Lightsabers are the most recognisable weapon that we associate with the Jedi or the Sith. All the same, there are several controversial points that the Star Wars universe has introduced us to.
One of them is definitely a lightsaber colour and its significance!
The majority of our favourite characters are associated with a specific colour. That’s how we easily recognise a Sith or a Jedi.
The fans can also instantly say what colour of the kyber crystals was given to their favourite character. In other words, it’s not just some useless piece of information.
This weapon is your life — perfectly said by the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.
Since they are crucial for the lives of protagonists and antagonists, they give us more insights into character.
All the same, can we judge a character relying on the colour of the blade?
Let’s find out.
Does lightsaber colour really matter?
Visual storytelling is a major part of cinematography. Some colours are attributed to villains, and others are associated with heroes. That’s how the Star Wars universe ended up with villains carrying around red lightsabers.
Even if the colour theory of lightsabers was never specifically confirmed, it is still uncanny. I also know that not every fan out there will agree with me. All the same, it’s hard to argue when the Star Wars universe and showrunners rely on colour theory themselves.
Besides, we have to remember that it is a film. This means that aesthetics and colours play a significant role. Therefore, disregarding these and other options wouldn’t be fair.
From the Legends, I had learned that the original Jedi used lightsaber colours to indicate their positions and strengths.
In canon, the situation is more complicated since Disney is not necessarily willing to agree or disagree with the colour theory.
Alas, here’s a short summary:
| Colour | Significance |
| Blue | Used by the Jedi Guardians like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi.Balance between power and mind. |
| Green | The green sabre was meant for a Jedi Consular. Used by Luke Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Grand Master Yoda. Attributed to Jedi who prefer to use mind over brutal strength. |
| Purple | Rare lightsaber colour seen only a few times, mostly used by Mace Windu.Rumoured to be a balance between Light and Dark Sides of the Force. |
| Yellow | Indicated a Jedi Sentinel.Double-bladed yellow sabers are used by Jedi Temple Guards.Rey also has a yellow lightsaber.Attributed to protectors and sometimes healers. |
| White | Ahsoka Tano was the first character to wield white-bladed sabres.Symbolises purity. |
| Red | “Evil” colour created by synthetic Kyber crystals.Used by Darth Vader, Darth Maul, Darth Sidious, Count Dooku, Inquisitors, and Kylo Ren.Visually symbolises the Sith. |
| Black | Darksaber used by the Mandalorians to fight Jedi.May resemble Tarre Vizsla and his evil intentions. |
I also have to establish that the colours change depending on the core of the lightsabre.
The Jedi get their kyber crystals from the mines of Ilum. It is an ice-covered planet sacred to the Jedi. Through the “Gathering,” the younglings venture into the depths of local mines, go through several challenges and earn their crystals. It is an intricate and perilous process.
Ilum has corrupted many minds with Force visions!
Now that we have the basics in mind let’s review the characteristics of each colour.
Blue
Blue is one of the most popular colours of lightsabers. As I have mentioned before, we usually associate the main protagonist with this specific colour.
Many famous Jedi, like Anakin Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi, wield that specifically blue lightsaber.
It is obviously quite surprising since both of them are very different. All the same, I have to remind you that Obi-Wan Kenobi did teach Anakin Skywalker. It might have influenced Anakin’s character.
Initially, blue was associated with the Jedi Guardians!
They were heroes of the Jedi Order meant to save innocent lives. They were not the ones to stand back or behind.
Sounds familiar?
No matter how much Obi-Wan Kenobi relied on his negotiations, he was still ready to jump into battle. I will not even mention Anakin Skywalker because everyone knows how heroic and quick he is on his feet.
In short, blue lightsabers are meant for heroic, battle-ready and strong characters.
Green
The green lightsaber is almost just as popular and well-known as the blue one. Amongst the Jedi, who carried the green blade, I can definitely name Luke Skywalker, Qui-Gon Jinn, and Grand Master Yoda.
From the legends, I also know that green was initially meant for the Jedi Consular.
