Why Didn't the Knights of Ren Have Lightsabers in The Rise of Skywalker?

The Knights of Ren emerged from the The Rise of Skywalker, bringing intrigue and shadow to the cinematic universe of Star Wars. Fans were fascinated by their abilities and ideology but perhaps also puzzled by one crucial detail: why do they not use lightsabers, a weapon closely associated with the Jedi and Sith?

Distinctive Characteristics of the Knights of Ren

Dating back centuries, the Knights of Ren were an almost-mythical group of marauders. They followed the ideology of their leader, Ren, until Ben Solo took his place. Their ideology was based around following the will of the dark side rather than their own selfish interests, similar to the Sith. However, they were neither as powerful nor as refined in their dark side abilities as the Sith. All Knights of Ren were Force-sensitive, yet their training and powers were more amateurish compared to full-fledged Sith adhereents. This backdrop sets them apart clearly from established Sith characters like Darth Vader or Emperor Palpatine.

Each Knight of Ren was a weapons specialist, training with their own unique and deadly weapon. This diversity suggests an emphasis on personal and innovative combat styles, rather than relying on the high-tech and iconic weapon of the Jedi – the lightsaber.

The Controversial Origins of the Knights of Ren

The Knights of Ren's origin story was shrouded in controversy. On Disney’s official site, it was stated that they were retconned from the Padawans at Luke’s New Jedi Academy who fled with Kylo Ren to the desert. This claim is often met with skepticism by fans, as it suggests a lack of proper continuity with the established Star Wars canon. It hints that the writers and directors did not adhere strictly to earlier works, leading to this informational discrepancy.

The term "retconned" implies a retroactive change to a plot or other aspect of a fictional work. In the context of the Knights of Ren, it means that their role was significantly altered retrospectively, which can be seen as a misstep in storytelling for The Rise of Skywalker.

Reasoning Behind Their Weapon Choice

Tying into the Knights of Ren's lack of allegiance to the Jedi or Sith, one might wonder why they didn't use lightsabers, traditionally the weapon of power for both Jedi and Sith. There are several plausible explanations:

Firstly, their ideology and training might have deliberately steered them away from the high-tech and formalized ways of the Jedi and Sith. They are described as following the will of the dark side rather than their own selfish interests, suggesting a simpler and more pragmatic approach to combat. Their weapons, which align with their operational style, thus served their purpose more effectively than a lightsaber might have.

Secondly, if their primary goal was to fulfill the will of the dark side and not to engage in the grand rituals and dogmas of the Jedi and Sith, lightsabers might be seen as inadequate. A lightsaber is more than just a weapon—it is an embodiment of the complex philosophies and strict obedience required by its wielders. The simple, no-nonsense weapons preferred by the Knights of Ren fit better with their pragmatic and straight-to-the-point methods.

Thirdly, the absence of lightsabers can also be attributed to the production constraints and creative decisions made for The Rise of Skywalker. Action scenes with lightsabers tend to be more spectacular and visually impressive, but they also come with higher production costs. By using a variety of unique and more practical weapons, the filmmakers might have aimed to enhance the strategic and psychological elements of combat in the film, rather than relying solely on the iconic visual spectacle of lightsabers.

Conclusion

The question of why the Knights of Ren didn’t wield lightsabers in The Rise of Skywalker delves into deeper themes of character development, the nature of power and ideology within Star Wars, and the narrative choices made for the film. While it may seem like a technical or aesthetic oversight, it also adds layers of intrigue and complexity to this enigmatic group of characters, leaving a lasting impact on fans.