Red or Green: The Lightsaber Color Choices of Star Wars Jedi and Sith

In the Star Wars universe, the color of a lightsaber typically signifies the alignment or role of the wielder. Jedi commonly wield blue or green lightsabers, while Sith traditionally use red lightsabers. However, the Star Wars lore allows for exceptions, often dependent on character development, story arcs, and specific narrative choices.

Jedi with Red Lightsabers

Although not as common, there are instances where Jedi have used red lightsabers. This can occur in a few scenarios, such as when a Jedi has fallen to the dark side or when they are using a synthetic crystal. In the video game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic, certain characters may be seen wielding red lightsabers despite their allegiance to the Jedi Order.

The Star Wars Legends (now known as theancia) timeline also provides a few examples. For instance, Jedi Council member Adi Gallia had a red lightsaber depicted in toys, video games, and comics tied to Episode I: The Phantom Menace. However, after Darth Maul proved the Sith were back, she changed to a blue lightsaber.

Sith with Blue or Green Lightsabers

There are notable examples where Sith have used blue or green lightsabers. In the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series, the character Ahsoka Tano, a Jedi, uses green lightsabers at one point during the series. Additionally, not all Sith wield red lightsabers. The character Asajj Ventress has been shown to use lightsabers that are not red in certain contexts.

It's important to note that even though a Jedi or Sith typically uses a lightsaber of their traditional color, changes in color can indicate significant shifts in their alignment or role within the narrative.

Special Cases: Anakin and Darth Vader

There are also special cases that highlight the fluidity of lightsaber colors. When Anakin Skywalker first joined the Sith and became Darth Vader, he still used his blue lightsaber. In the legends timeline, Princess Leia Organa briefly had a red lightsaber during a particular storyline.

Darth Vader's lightsaber color serves as an interesting case study. He originally had a blue lightsaber, but it was taken by Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Vader replaced it with a red one. This color change symbolized his shift to the dark side.

Other Jedi and Sith Examples

Jedi and Sith have also occasionally used red lightsabers, even if they are not their primary weapon. In the novel Ambush at Corellia, Luke Skywalker gave a red lightsaber to Leia Organa. Additionally, Luke made a short red bladed lightsaber for himself to counter Lumiya's lightwhip in the old Marvel comics. He would eventually use this lightsaber to kill Lumiya, decades later.

In contrast, some Sith have been shown to use blue or green lightsabers as well. However, for the sake of this discussion, we will focus on weapons owned and used as primary weapons by Jedi and Sith.

The color of a lightsaber remains a significant aspect of Star Wars, reflecting the wielder's alignment and the narrative's complexities. Whether it's a Jedi's blue or green blade, or a Sith's red one, these colors add depth to the rich tapestry of the Star Wars universe.