What is the forbidden lightsaber?

The "forbidden lightsaber" is often a term used in Star Wars lore to refer to lightsabers that are considered dangerous, controversial, or outright forbidden by the Jedi Order due to their unconventional nature or the manner in which they are used. These lightsabers are typically associated with dark side users, Sith Lords, or individuals who have broken away from the traditional Jedi way. Here are some notable examples of forbidden or controversial lightsabers in Star Wars:

1. The Crossguard Lightsaber (Kylo Ren’s Lightsaber)

• Kylo Ren's Crossguard Lightsaber is one of the most iconic and widely recognized forbidden lightsabers in modern Star Wars canon, though not explicitly forbidden by the Jedi Order itself. Kylo Ren's lightsaber features an unconventional design with two smaller side blades or "vents" extending from the hilt. These vents act as a safety measure to stabilize the unstable, cracked kyber crystal that powers the weapon.

• Why It's Forbidden: The design is the result of Kylo Ren's unstable connection to the Force and his inability to properly control his emotions, which manifested in his unstable kyber crystal. His crossguard lightsaber is not inherently evil, but it is a symbol of his chaotic, unrefined approach to the Force. The design itself isn't forbidden by the Jedi, but it does reflect the misuse and emotional instability that is often linked to the dark side.

• Context: While not strictly forbidden by the Jedi, Kylo Ren's lightsaber reflects a distortion of the Jedi way, showcasing how a lightsaber design could become a metaphor for the dark side’s corrupting influence.

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2. The Double-Bladed Lightsaber (Darth Maul’s Lightsaber)

• Darth Maul’s Double-Bladed Lightsaber is one of the most famous and visually striking lightsabers in Star Wars history. It consists of two blades mounted on opposite ends of a single hilt, allowing the user to fight with two blades at once. While this weapon is not explicitly forbidden by the Jedi Order, it is considered an unconventional and aggressive weapon style, making it rare and highly dangerous.

• Why It's Controversial: The double-bladed lightsaber is often associated with the Sith, especially in Star Wars Legends, where it is considered a weapon of aggression. Its design is unorthodox, and its wielding requires a great deal of skill and precision, making it a dangerous weapon to use in a duel. The Jedi, known for their preference for defense and peace, would likely view this as an impractical and overly aggressive weapon.

• Context: The double-bladed lightsaber is not inherently forbidden, but its use by Darth Maul, a Sith Lord, marks it as a symbol of Sith aggression, which contrasts with the Jedi philosophy.

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3. The Darkstaff (Ancient Sith Weapon)

• The Darkstaff is a powerful ancient Sith weapon that was used during the time of the Sith Empire. It was an unusual staff-like weapon, crafted from a unique kyber crystal, and its use was banned by the Jedi Order due to its immense power and corrupting influence. The weapon was a relic of an era when Sith Lords sought to dominate the galaxy and utilized powerful, forbidden technologies.

• Why It's Forbidden: The Darkstaff is not just a lightsaber but a Sith artifact that channels dark side energies and can corrupt those who wield it. The weapon is imbued with malevolent power, and as such, it was considered dangerous for any Jedi to use, as it could push them toward the dark side.

• Context: The Darkstaff was an artifact of the Sith, and like many Sith artifacts, its power was inherently tied to the dark side. Jedi would view such weapons as highly forbidden due to their association with the Sith and the corrupting influence they could have on their users.

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4. The Lightwhip

• The Lightwhip is an extremely rare and dangerous variation of the lightsaber that appears primarily in Star Wars Legends. It is a flexible, whip-like weapon made of energy, capable of cutting and burning through objects like a traditional lightsaber, but its flexibility and unpredictability make it a much more dangerous weapon to wield.

• Why It's Forbidden: The lightwhip is considered forbidden or impractical for Jedi due to its lack of precision, as it is a highly difficult weapon to master and control. Its use requires significant skill and concentration, and it’s often associated with Sith or other dark side users, as its unpredictability and aggression are not in line with Jedi teachings.

• Context: The Jedi Code emphasizes discipline and precision in combat, which a weapon like the lightwhip disrupts. While it is not explicitly forbidden by the Jedi, it is seen as a tool more suited to dark side users.

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5. The Darksaber

• The Darksaber is a unique black-bladed lightsaber that was created by the Mandalorian Jedi Tarre Vizsla during the time of the Old Republic. It is a rare and powerful weapon, often associated with the Mandalorian people and their culture. Although the Darksaber is not inherently forbidden, it is considered a rare and unusual lightsaber that is tied to Mandalorian heritage and leadership.

• Why It's Forbidden: The Darksaber has been considered "forbidden" or off-limits to many Jedi due to its association with Mandalorians. Over time, the Jedi Order distanced themselves from it, and it became a symbol of leadership within Mandalorian society. Jedi who wielded the Darksaber often did so as part of a larger cultural or political context, and the weapon was not always seen as an ideal tool for Jedi combat.

• Context: While not strictly a "forbidden" lightsaber, the Darksaber is viewed as a rare and unique weapon that stands apart from the traditional lightsaber design. Its symbolic power within Mandalorian culture often made it a contested weapon among both Jedi and Sith.

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6. The Sith Sword (Sith Lightsaber)

• The Sith Sword is a unique Sith weapon that combines elements of a lightsaber and a traditional sword. Unlike a typical lightsaber, the Sith Sword's blade is more rigid and can be used for traditional swordplay. It often has a red, glowing blade but is considered less refined than a standard lightsaber.

• Why It's Forbidden: The Sith Sword is forbidden by the Jedi because it is associated with the Sith, representing the corruption of the Force and the rejection of the Jedi way. The rigid blade also signifies a departure from the elegance and precision of the traditional lightsaber.

• Context: Like other Sith weapons, the Sith Sword is an embodiment of the dark side, representing aggression, violence, and the desire for control, making it an anathema to the Jedi Order.

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Conclusion: Why Are These Lightsabers Forbidden?

The "forbidden" lightsabers in Star Wars are typically those that are unorthodox, dangerous, or associated with the dark side. They often defy the principles of the Jedi Order, which emphasizes discipline, peace, and control. Whether it’s the crossguard lightsaber symbolizing instability, the lightwhip’s unpredictability, or the Darksaber’s cultural significance, these weapons are considered forbidden because they represent a break from the traditional Jedi way.

In the case of the Sith-focused weapons, such as the Darkstaff or the Sith Sword, the force of darkness and aggression they embody makes them especially dangerous, and wielding them could lead a Jedi down a path of corruption.