Chaos Unleashed: The Cross Guard Lightsaber of Kylo Ren
Kylo Ren is a central character in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. He held the audience's interest with his multifaceted and intimidating nature. Kylo Ren was a Dark Side apprentice to the Supreme Leader Snoke.
Did you know? Kylo Ren’s lightsaber was a cross guard lightsaber with two vents stemming from the hilt. Which paid respect to ancient Sith design. The lightsaber featured a crimson blade that crackled with energy. It shows his desire to continue the Dark side’s powerful legacy.
Moreover, The character Kylo Ren was played by Adam Drivers. Kylo Ren wielding his menacing red lightsaber made his first appearance in the “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
History
Kylo Ren as Ben Solo constructed his first lightsaber during his training as a young Jedi Padawan. It was constructed under the guidance of his uncle Luke Skywalker. Additionally, the lightsaber featured the traditional plasma blue blade.
Misunderstanding and thinking that his uncle was going to murder him, Ben Solo felt fear and anger. Out of these emotions, Ben Solo destroyed the Jedi Temple and embraced the Dark side. Not only that, he also abandoned his name and changed it to Kylo Ren. After the Ren Knights.
After turning to the Dark Side, Kylo Ren tried to bleed the Dark Force into his lightsaber. Turning it from its blue color to red. However, during this process, the Kyber Crystal of his lightsaber cracked. As a result, Kylo Ren created two vents on the side of the primary blade. So that the extra heat from the crystal could be diverted.
Origin
The design of Kylo Ren’s crossguard lightsaber is influenced by ancient Sith lightsabers. Making it a powerful lightsaber, but with an unstable blade. His blade is a cross guard blade, featuring two smaller blades emerging from both sides of the main blade.
This distinctive design is very functional, as the crystal in the main blade is cracked and unstable. Which requires the cross guards to divert the excess energy.
Design
The design of Kylo Ren’s lightsaber resembled that of ancient Sith Cross guard designs. The lightsaber consisted of a cylindrical hilt and a single main blade. However, the main blade consisted of two vents on the side to divert the excess generated heat.
Kyber Crystal was used for the construction of the lightsaber. Although, it was cracked later. The design also represented him embracing the Dark Side of the Force.
Specifications
| Owner | Kylo Ren |
| Hilt Shape | Cylindrical and Straight |
| Hilt Material | Heat Hardened Industrial Alloy Blade |
| Type | Single Blade (Crossguard Lightsaber) Blade |
| Color |
First Lightsaber: Blue Second Lightsaber: Menacing Red
|
Journey of Kylo Ren Lightsaber
Kylo Ren’s journey with his unique lightsaber began when he abandoned his name, Ben Solo. He also transformed his blue lightsaber into a crimson red lightsaber color. The construction of his new and unstable lightsaber symbolized him fully embracing the Dark side of Force.
The Beginning
Using the dark force, Kylo Ren changed his plasma blue lightsaber into a red lightsaber. Although, during the process, the Kyber crystal of his lightsaber cracked. The design resembled the ancient Sith tradition. Which included the cross guard blades due to cracked Kyber crystal powering the main blade.
The menacing red lightsaber represented his allegiance to the Dark side. Moreover, Kylo Ren's crimson lightsaber became an important aspect of his identity and journey.
Symbol of Conflict
With the evolution of Kylo Ren’s character, his lightsaber became a powerful symbol to represent the increasing inner conflict. His internal conflict between the Light and the evil Forces is further demonstrated by the crackling and irregular energy.
Furthermore, the unstable nature of the lightsaber also represented his inner anguish. Which showed the complexity of his character and his future towards redemption.
The Battles
Kylo Ren’s lightsaber has played a central role in many of his battles. Even with an unstable blade, Kylo Ren has engaged in many memorable and fierce battles. His Duel with Finn of Takodana showcased the instability of his lightsaber. However, it also showed the might of his crimson blade.
Kylo Ren’s red lightsaber plays a pivotal role in his battle with Rey. This confrontation highlights Kylo Ren's formidable battle skills. This duel lightsaber also showed the raw potential of Kylo Ren’s weapon.
Out of all of Kylo Ren’s battles, the most tragic battle for the audience was his battle with his father. This emotionally charged scene involved Kylo Ren’s decision to kill his father, Han Solo. During this battle, Kylo hesitated. Clearly torn between the Light and Dark side of the Force. However, due to the corruption of the dark side inside him, he kills his father. Completely cutting ties with the Light side.
Redemption
Kylo Ren's redemption is the main subject of "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." The return of his mother, Lei Organa, was what triggered his redemption. She used the force to reach out to Kylo Ren after realizing his potential and continued belief in himself.
During the height of the battle with Emperor Palpatine, Kylo Ren abandons his lightsaber to save Rey. He abandoned his identity as Kylo Ren and used his mother’s blue lightsaber to save Rey. The use of the blue lightsaber showed his return to the Light Side of the Force.
Additionally, he also embraced his true identity of being Ben Solo. He sacrificed himself to save Rey Lightsaber. Ultimately dying in a Skywalker way.
