The Best in Fictional Weaponry: The Lightsaber

*Originally published on 2/8/12



Star Wars has become a pop culture titan. It won the hearts of a generation and is still talked about to this day. Not all the talk is positive, mind you, but whatever the case, it has inspired passion in those familiar with it.

The series of films is well known for creating memorable characters and giving us classic moments and lines of dialogue that are quoted to this day. In addition to this, it also gave us one of the more iconic weapons in the appropriately named light saber, the weapon primarily used by Jedi Knights.

As the name suggests, it is a sword that uses hard light instead of a traditional metal blade. This not only gives the weapon a distinct look, but also gives the weapon a versatility that one would not get with a regular sword.

For example, the fact that the light blade is retractable gives it an element of safety. The risk of injury is greatly reduced seeing as the blade only comes out when the wielder wants it to.

In addition to this, the "blade" of a lightsaber is far more durable. The blade doesn't dull, and it is also capable of cutting through almost anything. While there are exceptions, the general rule of thumb is that the only thing that a light saber blade can't cut through is another light saber blade.

In terms of combat, the light saber provides the wielder with options. You can hold a lightsaber like you would a larger, two-handed sword (frequently depicted in the original trilogy). If one chooses, he or she could also use one hand, freeing the other hand up for another weapon or device. While a lightsaber/blaster dual wield set up would seem to be preferable, most Jedi use multiple light sabers in the rare instances where they do dual wield.

Interestingly enough, the lightsaber is also a potent defensive tool . As mentioned before, nothing can penetrate a lightsaber blade, and this includes blaster fire. If a blaster bolt does hit the blade, it is deflected. As such, if a Jedi does find himself bringing a lightsaber to a gun-fight, he or she can still hold his own. Often times, the deflection can work to the Jedi's advantage, as the blaster fire will hit the person who fired it in the first place.

The mechanics of the lightsaber were never made clear, but a specific type of crystal was involved. Assembling one is also no easy feat. In fact, building your own was a sort of rite of passage for those in training to become Jedis themselves.

While a simple weapon at face value, it does give the wielder a lot of advantages. Old Ben Kenobi may have been right when he said it was a step up over a simple blaster as, not only has it become more iconic, but it is far more flexible in combat situations.