The Star Wars universe is well known for its usage of several unique and eye-catching sci-fi weaponry, of which the lightsaber is the most iconic. This highly coveted weapon of the Jedi and the Sith was something that immediately captured the imagination of fans when it first debuted four decades ago.
As the Star Wars franchise continued to expand, more and more types of lightsabers were introduced, and as of today, there are over 14 different types of lightsabers in the Star Wars canon.
They include; the standard lightsaber, dual-phase lightsaber, training lightsaber, protosaber, shoto blades, double-bladed lightsaber, the switchblade, crossguard lightsaber, lightsaber whip, the lightsphere, the darksaber, lightsaber pikes and the Inquisitors’ lightsaber.
In this article, we shall be taking a quick look at a specialized type of lightsaber known as the double-bladed lightsaber, its unique benefits and how wielding one can help you embrace the Force.
Double-Bladed Lightsaber: What Is It?
The double-bladed lightsaber (saberstaff) is a special type of Star Wars lightsaber that consists of a single hilt with beam emitters at both ends. Thanks to the blades at both sides of the hilt, this weapon is wielded in the same manner a traditional quarterstaff is wielded.
Double-Bladed Lightsaber: Origin and History
The double-bladed lightsaber traces its origins back to the original Dark Lords of the Sith Empire. These Force-sensitive warriors and dark-side practitioners devised the double-bladed lightsaber as a testament to their mastery over the dark side of the Force. The design of this weapon was quite sophisticated, with a single mechanism holding two emitters (placed on both ends of the hilt).
Over the years, this design was simplified further to involve two separate lightsabers being connected together at their pommels rather than one single mechanism emitting two blades. While this new design was less elaborate, it did provide a more lengthened handle which made wielding the double-bladed lightsaber easier.
Because of its origins, the double-bladed lightsaber is often associated with the dark side and the Sith. However, they can showcase the duality of power, harmony and balance in the hands of a skilled Jedi.
Double-Bladed Lightsaber: Benefits
The primary benefit of the double-bladed lightsaber is the fact that it allows for quicker attacks with very little movement. The doubled length of this lightsaber also makes it an excellent defensive weapon, as it provides its wielder with more surface area to ward off and deflect attacks.
Another benefit of the double-bladed lightsaber is the psychological impact it has on its wielder’s opponent. The weapon’s dual blades give it a more visual impact, and during combat, most opponents can easily get overwhelmed trying to track the movements of its blades separately rather than together as a single weapon.
Notable Wielders
Because the double-bladed lightsaber traces its origin back to Sith Dark Lords, a good number of dark-side users and characters wielded double-bladed lightsabers. Some of the notable ones include; Darth Maul, Asajj Ventress, Savage Opress, Darth Zannah and Dark Rey.
Jedi Knights rarely wielded double-bladed lightsabers as many of them saw no point in wielding such a vicious weapon. However, there are some powerful Jedi who mastered the use of this weapon. Some of them are; General Pong Krell, Cere Junda, Orla Jerani, Keeve Trennis, Jaro Tapal, Cal Kestis, Tosan, Bastilla Shan, and the Jedi Temple Guards.
Embracing the Force With Your Double-Bladed Lightsaber
Just like the Sith Lords and powerful Jedi who wielded double-bladed lightsabers, you too can embrace the Force by mastering the art of dueling with a double-bladed lightsaber.
Wielding a high-end replica of this type of lightsaber is guaranteed to add more advantage to your dueling. The longer blade length will up your defensive skills by providing you with more surface area to deflect and parry attacks. The mesmerizing effects created by the two blades will also make for visually stunning fight scenes.
Symbolism of Balance
The allure of the double-bladed lightsaber extends beyond its awe-inspiring appearance; it carries a profound symbolism within the Star Wars universe. While its origin aligns it with the Sith, the design itself can be interpreted as a representation of the delicate equilibrium between the light and dark sides of the Force.
The dual blades, ignited from a single hilt, poetically reflect the duality of power inherent in the Force. It’s a manifestation of the cosmic struggle between the opposing forces, mirroring the internal conflicts that Jedi, Sith, and other Force-sensitive beings experience.
Unique Combat Style
The double-bladed lightsaber demands a combat style that is as dynamic and diverse as the Force itself. Wielding this weapon effectively requires mastering a distinctive blend of offense and defense.
Its extended reach allows for striking from a distance, ideal for engaging opponents before they can close in. Yet, the versatility of the weapon doesn’t end there. Skilled wielders can seamlessly transition to close-quarters combat, making full use of the weapon’s unique design.
Wielders must maintain an acute awareness of the dual blades, maneuvering them in harmony to defend against attacks from multiple directions. This mastery over the weapon signifies not only their combat prowess but also their attunement to the intricacies of the Force.
A Jedi or Sith who wields a double-bladed lightsaber showcases their adaptability and readiness to face any challenge, embodying the philosophy that to be balanced is to be prepared for any eventuality.
Evolving Techniques
Throughout the Star Wars saga, the evolution of techniques employed by double-bladed lightsaber wielders has been a captivating aspect. Characters like Darth Maul and Ahsoka Tano have demonstrated creative and adaptive combat strategies.
From spinning the weapon to creating a formidable defensive barrier to utilizing both blades for intricate offensive maneuvers, each practitioner imparts a unique signature to their combat style. These evolutions highlight the fluidity and innovation that the Force inspires within its wielders, constantly pushing them to explore the boundaries of their capabilities.
Conclusion
The Star Wars universe has an array of interesting and unique lightsaber types, one of which is the double-bladed lightsaber. This specialized lightsaber which was created by Sith Dark Lords, is a quite powerful weapon that provides its user with a lot of practical and psychological advantages during battle.
Although the double-bladed lightsaber is synonymous with the Sith, there are some skilled Jedi like Pong Krell and Cere Junda who wielded them.
There is a notable development discussed that relates to the growing trends and insights presented in “The Rise of the Replica Lightsaber Market.”