They were on the path of harmony. They always wanted to find peace and balance in the Force. It is also said that these types of Jedi can predict the appearance of evil.
This definitely reminds me of Master Yoda. He mostly did the work “behind the scenes,” whilst “blue lightsabers” handled the battles.
In a way, Obi-Wan could easily carry a green blade. All the same, he preferred the heat of the battle even after getting the moniker of the Negotiator.
Finally, the Jedi Consulars are also teachers. Apart from Master Yoda, Luke Skywalker was also an excellent teacher. He decided to carry on the Jedi legacy after defeating Palpatine (for a whilst).
Red
The Sith use “raw elements cooked in a brood of furnace” to get a synthetic crystal, hence the red colour. This also allows them to insert an essence of their will and the Dark side directly into the crystal.
The actual bleeding of Kyber Crystals is definitely new to this franchise. The first idea of bled Kyber Crystals was introduced in the Darth Vader comic book. The Sith would hunt the Jedi, steal their crystals, and bleed them with darkness to make them their own.
This act actually turns the crystals into the signature red of the Sith!
You can find out why Jedi don’t used red lightsabers in this article here.
Purple
One of the only Jedi masters associated with purple colour is Mace Windu.
Initially, Samuel L. Jackson simply wanted an original colour. George Lucas asked him to pick a colour, and he chose purple.
Only later, the fans of the franchise started speculating that purple was a perfect balance between red and blue (Dark and Light).
It fits since Mace Windu is not the most peaceful of the Jedi. He definitely has a Dark Side, and his signature Form VII only confirms it.
It is an aggressive and unpredictable form, just like the purple lightsaber and Mace himself!
Yellow
Yellow is not the most popular Jedi colour. It is associated with the Jedi Sentinels. They showcase a balance between the green and blue colours. They are experts in both combat and negotiations.
Usually, yellow is associated with the Jedi Temple Guards, who protect the Temple. They wield double-bladed weapons.
All the same, Disney introduced another character with this colour, and it was Rey Skywalker (we shall not talk about her last name).
Since yellow is meant for protectors and people who are ready for the unexpected — she fits. Besides, Rey was quite good with technology. It is yet another characteristic of the Jedi Sentinel.
White
Ahsoka, so far, is the only one with white lightsabers.
Why is that?
Ahsoka purified the Sith crystals. Precisely this purification process gave them the unique white colour that later became her signature.
There is also a deeper meaning discussed by Dave Filoni. He said that white signifies how balanced Ahsoka is. She is neither a Jedi nor a Sith.
White shows that Ahsoka is connected to the Light yet she doesn’t believe in ideals established by the Jedi Order. Additionally, from the basic colour theory, we also know that this colour symbolises purity and goodness.
These characteristics definitely describe Ahsoka Tano!
Black
There exists only one black lightsaber, and it was technically meant for the first and the last Mandalorian Jedi.
Originally, the Darksaber was created by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian to be a part of the Jedi Order. The black lightsaber uses elements from a traditional sword and the Jedi weapon.
The black blade is easy to recognise. All the same, its edges usually light up with white, making it even more menacing and alluring.
Still, during the Mandalorian-Jedi War, the Mandalorians developed many new weapons against the Jedi. That’s how the Darksaber became one of the strongest weapons against the Jedi.
They probably should have known that black colour was not meant for anything good!
As for colour theory, black may symbolise evil intentions and darkness. This a pretty evident conclusion, knowing that Darksaber was a desirable weapon for many villains like Darth Maul.
Conclusion
In short, it is completely up to you to decide whether you want colours to mean something.
Legends prefer to distribute colours to specific groups of the Jedi. They depend on preferences, skills, and strengths.
Canon colours were initially created for aesthetics and visual storytelling. All the same, it is challenging to argue that blue is perfect for Anakin Skywalker. Plus, purple is definitely Mace Windu’s signature colour.
I prefer to think that Kyber crystals of different colours appeal to specific users. Colours will differ depending on the core of the Force user.
Thus, your core determines the core of your lightsaber.