Movies

Star Wars: The incredible journey of Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber

An ode to one of the most important weapons in Star Wars history.

December 20, 2017

“It’s your father’s lightsaber. This is the weapon of a Jedi Knight. Not as clumsy or random as a blaster. An elegant weapon, for a more civilized age.”

And with those famous words Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi introduced both Luke Skywalker and countless Star Wars fans the world over to perhaps the most storied weapon in all of Star Wars lore. No, not the superlaser aboard the Death Star — but a kyber-crystal powered armament that has actually withstood the test of time (one that’s still around and being put to good use in the current movies, in fact): the lightsaber of Anakin Skywalker. If Anakin’s lightsaber could talk, it’d probably sound like Roger Murtaugh from Lethal Weapon: “I’m getting too old for this shit.” That’s because Anakin’s lightsaber has been through myriad crucial moments in Star Wars history and then some.

Although during a pivotal scene of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the lightsaber is seemingly shattered during a power struggle between Kylo Ren and Rey, towards the end of the film Rey can be seen holding the fractured hilt of the lightsaber with what looks to be foreshadowing of its reconstruction. With that in mind, here’s a look at what Anakin’s trusty laser sword has been through over the years:

Defended Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars [22 BBY-19 BBY]):

Decapitated Count Dooku (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith [19 BBY]):

Cut off Mace Windu’s hand (Revenge of the Sith) [19 BBY]:

Murdered Jedi during the march on the Jedi Temple, including younglings (RotS [19 BBY]):

Killed Nute Gunray, Viceroy of the Trade Federation (RotS [19 BBY]):

Used by Anakin in the battle against Obi-Wan on Mustafar (RotS [19 BBY]):

Recovered by Obi-Wan and given to Luke (Star Wars: A New Hope [0 BBY/ABY]):

Saves Luke from a Wampa (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back [3 ABY]):

Sliced open the belly of a tauntaun to keep Luke warm from the bitter Hoth cold (ESB [3 ABY]):

Used in the first battle between Luke and Vader on Bespin (ESB [3 ABY]):

Defended Finn against FN-2199 (Star Wars: The Force Awakens [34 ABY]):

Used by Rey against Kylo Ren (TFA [34 ABY]):

Skewered Supreme Leader Snoke(Star Wars: The Last Jedi [34 ABY]):

Key: BBY = Before Battle of Yavin, AKA the Battle of the Death Star which takes place in Star Wars: A New Hope.
ABY = After Battle of Yavin.

—

One of the biggest questions that comes from the astounding history of Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber – How did it make its way from the depths of Cloud City on Bespin to the hands of Maz Kanata on Takodana? Will the new Star Wars universe answer this burning question in the films? Or will we have to wait for a comic book or novel to solve the mystery?

Is Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber the most legendary weapon in the galaxy? Did we miss any adventures that the fabled lightsaber took part in? Sound off in the comments.