Dual Destinies: Anakin Skywalker's Lightsabers Unleashed

Jedi Prodigy turned Sith menace. In the vast Galaxies of Star Wars, one name stands out the most as a symbol of both heroic valor and tragic downfall. Anakin Skywalker, a Jedi prodigy whose journey from innocence to darkness captivated audiences across generations.

Anakin Skywalker made his film debut in "Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace."

The young Anakin Skywalker was portrayed by actor Jake Lloyd. Later, the older Anakin Skywalker was portrayed by actor Hayden Christensen in the prequel trilogy.

His Journey

From his humble beginnings as a young slave on Tatooine to his transformation into the feared Sith Lord, Darth Vader. Anakin’s Journey is one of the most compelling arcs in cinematic history.

Anakin Skywalker was the ‘Chosen One’, prophesied to bring balance to the force. However, his love for his wife Padme, and fear of loss lead to his fall to the dark side.

A major part of his identity and growth are the lightsabers he wielded. Each of his lightsabers is a reflection of his character and his descent into darkness.

Colors

Anakin Skywalker wielded four lightsabers in the Star Wars Saga. With blue lightsabers being the most significant during his time as a Jedi and red as Darth Vader. Anakin also used a non-functional training lightsaber with a blue blade. Moreover, he also used a green lightsaber temporarily after losing his first lightsaber.

As far as the cyan color is concerned. In some clips, it may look cyan but Anakin's lightsaber is the perfect blue color. Even though the lightsaber was passed down the Skywalker line. The identity of Anakin's blue crystal blade never wavered.

Evolution of Lightsabers

Anakin Skywalker’s lightsabers evolved alongside him. Reflecting his journey from a Jedi filled with hope to a formidable Sith Lord filled with darkness.

Even the different colors of Anakin’s lightsaber show the changes in his character as his journey proceeded. His transformation from a noble Jedi to the dark side and his salvation. Hence, completing his profound transformation.

Now, unveiling Anakin’s iconic journey!

First Lightsaber

Anakin Skywalker, as a Padawan, also went through the traditional journey of traveling to the Planet of Illum. After overcoming the given tests, he earned his own Kyber crystal. Using the hard-earned crystal, Anakin constructed his first Lightsaber.

In “Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones ', Anakin’s Jedi training had a turning point. He constructed his first lightsaber, under the guidance of his Master, Obi Wan Kenobi Lightsaber. His first lightsaber featured a blue blade, complex control, and dark ridges on the blade. The blue blade symbolized hope, potential, and a new beginning in the Jedi order.

Anakin’s first lightsaber became a powerful tool in his hand. He fought to protect the weak and used it against the forces of evil. Furthermore, this lightsaber also played a crucial role in trying to keep his forbidden love with Padmé Amidala, a secret.

However, Anakin Skywalker’s first lightsaber met its demise during the Battle of Geonosis. Where it was cut into half by a mechanical cutting arm. While facing the battle droids and separatists.

Second Lightsaber

Anakin Skywalker utilised a green lightsaber for a short while after misplacing his first lightsaber. This lightsaber was not one of his primary lightsabers. Anakin Skywalker briefly wielded the green lightsaber as a replacement in his duel with Count Dooku Lightsaber.

While Anakin Skywalker’s time with a green lightsaber was short-lived, it was a notable aspect of his lightsaber journey.

Third Lightsaber

Anakin Skywalker’s third lightsaber was his second creation. He constructed his second lightsaber after the destruction of the first. The second lightsaber had a similar design to the first one. It also featured a blue blade, representing the continuation of his character's identity as a Jedi Knight. It also showed his unwavering commitment to the Jedi order, despite his internal struggles against the dark temptations.

Anakin’s emotions and attachment to Padme intensified, and so did his inner conflict between light and dark desires. Moreover, as the clone war raged on Anakin faced increasing challenges that tested his resolve and loyalty.

Eventually, Anakin gave into those dark desires and joined the Sith Lord Darth Sidious. Even After joining the dark side, Anakin still used his blue lightsaber. He used the blue lightsaber to cut down many of the Jedi Knights, Padawans, and even the Jedi Younglings.

