Colors of Lightsabers and Their Meanings
Lightsabers are one of the most iconic weapons in the Star Wars universe. They come in different colors, each with its own meaning and significance to the character. As of 2023, there are eight colors of lightsabers in the Star Wars universe canon. Here is the meaning behind each one.
Color: Blue lightsaber
A blue lightsaber is the most common color of all. It represents justice, truth, and protection. This color is commonly used by Jedi Knights, who are sworn to protect the galaxy from evil.
Set decorator Roger Christian told Daniel Wallace for Star Wars: The Lightsaber Collection:
“I knew this lightsaber was the Excalibur of this film. I knew it would be the iconic image.”
Notable users of blue lightsabers include Anakin Skywalker, Luke Skywalker, and Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Color: Green lightsaber
Around the time of Return of the Jedi, Luke Skywalker was shown holding a blue lightsaber. However, when it came time to edit the film, the filmmakers realized that Luke was at one point holding a blue lightsaber against a blue sky and it didn’t stand out as much as it did in previous scenes. There was no deeper meaning behind the change in color (at the time).
Green lightsabers are often used by Jedi Consulars, who are skilled in diplomacy and negotiation. This color represents harmony and balance.
Notable users of green lightsabers include Yoda, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Luke Skywalker.
Color: Red lightsaber
Red lightsabers are used by the Sith, who seek power and control over the galaxy. Sith often create their lightsabers by “bleeding” a kyber crystal, which gives them a red glow. This color represents anger, hatred, and aggression.
Notable users of red lightsabers include Darth Vader, Darth Sidious, and Kylo Ren.
Color: Yellow lightsaber
Yellow lightsabers are used by Jedi Temple Guards, who are responsible for protecting the Jedi Order. This color represents the ability to withstand fear and uncertainty.
Notable users of yellow lightsabers include Ahsoka Tano and Rey.
Color: Purple lightsaber
Purple lightsabers are rare and are associated with the Jedi who have a deep understanding of the Force. This color represents a balance between the light and dark sides of the Force.
Notable users of purple lightsabers include Mace Windu. He uses it to decapitate the deadly bounty hunter Jango Fett in Attack of the Clones and to deflect Darth Sidious’ Force Lightning with it — disfiguring his face — in Revenge of the Sith.
Color: Orange lightsaber
Orange lightsabers are also rare and are associated with Jedi who are independent and self-sufficient. This color represents confidence and self-assurance. Jedi Padawan Kanan Jarrus: Kanan Jarrus, a survivor of the Jedi Purge, used an orange lightsaber in the Star Wars Rebels animated series. Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano: Ahsoka Tano, a former Padawan of Anakin Skywalker, used an orange lightsaber in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series. Jedi Knight Rey: In Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, Rey wields a yellow-orange lightsaber, which could be considered a variation of an orange lightsaber.
Color: White lightsaber
White lightsabers are used by Jedi who have purified crystals, which were once used by Sith. This color represents purity, clarity, and the rejection of the dark side.
Notable users of white lightsabers include Ahsoka Tano.
Color: Black lightsaber
Black lightsabers (the Darksaber) are extremely rare and are associated with Mandalorian warriors. This color represents strength, power, and the ability to overcome all obstacles. It was created by the first Mandalorian Jedi, Tarre Vizsla.
Notable users of the black lightsaber include Pre Vizsla and Sabine Wren.
