Portrayed by Hayden Christensen
Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber is more than just a weapon. It is a symbol of a destiny shaped by war, betrayal, and redemption. This iconic Jedi weapon is central to the entire Skywalker saga, having passed through the hands of multiple generations. From the days of the Galactic Republic to the rise of the First Order, this lightsaber has witnessed both the fall and the rise of hope across the galaxy.
Originally wielded by Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars, this lightsaber later became the chosen weapon of Luke Skywalker. It was eventually discovered by Rey during the conflict with the First Order. Few artifacts in the Star Wars galaxy have been as important or as symbolic.
Design and Construction
Anakin built this particular lightsaber after losing his original one during the events on Geonosis in Attack of the Clones. That first saber was destroyed in a droid factory. The lesson was clear. A Jedi must never treat their weapon lightly.
The second saber was constructed before the events of The Clone Wars animated series and was carried by Anakin until his final duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi in Revenge of the Sith. The hilt had a sleek metallic design, featuring a polished chrome body with a black ridged grip section and a noticeable activation box. This lightsaber was built for balance, precision, and raw power.
The crystal used to power the blade was a kyber crystal. Like most Jedi Guardians, Anakin’s lightsaber blade was blue, representing strength, valor, and protection. The weapon was a reflection of the Jedi Anakin still believed himself to be, even as the galaxy fell into chaos.
Mastery During the Clone Wars
Throughout the Clone Wars, Anakin wielded this saber across countless battlefronts. Planets like Umbara, Christophis, and Ryloth became stages for Anakin’s legendary combat skills. Anakin’s lightsaber style focused on Form V: Djem So. This form was known for its strength and aggressive counter-attacks.
Anakin used this saber in his rematch against Count Dooku aboard the Invisible Hand. This time, unlike their earlier duel on Geonosis, Anakin was prepared. The duel ended with Dooku’s death and was one of the first visible cracks in Anakin’s loyalty to the Jedi Code. The same weapon that had protected Republic soldiers now ended the life of a Sith prisoner under the Chancellor’s command.
The Clone Wars not only pushed Anakin to the limits of his abilities, but also closer to the edge of the dark side. This lightsaber followed him through every trial and victory, and eventually into darkness.
The Fall of Anakin Skywalker
After turning to the dark side, Anakin—now Darth Vader—continued to use the same blue lightsaber during his initial acts as a Sith. He used it to slaughter the Separatist leaders on Mustafar and to fight against his former Jedi allies.
The final use of this saber by Anakin came during his duel with Obi-Wan on Mustafar. Their battle was one of the most emotional and visually stunning lightsaber duels in Star Wars history. The combat was fierce, but Obi-Wan’s knowledge of Anakin’s combat style gave him the advantage.
After being defeated, Anakin was left severely injured and burning near a lava river. His lightsaber lay on the volcanic ground. Obi-Wan retrieved it and took it with him when he fled.
Luke Skywalker’s Inheritance
The saber stayed with Obi-Wan Kenobi during his years of exile on Tatooine. When he met Luke Skywalker in A New Hope, Obi-Wan gifted the saber to him. The phrase “Your father wanted you to have this when you were old enough” gave the weapon new meaning. It was no longer a symbol of a fallen Jedi, but a hope for the future.
Luke trained with this saber. He used it to deflect blaster bolts, to begin his journey as a Jedi, and to duel Darth Vader on Cloud City in The Empire Strikes Back. During that battle, Vader cut off Luke’s hand and the saber fell into the depths of Cloud City.
For decades, fans were left wondering how the lightsaber could have ever been recovered. That question remained unanswered until it returned in the sequel trilogy.
Return of the Saber in the Sequel Trilogy
In The Force Awakens, the lightsaber appeared in the possession of Maz Kanata. Though Maz never explains exactly how she got it, she says simply, “That’s a story for another time.”
When Rey first touched the saber, she experienced a powerful Force vision. She saw glimpses of Luke’s past, Anakin’s fall, and even her own future. It was the moment she became connected to the Skywalker legacy.
Though Finn wielded the lightsaber briefly, it ultimately chose Rey. In The Last Jedi, the saber was damaged when Rey and Kylo Ren both attempted to claim it through the Force. The internal kyber crystal split and the hilt was torn apart.
In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey repaired the saber. The repaired version featured a leather wrap around the center of the hilt. This new design detail acknowledged the weapon’s damage and its return to use. It became a symbol of rebuilding what was broken.
Lightsaber Breakdown
Anakin Skywalker used two primary lightsabers as a Jedi.
- First Lightsaber – Blue blade. Lost on Geonosis in Attack of the Clones.
- Second Lightsaber – Blue blade. Built after Geonosis. Used in Revenge of the Sith, The Clone Wars, and by Luke in A New Hope and The Empire Strikes Back. Later used by Rey in the sequel trilogy.
After becoming Darth Vader, Anakin constructed a new red-bladed lightsaber, built using a corrupted kyber crystal that had been bled through the dark side. This saber was used throughout the Original Trilogy and was destroyed with Vader’s death on the second Death Star.
Symbolism of the Saber
Anakin’s second saber is not just a weapon. It is a legacy. It reflects the tragic path of the Jedi Order and the Skywalker family. The saber has been used by Jedi, Sith, scavengers, and heroes. It represents hope, loss, rebirth, and destiny.
This saber connected Anakin to Luke, and Luke to Rey. It symbolized the burden of legacy and the power of choice. From cutting down Sith Lords to inspiring a new Jedi, this saber has done it all.
Unlike other lightsabers that are forgotten after their user’s death, Anakin’s saber continued to evolve with the Force itself. It was destroyed, rebuilt, passed on, and ultimately buried in the sands of Tatooine by Rey. A quiet end to a weapon that had seen so much pain and heroism.
Legacy
Anakin’s lightsaber is one of the most iconic weapons in Star Wars history. It shaped galactic history in the hands of a Jedi Knight, a Sith Lord, a farmboy turned legend, and a scavenger who found her purpose.
It symbolizes the heart of the Skywalker saga. Every clash, every fall, every rise—it was there. A single blade that carried the weight of destiny, from the Clone Wars to the final battle with the Sith.
Though now buried beneath the twin suns of Tatooine, Anakin Skywalker’s saber will always be remembered. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, the light endures.
