What Is The Meaning Of The Orange Lightsaber?

Orange lightsabers are among the rarest and most intriguing blade colors in the Star Wars universe. They symbolize a nuanced stance in the cosmic conflict between the Jedi and the Sith. Unlike the traditional blue and green of the Jedi or the red of the Sith, orange lightsabers signify a distinct path that doesn’t strictly align with either side’s dogma. Here’s an expanded look at their significance:

What Do Orange Lightsabers Mean?

A Middle Path: Orange lightsabers are emblematic of individuals who navigate a path between the extremes of Jedi and Sith. These wielders often reject the rigid ideologies of both groups. This choice can reflect a desire to maintain personal autonomy and uphold one’s own ideals rather than conforming to established doctrines.
Pragmatic Morality: The wielders of orange lightsabers often embody a philosophy where the ends justify the means. This means they may employ methods that are considered unorthodox or morally ambiguous if they believe these methods will achieve a greater good. Their actions can be seen as pragmatic, focused on results rather than strict adherence to a code.
Independence: An orange lightsaber color’s meaning is also associated with autonomy. The rarity of this color underscores a unique position within the Force, where the wielder forges their own path rather than adhering to the conventional teachings of the Jedi or Sith. This independence can be both a strength and a source of isolation.

Orange Lightsabers in Canon

In canon, the appearance of orange lightsabers has been limited but noteworthy. The following is a list of canon Jedi with orange lightsabers:

Baylan Skoll and Shin Hati: In the Ahsoka series, Baylan Skoll and his apprentice Shin Hati wield orange lightsabers. Baylan, once a Jedi and a general, chooses to reject his past affiliations and operate in a more mercenary fashion. His use of the orange lightsaber reflects his complex stance on the Force; he isn’t aligned with the Jedi or Sith, instead following his own code.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (briefly): In the 2019 book Masters & Apprentices, Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his then-padawan Obi-Wan Kenobi are tasked with a mission to Pijal. It is during this mission that Obi-Wan Kenobi’s kyber crystal is replaced with a kohlen crystal, which is the type of crystal used to make an orange lightsaber. As a result, Obi-Wan Kenobi’s lightsaber gleams a fire orange for a brief period of time.

The Rarity of Orange Kyber Crystals

In order to get an orange lightsaber, a wielder must first find an orange kyber crystal. While the kohlen crystals found by Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi in Masters & Apprentices were much weaker than traditional kyber crystals, it’s not certain if all orange kyber crystals are weaker than traditional blue, green, or red.

What is known, however, is that this type of crystal is rare and not seen too often in either Star Wars Canon or Legends lore. In many non-canon incarnations, it has often been seen with Gray Jedi or wielded by renowned Jedi who would later go on to switch their lightsaber colors.

Orange Lightsabers in Legends

In the Expanded Universe, also known as Legends, orange lightsabers have appeared with notable characters:

Plo Koon: The Jedi Master Plo Koon wielded an orange lightsaber briefly before his death. The choice of this color for Plo Koon could be interpreted as a symbol of his unique role and approach within the Jedi Order.
Yaddle: The Jedi Master Yaddle, known for her distinct approach to the Force, wielded an orange lightsaber for a time. Her use of this blade color represents her journey and her willingness to explore beyond traditional Jedi norms.
Mandalorian Knights: During the Mandalorian Wars, a group of ex-Jedi switched their allegiance from the Galactic Republic to Mandalorian. Along with their Force abilities, they wielded orange lightsabers.

Orange Lightsabers in Video Games

In interactive media such as the Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor games, players have the option to choose an orange lightsaber blade for their character, Cal Kestis. While this customization option is not considered canon within the game’s storyline, it allows players to explore the aesthetic and symbolic significance of the orange blade in a personal and creative way. Players of Star Wars: The Old Republic also have the ability to become orange lightsaber users after the completion of Tython and Korriban levels.

Conclusion

The orange lightsaber stands out as a symbol of balance and individuality within the Star Wars universe. It represents characters who operate outside the strict confines of Jedi and Sith ideologies, embodying a pragmatic approach to the Force. Whether seen in canon, Legends, or interactive media, the orange lightsaber remains a powerful symbol of those who carve out their own path in the galaxy.