Star Wars enthusiasts recognize the lightsaber as the series’ most famous weapon. This iconic tool comprises five fundamental components: the power cell, the casing, the focusing lens, the emitter, and the crucial kyber crystal. Often referred to as living crystals, kyber crystals serve as the heart of the lightsaber, determining its distinct color. The relationship between a Jedi and a kyber crystal is profound; when a Jedi meditates and awakens the crystal to the Force, its original clear state transforms into a color that reflects the essence of the wielder.
Interestingly, there are exceptions to this color transformation, notably with red and white crystals. The 2016 novel Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston introduced the concepts of “healing”and “bleeding”associated with these crystals. A red kyber crystal emerges when a dark side user channels all their inner torment into the crystal, creating a “bleeding”effect. Conversely, white crystals represent purified versions of bled crystals. The process of “healing”involves a Jedi’s empathetic understanding of the pain embedded in the crystal by its previous dark-side user. These intriguing ideas were explored in greater depth in the comics Star Wars (2020) #42-43 and Darth Vader (2017) #5.
Luke Skywalker and His Green Lightsaber Journey
Even Jedi Seek Guidance
The Marvel series Star Wars #34-35, created by Charles Soule and his talented team, illustrates how a Jedi alters the hue of their kyber crystal, featuring Luke Skywalker. After the loss of his father’s lightsaber and the destruction of his repurposed Temple Guard saber in Star Wars #33, Luke faced the daunting task of seeking a new crystal. His journey took him to Christophsis, where he met Dr. Cuata, an expert in kyber crystals who provided Luke with both a red and a clear crystal, encouraging him to connect deeply with each.
“What it wishes to show you… or whatever you bring with you,”Cuata advised, highlighting the significant bond between a Jedi and their crystal. As Luke engaged with the crystal through the Force, he experienced a vision of Yoda, imparting the wisdom that every Jedi must forge their own path. Upon feeling frustrated with Yoda’s counsel, Luke rekindled his focus, and to his surprise, the clear crystal morphed into a vibrant green, symbolizing their deep connection.
Ahsoka Tano and Luke Skywalker: Healing Their Kyber Crystals
Each Force User’s Journey is Unique
Kyber crystals resonate with the Force, possessing a collective consciousness that allows them to communicate with living beings in a non-verbal manner. Their sensitivity is evident, especially when a crystal is subjected to the pain of a dark-side user’s anguish. Following the conclusion of the Clone Wars, Ahsoka Tano sought new kyber crystals while evading an inquisitor. Hearing their call, she followed it back to confront the sixth brother, whom she ultimately defeated. Recognizing the crystals embedded in his lightsaber as her own, she purified them, transforming them into white crystals.
In contrast, Luke Skywalker’s journey is portrayed in more detail in Star Wars #42-43. Meditating on his red crystal, Luke faced a vision of a young Sith and chose to nurture him devoid of any suffering. However, true healing necessitates confronting one’s own pain. In a powerful vision with Darth Vader, he acknowledged that Vader was not always evil — he became who he was through pain and hardship. This revelation led Luke to realize that his destiny was not to extinguish Vader, but rather to rekindle the light within him. As a result, upon awakening, the once red crystal had transformed into white.
Darth Vader’s Confrontation with His Past
Darth Vader’s Unique Kyber Crystal
Any kyber crystal can succumb to “bleeding”at the hands of a dark side user, including those once wielded by fallen Jedi. Anakin Skywalker’s descent into darkness under Emperor Palpatine led him to become Darth Vader. After his lightsaber was lost during a duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar, Vader was tasked with constructing a new saber, necessitating the acquisition of a kyber crystal, traditionally believed to be seized from a slain Jedi.
In Darth Vader #5, upon completing his mission to eliminate Jedi master Kirak Infil’a, Palpatine directs Vader back to Mustafar — the site of his significant past failures — to finish his new lightsaber. However, kyber crystals are innately aligned with the light side of the Force, and as Vader attempts to dominate the crystal’s essence, it instinctively resists, urging him to reconsider his dark path. Amidst vivid visions of reclaiming his destiny and mending his relationship with Obi-Wan, Vader ultimately succumbs to his pain, corrupting the crystal.
The comics illuminate the intricate lore surrounding kyber crystals, which serve as the power source for both lightsabers and the Death Star’s laser. Luke’s journey underscores the high level of empathy required for purification, while Vader’s narrative encapsulates the torment intrinsic to the dark side. The contrasting experiences of these two characters reveal how the color of a lightsaber reflects the unique nature of its Jedi wielder.