The Mystique and Utility of Lightsabers in the Star Wars Universe

Lightsabers, with their distinctive red blades and UFC-style sportscaster calls, have captured the hearts and imaginations of Star Wars fans for decades. While Jedi and Sith are typically the exclusive wielders of these iconic energy swords, the question often arises: why do only Jedi and Sith use lightsabers and not other characters, such as standard soldiers?

Reasons for Sole Ownership of Lightsabers

Tradition: Lightsabers have been a part of the Jedi Order since its inception, passed down through generations as a symbol of their discipline and heritage. The insularity of the organization means that the use of such weapons is a deeply ingrained tradition.

Symbolism: A lightsaber serves as a physical marker of a Jedi's might or mightiness, especially since effectively wielding one generally requires Force-sensitivity. The construction of a lightsaber is a significant milestone in every Jedi's life, a testament to mastery over the Force and spatial skills.

Philosophical and Practical Considerations

Lightsabers are most commonly associated with peace, compromise, and defense. They are not designed to be ranged weapons, intentionally limiting their use in battle. According to Luke Skywalker, a lightsaber epitomizes the Jedi philosophy of peace over war, compromise over conflict, and defense over offense. As such, a Jedi must physically engage with an opponent, making the critical decision to strike down a fellow being in front of them: a face rather than a distant target.

Uncommon Usage and Instances in Legends

Despite the Jedi and Sith being the primary lightsaber wielders, there are exceptions. Characters like Kyle Katarn, Cal Kestis, and Kanan Jarrus, while not Jedi, have used lightsabers in various capacities. In Shield of Lies, Dark Forces: Jedi Knight, and Jedi: Survivor, these characters have demonstrated their ability to wield lightsabers albeit in offbeat and unorthodox ways.

Even in standard stormtroopers, the use of lightsabers is practically non-existent due to their lack of Force-sensitivity and inability to defend against blaster shots. A lightsaber-wielding stormtrooper would be quick to find himself in a slump as the enemy's precision and superior weaponry would likely lead to his quick demise. The force (and equipment) is with the Jedi, after all.

Construction and Power Sources

In broader contexts within the Star Wars universe, lightsabers could be constructed by anyone in both canon and Legends, though the secrets of manufacturing were not widely known. In Legends, lightsabers could be powered by a variety of sources including Nak’tra, Krayt Dragon pearls, and even Yuuzhan Vong Lambents, which had the unique ability to grant users the capacity to perceive Yuuzhan Vong in the Force.

In canon, however, lightsabers are powered by Kyber or Kohlen crystals. This scarcity of the required Kyber crystals, harvested from fallen Jedi's lightsabers and from Ilum and Jeddha, explains the rarity of lightsabers in a post-Jedi era. The Death Star's power also comes from Kyber, further illustrating the critical significance of these crystals.

Blaster Usage in Post-Order 66 Era

Additionally, the notion that Jedi and Sith are the only wielders of lightsabers in the Star Wars universe is a myth. In Legends, New Republic Jedi wielded blasters nearly as often as they wielded lightsabers. They used their lightsabers for melee combat but relied on blasters for other tasks. For instance, during the Mission to Myrkr, Tesar Sebatyne used a minicannon to incapacitate Yuuzhan Vong warriors, showing that Jedi are far from weaponless in a blaster-filled universe.

After Episode V, the use of lightsabers by the Jedi became a complex narrative device used to symbolize the Jedi's strict adherence to their way of life and to differentiate them from the more modern and pragmatic characters introduced by George Lucas. This arbitrary decision led to a multitude of storytelling issues where Jedi are unable to use blasters for practical purposes like rescuing hostages, leading to creative workarounds such as Mace Windu using force lightning to save hostages in the Legends continuity.

The rare and unique nature of lightsabers, combined with the insular traditions and philosophical beliefs of the Jedi Order, ensures that only a select few wield these iconic weapons. Whether in Legends or canon, the historical and cultural significance of lightsabers makes them a cornerstone of the Star Wars universe.