10 Fascinating Facts About Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Lightsaber From Star Wars Canon

The lightsaber. This elegant weapon for a more civilized age has been the choice accessory for Jedi since their inception. Varying in size, shape, color, and style, the lightsaber is a versatile weapon for both non-force users, Jedi, and Sith. Each saber is specifically crafted for its user and holds an important personal connection to those who wield it. It is the ultimate symbol of Star Wars.

Whether it is Darth Maul’s double-bladed preference or the simple elegance of the Skywalker blade, everyone puts their own spin on their Lightsaber. Obi-Wan Kenobi, the fabled Jedi Master of Anakin and Luke Skywalker, has had a varied history in regards to his lightsabers. Here are ten facts about Obi-Wan’s blue-bladed lightsaber.

10 Ewan Got To Choose His Saber

When filming The Phantom Menace, the crew at Lucasfilm had a chance to play with Obi-Wan’s saber hilt. Though eventually, they needed to get to the iconic hilt Alec Guinness’ character uses in the 1977 original, the production could experiment with other styles before landing on the initial design. This provided a fun bit of wish fulfillment for Obi-Wan himself: Ewan McGregor.

In the excellent behind the scenes documentary The Begining: Making Star Wars Episode I – The Phantom Menace, fans got to witness this momentous occasion for themselves. In the lead up to filming, the prop folks crafted multiple styles of saber hilt for Ewan to look over. Eventually, like a kid in a candy store, he lands on the definite look for Obi Wan’s very first lightsaber.

9 Obi-Wan Had Three Lightsabers

The life of a Jedi is one filled with peril. Their duty, to learn the teachings of the force and to serve as keepers of the peace, sounds a bit more laid back than the reality would lead you to believe. Jedi journey across the galaxy battling monsters, pirates, bounty hunters, and sith, just to name a few. The adversaries and obstacles are many, not to mention the risk.

Because of this, their equipment suffers a lot of wear and tear. Obi-Wan’s lightsaber specifically has gone through three iterations because of this. The three distinct changes were not due to a want of new aesthetic. No, instead they were necessary replacements for the many missions and duels.

8 The First Was Inspired By Qui Gon Jinn

The first saber of this Jedi Master was inspired by none other than his own mentor Qui-Gon Jinn. This rebellious Jedi master had a different bladed saber than his padawan, choosing the green color as opposed to blue. That being said, Obi-Wan’s hilt was directly designed after that of Qui-Gon’s.

Qui-Gon’s hilt was a simple design, consisting of a ringed structure painted black, a simple silver frame, and a signature red igniting button near the upper middle. Obi-Wan’s had a similar black structure and red button, but with more flair in its silver framing. The base of the hilt though, bore a rounded end with silver edging, unlike Qui-Gon’s simple base.

7 How Was It Powered?

When it comes to lightsabers, they are not as mysteriously powered as one might think. Most of the structure of the hilt is nothing more than a conductor for the blade. Obi-Wan’s saber, a simple single blade, is not different than most in this regard.

The saber itself was powered with a Diatium power cell, which was the primary power source of the weapon. While the Kyber crystal itself was essential, to ignite its blade it needed a source of heat and power. This is where the power cell enters, fueling the Kyber enough to emit the classic blue blade of Obi-Wan’s signature weapon.

6 The First Was Lost On Naboo

Obi-Wan’s first lightsaber saw a decent amount of action. Battling Droids on Naboo, accompanying him to Tatooine, and on Coruscant, that saber experienced some mileage. Sadly, it wasn’t going to last forever. This first saber saw it’s end when Kenobi faced off against the Sith Apprentice Darth Maul.

In their first duel, Kenobi, Qui-Gon, and Maul faced off in the Plasma Refinery Complex of Theed Palace. This duel of fates saw the end of Qui-Gon Jinn by the hands of the Sith, leaving Kenobi alone against this foe. Cornering Kenobi in an air shaft, Maul kicked his first saber down toward the pit. Luckily, Obi-Wan was able to force pull his fallen master’s weapon and defeat the Sith.

5 His Second Saber Was Just A Copy

Obi-Wan soon constructed a new weapon after this duel on Naboo. Fans got their first view of this saber in the second episode of the saga: Attack of the Clones. Once again though, this saber was a long call from the distinct design of the A New Hope model.

This second hilt was nearly an exact replica of his first saber from The Phantom Menace. Nearly identical, every aspect of this hilt is an exact copy of his first apart from the blade emitter. The top of the saber is slightly differing with a rounded and extended opening for the blade.

4 His Second Was Stolen By Geonosians

Out of all of his escapades before and during Episode II, this second saber was never lost. After surviving a Gundark and hunting a changeling, this saber stayed intact. Obi-Wan even had the gall to lecture Anakin for almost losing his saber during the pursuit of Zam Wesell. He should have followed his own directions.

While searching for Jango Fett, Obi-Wan followed the bounty hunter to the desert planet of Geonosis. Here, he discovered a battle droid factory and the home of the recently formed Separatists. It was here that Dooku and the Geonosians capture him and stole his saber, never to be seen again.

3 He Had A Fourth Temporary Saber

Though he soon lost his saber by the hands of the Geonosians, Obi-Wan wasn’t without a weapon during the first battle of the Clone Wars. Once Republic and Jedi forces arrived to aid Anakin, Padme, and Obi-wan, the Master and Apprentice were given temporary replacement sabers for the battle.

While Anakin was gifted a green blade, Obi-Wan’s temporary saber was once again blue. This lightsaber might not have served its owner long, but it assisted in two very crucial moments. The battle in the arena against Dooku’s forces was the genesis of the entire Clone War, a conflict that would last years. Soon after, Obi-Wan and his padawan would face off against Dooku himself.

2 His Final Saber Was The Most Important

At this point with the Clone Wars in full swing, Obi-Wan finally constructed his iconic saber hilt as seen in A New Hope. This final iteration was quite the departure from his first two designs. This hilt was far thinner is construction, with no bulky rounded end and a thinner middle section. This allowed for far lighter and quicker fighting ability.

This blade took part in some of the most important moments in Obi-Wan’s life. This weapon assisted in the Clone Wars, against his former padawan (twice), and struck down Darth Maul. It is second only to the Skywalker blade in reputation.

1 Luke Fashioned His Lightsaber After Obi-Wan’s

Though this saber fell with its wielder, it’s legacy continued far beyond. Luke Skywalker, the final apprentice of Obi-Wan Kenobi, constructed his second saber to highly resemble that of his former master’s. Like Obi-Wan before him, this sense of heritage was integral in construction.

Looking at the blades, they both have the singular round emitter, followed by a thin upper-middle and a stronger thicker base. Their ignite button is also a familiar rectangle shape. The reason for many of these similarities is obviously in homage, but also due to availability. When constructing, Luke made his lightsaber from lost pieces found in Obi-Wan’s hut on Tatooine, as seen in a deleted scene from Return of the Jedi.

About The Author

Matt Berger
(214 Articles Published)

Matt Berger is a writer, comedian, actor, Paddington enthusiast, and Corgi dad. He currently writes for Screen Rant, has written for Bloody Disgusting, hosts the Film School Sucked podcast, and co-hosts the Macabre podcast. Matt is an alumni of Portland State University with a degree in English and Film Studies.

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