The Journey and Fate of Luke Skywalker's Blue Lightsaber
When discussing the momentous events in the Star Wars saga, particularly the return of Luke Skywalker's blue lightsaber, it is crucial to delve into the intricacies of its history and the context surrounding its presence in the various Star Wars films and expanded universe elements. The blue lightsaber symbolizes Luke's growth as a Jedi and his readiness to face the Empire, embodying his prowess, dedication, and willingness to engage in the ultimate battle for the freedoms of the galaxy.
During the Fight with Vader
During his pivotal confrontation with Darth Vader in The Empire Strikes Back, the events leading up to and including the iconic duel on Cloud City are well-documented. On the surface, it may seem that Luke lost his lightsaber, but a closer examination reveals a continuity issue within the films. No one in the original trilogy, including Luke himself, actually lost the blue lightsaber during his infiltration and escape of the Death_star. The lightsaber, rather, was likely stowed away aboard the Millennium Falcon and remains with Luke after the conflict with Vader on Cloud City.
In Return of the Jedi
As it stands in Return of the Jedi, the blue lightsaber reappears with much greater clarity and significance. Obi-Wan Kenobi's lightsaber is a well-known prop in the series, but it was designed to be a different weapon than Anakin Skywalker's. The mistake in The Empire Strikes Back involved giving Alec Guinness the hilt that was actually meant for Anakin Skywalker's. This continuity error is a fascinating aspect of the Star Wars universe, highlighting the errors that can occur in any long-running production.
Through the entirety of Return of the Jedi, Obi-Wan's lightsaber is brought into the narrative as a powerful and iconic symbol, emphasizing the connection between Luke, Anakin, and the legacy of the Jedi Order. The blue lightsaber, once Anakin's, becomes a representation of his resurrection and the continuity of the Jedi path.
Luke's New Lightsaber in The Last Jedi
In The Last Jedi, Luke Skywalker returns to Ahchto, the island where he had been in isolation. Unlike his predecessor, Rey, who finds a lightsaber on planet Ahch-to, Luke did not leave his lightsaber there. Instead, he built a new lightsaber for himself, demonstrating his focus on his own emergency rather than the legacy objects that might have been scattered across the galaxy. This new lightsaber represents a fresh start for Luke, a symbol of his renewed resolve and the continuation of his journey as a Jedi.
During the film, Luke's lightsaber is invisible until called to his hand with the Force. This is a representation of his immense control over the Force and his evolution as a Jedi. He does not retrieve a lightsaber that was left behind on Ahch-to, but rather, he creates a new one. The mysterious lightsaber that calls to Rey in The Force Awakens is not directly related to the one Luke had on Ahch-to; instead, it serves a different narrative purpose in starting Rey's journey.
The IEEE of Maz Kanata's Deed
The return of Luke's lightsaber to Maz Kanata's shop on the planet Takodana, following the incident with Darth Vader on Bespin, is a pivotal element in the plot. Vader chopped off the hand holding the lightsaber, and it is unclear how it ended up back in Maz's possession. This plot point serves to illustrate the interconnectedness of the saga and the mystery and intrigue that permeate the universe of Star Wars. It leaves room for fan theories and speculation, adding depth to the lore and engaging fans in the narrative.
The blue lightsaber remains a powerful symbol in the Star Wars saga, representing not only the physical weapon of a Jedi but also the ideology, heritage, and the potential for redemption and growth. As a force of light, it represents the light side of the Force, a beacon of hope in a galaxy torn by darkness and chaos.
In summary, Luke Skywalker's blue lightsaber is a multifaceted element of the Star Wars universe, serving as a visual and thematic representation of his journey, from his early moments as a vulnerable young man to his prominence as a powerful Jedi. The blue lightsaber is not lost or forgotten; rather, it remains a constant symbol of his path and the legacy of the Jedi Order.