Unfortunately, this lightsaber also met its end during the fateful confrontation with his former Master, Obi Wan Kenobi. During this emotionally charged duel on the mountain of Mustafar, Anakin met his downfall due to his aggression and obsession with power.

Being defeated and left for dead was the last push for Anakin Skywalker to completely turn into Darth Vader. Anakin lost his limbs along with the second blue lightsaber amid the chaos.

Obi Wan Kenobi eventually took Anakin’s lightsaber and kept it for nearly two decades. Until he passed it on to Anakin’s son, Luke Skywalker.

Fourth Lightsaber

The destruction of his second blue lightsaber was a pivotal moment. It symbolized Anakin Skywalker’s complete fall to the dark side and the birth of Darth Vader.

From that point onwards he started to wield the menacing red colored lightsaber of the Sith. Leaving behind the blue blades of his hopeful and heroic past.

The character Darth Vader was born out of Anakin Skywalker's whole embrace of the dark side in "Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith." He used a red blade to build his new lightsaber. Which eventually became the iconic weapon of Darth Vader.

The new lightsaber featured a crimson red color with a sleek design. Reflecting the dark and foreboding nature of its wielder and his commitment to the Sith’s goal of complete domination.

Darth Vader’s red lightsaber was wielded with deadly precision, showcasing his mastery of lightsaber combat form. He used it to hunt down and eliminate the remaining Jedi Knights. Following the commands of Darth Sidious who was also the Emperor Palpatine. Darth Vader wielded his red lightsaber against the Jedi Order, with merciless efficiency.

However, in “Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi,” when the Emperor tried to turn Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side, the internal conflict within Darth Vader started. The love for his son reawakened the Anakin Skywalker within him. Eventually, in the moment of redemption, Darth Vader chose his son, Luke Skywalker over the Emperor.

In the emotional climax, Darth Vader made the ultimate sacrifice of using force to destroy Emperor Palpatine. All the while fulfilling his prophecy as the chosen one. During this act, the intense energy released caused severe damage to the infamous red lightsaber of Darth Vader. Further symbolizing the end of Darth Vader’s reign as a Sith Lord. Also, his use of the Red Lightsaber.

In his final moments, Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber returned to its former blue color. Signifying his return to the light. Anakin Skywalker found peace, leaving behind his dark legacy of Darth Vader.

Anakin's lightsaber after Empire Strikes Back?

Anakin’s blue lightsaber was given to Luke Skywalker. The story of the blue lightsaber also known as the ‘Skywalker Lightsaber’ continues after ‘Empire Strikes Back’.

As you follow the storyline you will realize why it was called a Skywalker Lightsaber.

However, it was not long before Luke lost his father's lightsaber. Anyway, it ended up in the Maz Katana’s collection in a temple. Where it follows its journey with Rey Skywalker. An interesting twist many fans did not see coming!

Anakin Skywalker's Lightsaber's Hilt

Anakin’s lightsaber (Hilt) design stayed the same throughout his lifetime. He was fond of simplistic yet functional designs.

That is why he built a long cylindrical lightsaber hilt with sleek mouldings. Even though his lightsaber features a custom design. The hilt itself is made of durable carbon and metal composites. Furthermore, the hilt is about 28 cm long.

To increase the grip on his lightsaber Anakin added the grip guards and the conductor towards the end of the hilt. Plus the crystal energy chamber and acvtivators are well hidden in the middle of the hilt length.

The front houses the essentials only. Like the blade power and length adjustment secondary to the stabilizing ring and emitter.

Specifications

Owner	Anakin Skywalker
Hilt Shape	All Lightsabers: Cylindrical and Straight Hilt
Hilt Material	All Lightsaber: Alloy Metal and Carbon Composites Blade
Blade Type	Single Blade Blade
Color	First & Second Lightsaber: Blue Third Lightsaber: Green (Temporarily) Fourth Lightsaber: Red

 

Meaning Behind the Colors

The blue and red lightsabers hold significant symbolism in Anakin Skywalker’s journey.

