Lightsaber Colors Meaning Explained

Lightsabers have become known as an elegant weapon throughout the movies, even making cameos and mentions in other films outside of the Star Wars franchise. As a result, it has become a wanted prop by collectors, fans, kids, and even those not entirely into the Star Wars franchise who want to get their hands on one. But did you know there’s significant meaning to the color that these blades blast out when fired?

While it is explained in the series that the blades are heavily dependent on the stone they are made of, Ralph McQuarrie was the one who decided to associate the sword’s color with the user’s moral standing in the film.

The blade’s color is heavily determined by the kyber crystal used to construct it in the movies. An episode from The Clone Wars called The Gathering revealed that acquiring the force-attuned crystal is part of the rites of passage to becoming a Jedi since the crystals will only present themselves to worthy fighters.

Blue Lightsabers

The color blue represents Justice and Protection. They are the color of sabers usually wielded by Jedi Guardians who fight for the “good” side and other skilled lightsaber warriors. Notable characters we’ve seen with this color are Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker. In addition, in the later releases, we see the Blue Light Saber being passed to central characters in the series. 

Green Lightsabers

The Green Lightsaber represents the belief in peace through force, when necessary. These are usually wielded by stronger Jedi, the Jedi Counselors who prefer to negotiate and meditate instead of fighting. However, these seemingly peaceful people have stronger force abilities than other combatants. 

Luke was seen with a green lightsaber in Return of the Jedi when he ignited his blade on Jabba the Hutt’s sail barge. A green lightsaber is also wielded by Qui-Gon Jinn, the master of Obi-Wan, and Yoda, the order’s grandmaster.

Purple Lightsabers

A purple lightsaber signifies moral ambiguity in the wielder. A Jedi who holds a purple blade most likely uses both light and dark side techniques in an aggressive style in combat. Fan interpretations have stated that this represents both sides because purple is blue for good and red for evil.

Jedi Council’s Mace Windu is the wilder of a purple lightsaber. In an interview with Star Wars actor Samuel L. Jackson, it was revealed that he asked Lucas if his character could have a different colored blade, particularly a purple lightsaber instead of a green one. The actor had wanted to stand out during the arena battle in Attack of the Clones. Lucas granted his request.

Red Lightsabers

Those who have dared cross over to the dark side usually wield red lightsabers. The Sith notably wields these lightsabers. Siths cannot for a relationship with Kyber crystals the same way a Jedi can. So, instead, they steal them or take them from followers of the light they have killed.

However, they cannot use the crystal yet. A dark side force user must make the crystal bleed by channeling their energy and emotions onto the crystal. We typically see red sabers being wielded by villains like Vader, Sidious, Darth Maul, Count Dooku, Savage Opress Asajj Ventress, and several others throughout the franchise.

Black Lightsabers

The black saber symbolizes self-obsession and is wielded by those controlled with this weird obsession. Aside from being called a Black Lightsaber, it is also called the Darksaber. The Darksaber is said to be an ancient weapon constructed by the first Mandalorian who joined the order, Tarre Vizsla. However, the lightsaber has become a symbol of conflict and leadership among the Mandalorian clans upon his death.

White Lightsabers

Just like its color, the white lightsaber means calm and clear. The weight lightsaber is wielded by those who can remain calm and focused on the living force. We see the saber being used for the first time when Ahsoka makes her return in Rebels. She uses two white lightsaber blades. 

In her separate novel, Star Wars: Ahsoka, it is revealed that she obtained her crystals when she defeated the sixth brother and then healed them. The purification is rumored to be why her blades are white in hue.

Yellow Lightsabers

This is an extremely rare colored lightsaber that is wielded by highly skilled fighters. It symbolizes strength in the light side. The Jedi Temple Guards in Clone Wars wield yellow lightsabers. Meanwhile, Rey is revealed to have a yellow lightsaber in Rise of the Skywalker.

Other Colors

In Star Wars: Legends, fans are introduced to other color lightsabers, but their meaning and origins are not explained precisely. For example, Mara Jade had a magenta-colored lightsaber that was given to her by the emperor.

Meanwhile, Kyle Katarn wields an orange lightsaber in Dark Force 2: Jedi Knight. The Mandalorian Knights in Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic War comic book are illustrated wielding orange sabers.

Lowbacca, Chewbacca’s nephew, wields a bronze blade in Luke’s academy. Several other lightsabers all have different colors, but these are the ones where there is no confirmed given symbolism in the franchise.

How Does the Kyber Crystal Change Color?

It was shown in The Clone Wars that the in-training Jedi must meditate with the crystal until it would change color. The crystal is then installed at the saber’s hilt, which gives the saber color when shot.

Since Kyber crystals don’t reveal themselves to the dark side forces, the villains are forced to steal lightsabers or kill a wielder to obtain the crystal. They then make the crystal bleed by pouring in their pain and hatred. However, this can be reversed, and the crystal can return to its proper hue.

On the other hand, the dark saber remains a mystery. This unique saber is a black blade with a white halo. However, the only solid information we have about the blade is that it belonged to the first Mandalorian to become a Jedi. Perhaps the kyber became black while he was meditating? But the fact that the crystal revealed itself to him means that he is a worthy wielder.