Lightsabers are an integral part of theStar Warsfranchise, but the origin of the Jedi’s weapon has only been hinted at in lore. In the originalStar WarsExpanded Universe, now known as the Legends timeline, the first version of the lightsaber was called a Forcesaber. It was created by the Rakatan Infinite Empire and used synthetic crystals to channel dark side energy into the blade, and the ancient Je’daii Order repurposed the weapon for themselves. A Je’daii Master later created the First Blade, which served as the foundation for all lightsabers that followed.
However,not much has been revealed about the origin of the lightsaber in the officialStar Warscanonunder Disney.LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventuresoffered a possible explanation, with Jedi Master Baird Kantoo creating the first Kyber Saber in ancient times, but this series is considered non-canon. Even so, otherStar Warssources include information that hints at the origin of the first lightsaber in canon, and how the modern Jedi lightsaber came into existence.
Star Wars Lore Hints The First Lightsabers Come From The Outer Rim… & Didn’t Use Kyber
All Jedi of the prequel era used kyber crystals
While it is unknown when lightsabers were first invented,Star Warshas suggested they were created in the outer rim. Not only that, but they also used a completely different crystal from the kyber crystals that the Jedi would use later in the timeline.Star WarsFact File#53 states,“The construction of the first lightsabers would have been impossible without the use of Adegan crystals.“The Adega system was located in the Auril sector of the Outer Rim, suggesting that this is where the first lightsabers were created in ancient times.
Why Did The Jedi Switch To Using Kyber?
Especially when using others would mean a large supply
Despite Adegan crystals powering the first lightsabers, they had disadvantages that caused the Jedi to switch to kyber crystals found on Ilum.There were five types of crystals found in the Adega system, each one with unique properties:
Star Wars: Every Lightsaber Crystal In Canon & Legends Explained (Not Just Kyber)
Kyber may be the most famous substance used to power a lightsaber, but there are many other gems and jewels that can channel its power as well.
With the quality of the lightsaber dependent on what variants were available, it’s easy to see why the Jedi Order moved to kyber, especially when they discovered Ilum. Kyber crystals were rare across the galaxy, but Ilum had a large natural supply where Jedi younglings would attend the Gathering ceremony to find their own crystals. The location of the first lightsabers is only a start, but futureStar Warsstories may expand on the history of this iconic weapon, perhaps inJames Mangold’s upcoming “Dawn of the Jedi” movie.
June 04, 2025
Star Wars
Star Wars is a multimedia franchise that started in 1977 by creator George Lucas. After the release of Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (originally just titled Star Wars), the franchise quickly exploded, spawning multiple sequels, prequels, TV shows, video games, comics, and much more. After Disney acquired the rights to the franchise, they quickly expanded the universe on Disney+, starting with The Mandalorian.