The blue colored lightsaber in Jedi Order is associated with their connection to the light side of the Force. Moreover, it symbolizes traits such as hope, courage, and justice. The blue blade lightsaber in Jedi Order shows the selflessness of the knights for the sake of justice. For Anakin Skywalker, his blue lightsabers showcased his promising potential as the chosen one.

The Red color of the lightsaber is the hallmark of the Sith Lord. Moreover, it represents traits like anger, hatred, and the pursuit of power. Lightsabers that are crimson stand for people who have accepted the evil side of the Force. After Anakin Skywalker went evil and became Darth Vader, his lightsaber took on a frightening crimson hue.

Luke’s Green Vs. Anakin's Blue?

I wish there was an explosive mystery that I could answer with. However, the reason to me seems more shallow. For directors while directing the original trilogy. There seemed to be an issue.

Back in the time, due to the lack of advanced technology. The color of Luke's original blue blade had to be changed. Because it was clashing with the color of the sky and was almost camouflaged in the background.

That is why the color of Luke’s blade was temporarily changed and a whole analogy of different colors was introduced in Star Wars.

Conclusion

The lightsabers served as mirrors of Anakin Skywalker’s transformation reflecting the constant struggle between light and darkness within him. Anakin’s lightsaber journey is an iconic arc, showing that even in the darkness, a small good always prevails. Which is reflected in the blue blade of hope as a young Padawan.

Further through his fall by the red lightsaber and his redemption which turned the lightsaber back to blue. Leaving behind a legacy that transcends Galaxies in the Star Wars universe.

Anakin remains one of the most prominent Star Wars characters. The story of his lightsabers continues. Particularly his third blue lightsaber. That story has yet to see its end. If you want to know what happened to Anakin's lightsaber after Rey? Follow our Rey Skywalker Lightsaber journey!

Canon Appearance

Star Wars: Galactic Defense

Star Wars: Force Arena

Star Wars Battlefront II

Star Wars Adventure: The Clone Wars - Battle Tales 1,2 & 5

Star Wars: The Clone Wars Film

Age of Republic: Anakin Skywalker 1

Age of Republic: Padmé Amidala (In Flashbacks)

Star Wars: Forces of Destiny

Dark Disciple

Darth Vader 1,5, 16 & 25

Ashoka

Obi Wan Kenobi I, V, VI

Star War Rebels

Non Canon Appearance

Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes

Disney Infinity 3.0

Star Wars Epic Yarn: A New Hope

Star Wars Epic Yarn: The Empire Strikes Back

Lego Star Wars

Fortnite X Star Wars

Disney Magic Kingdom

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many lightsabers did Anakin Skywalker use?

During his Journey, Anakin Skywalker used four different lightsabers. Two of his lightsabers were blue bladed. Furthermore, he temporarily also wielded a green lightsaber. Other than these, he also wielded a red lightsaber during his time as Darth Vader.

What happened to Anakin Skywalker’s first Lightsaber?

Anakin Skywalker carried a blue lightsaber, just like any other Padawan. which was his lightsaber debut. Regretfully, it was destroyed in the Geonosis conflict. where a half-cut was made.

Why did Anakin Skywalker join the dark side?

Anakin Skywalker joined the dark side out of fear of losing his loved ones, particularly Padmé Amidala. Leading to Anakin Skywalker’s fall to the dark side. And his transformation to Darth Vader.

Was Darth Vader fully evil?

Darth Vader is a complex character. His fear and anger led to falling to the dark side. However, in the end, he did choose his son over the Emperor, leading to his redemption. Proving that he did have light and good inside him.

Who Defeated Darth Vader?

Luke Skywalker is said to be the one who defeated Darth Vader. Vader’s love for his son triumphed, leading him to turn against the Emperor. Which resulted in Darth Vader destroying himself.

Did Darth Vader sacrifice himself?

The love for his son awakened in Darth Vader’s heart. At that moment of redemption, he turned against the Emperor, eventually destroying him. In doing so, Darth Vader sacrificed himself and his lightsaber turned back to blue.

Why did Luke throw away Anakin's lightsaber in The Last Jedi?

Luke was strongly against the dark side and refused to succumb to the aggressive ways. He surrendered his weapon and was ready to live an honorable Jedi death rather than an evil dark side oppressor.