an updated guide to the Star Wars universe. However, fans may be in for a surprise if Dave Filoni and his team decide to delve into the history of Baylan and Shin, exploring orange lightsabers in Ahsoka season 2.