Legacy of Kylo Ren’s Lightsaber
The unique design and the crackling, menacing red blade of Kylo Ren’s lightsaber have captured the attention of the audience worldwide. Not only that but also the role of his lightsaber in the transformation from Ben Solo to the dark Kylo Ren.
The legacy of Kylo Ren’s lightsaber shows the complexities of the Force. Moreover, Kylo Ren’s lightsaber also serves as a reminder of the conflict between good and evil that still rages throughout the Star Wars galaxy.
The Red Blade?
In the Star Wars galaxy, red has always stood for the link to the Dark Side of the Force. It represents the corruption of the Kyber Crystal according to the Sith rituals. The Red color represents aggression and malevolence. In addition to that, it also shows the greed for more power.
Kylo Ren’s red bladed lightsaber also reflects his turning to the Dark Side. And his struggle to suppress the Light Side in him.
Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Secret Force Power
Kylo Ren was aware of the crack in his lightsaber blade. That is why he chose a clever cross guard design with a quillon hand protector to vent off the excessive energy.
However, even Kylo Ren was not aware of the secret force power his lightsaber yielded. He was fond of the blade crack as far as the looks go. It added to his bad alpha energy.
However, in the Force and Destiny Star Wars Book, it was revealed that the energy emitted from the crack could be absorbed by the wilder making him effectively stronger!
Kylo Ren Never Used His Cross Guard Lightsaber Properly
There are quite several twists and turns that fans have noticed in the Kylo Ren legacy lightsaber. That could have been used by Kylo Ren in Star Wars.
The side quillon was not were aesthetic purposes but could harness energy like no other. Other tactics like the side blades were more powerful than shown and could have produced mass destruction. However, none of that was shown in Star Wars.
To fan's disappointment there are many tactics that Kylo Ren overlooked when he converted to his dark side.
Could it have been because Kylo Ren never fully committed to his dark powers? Or was it because the weapon was unique that Ren himself was unaware of its true potential?
Kylo Ren Backward Lightsaber Fighting Style
Kylo Ren was just not any Star Wars converted villain. No. he was advanced and knew how to work with the odds.
From the beginning, he forged his lightsaber path. The same goes for his fighting style as well. Kylo used a combination of three fighting styles. He mixed Juyo, Niman, and Djem So and lightsaber combat form style that worked to his advantage.
Not only does Djem So promote offense but also teaches the use of weapons in different holding styles. Given the exquisite design of Kylo Ren’s lightsaber holding it in reverse worked best as a surprise element.
Lastly, holding the lightsaber backward proved to be convenient with a cross guard lightsaber style.
Conclusion
Throughout the trilogy, Kylo Ren’s lightsaber has left a lasting impact on the Star Wars saga. His lightsaber reflects his struggle, his choices, and his evolution. The menacing and crackling blade serves as a symbol of his inner conflict. It is also a visual reminder of the ongoing battle between the Light and Dark side of the Force.
Through the triumphs and tragedies, Kylo Ren's lightsaber guides him toward his redemption. Kylo Ren’s lightsaber is not just a mere weapon. In fact, it emphasizes his transformation between the Light and the dark sides.
Canon Appearances
Rise of Kylo Ren 1 - 4
Star Wars Battlefront II
Age of Resistance
Star Wars: The Force Awakens
Star Wars Galaxy of Adventures
The Force Awakens: Rey’s Story
The Force Awakens Adaptation: 1 - 6
Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Captain Phasma 1
The Last Jedi Adaptation 3–6
Allegiance 1, 2 & 4
Non Canon Appearances
Fortnite X Star Wars
Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
Disney Magic Kingdom
Disney Infinity 3.0
LEGO Star Wars: The Star Wars Saga
LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Kylo Ren’s lightsaber style?
Kylo Ren’s lightsaber is a cross guard lightsaber. The Style of his lightsaber resembles the ancient Sith style. Moreover, there were two vents on the side of the main blade of the lightsaber.
Why is Kylo Ren’s crystal cracked?
Kylo Ren’s lightsaber is cracked due to a damaged Kyber Crystal. Which was a result of him bleeding Dark Force into his lightsaber to turn it from plasma blue to red color. The unstable lightsaber is a reflection of his inner conflicts.
Why is Kylo Ren, not a Darth?
Though Kylo Ren has fully embraced the dark side and wields a red lightsaber, he is not a part of Sith. Hence, he is not a Darth.
What is the function of the vents on Kylo Ren’s lightsaber?
Kylo Ren’s lightsaber has two small vents on the side of the main blade, which helps divert the excess energy created by the Kyber Crystal of the main blade.
How is Ben Solo and Kylo Ren related?
Ben Solo and Kylo Ren are the same. Kylo Ren abandoned his birth name, Ben Solo, when he turned to the Dark Side of the Force.
What is the Cal Kestis Finds Kylo Ren Cross guard Lightsaber Scene?
In the video game ‘Jedi: Survivor’ there is a moment when Cal Kestis stumbles upon the Kylo Ren cross guard lightsaber. He won the lightsaber after a duel and explored the lightsaber for a while in the game.
