Light Sabers

The lightsaber is a fictional weapon that plays a key role in the movies, games and novels that constitute the Star Wars universe. Lightsabers are science fiction versions of their namesake, the saber. more...

Instead of a metal blade, the lightsaber holds an energy blade about one meter in length. Lightsabers differ in color based upon the specific crystal used in construction. Though they often behave like regular swords, they are able to cut through most matter with little or no resistance and to deflect blaster bolts, Force Lightning thrown by Sith Lords, and other lightsabers.

The lightsaber first appeared in the film Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope (1977). Rotoscoping was used to create the lightsaber's distinct appearance in the original trilogy. For the prequel trilogy, the effect was created using computer animation.

Within the fiction of Star Wars, the lightsaber "blade" consists of a very tight loop of highly focused energy, or a loop of plasma contained in a strong magnetic or other field. When deactivated, a lightsaber appears as a polished metallic handle, about 30 centimeters long. Lightsabers emit a distinctive hum when active, which rises in pitch and volume as the blade is moved rapidly through the air. A loud crackling noise is heard when two lightsaber blades come into contact.

To carry a lightsaber is a reflection of confidence, dexterity, and, in most cases, attunement to the Force. Although use of the lightsaber is not strictly reserved to Jedi (see General Grievous), the only others commonly capable of handling the weapon are the Sith, as well as other Force-wielding groups in the Expanded Universe.

According to a 2008 survey of approximately two thousand film fans conducted by 20th Century Fox, the lightsaber is the most popular film weapon.

Nonfiction. George Lucas' invention of the lightsaber/Theories, ideas & inspiration

The strongest inspiration for the lightsaber may be the "force-blade" from the Lucky Starr series of science fiction novels for young adults, originally published 1952-1958 by Isaac Asimov under the pen name "Paul French." The force-blade is described as: "The most vicious weapon in the Galaxy. Outwardly, it was merely a short shaft of stainless steel that was a little thicker than the haft of a knife but which could still be held nicely in the palm. Within it was a tiny motor that could generate an invisible nine-inch-long, razor-thin force-field that could cut through anything composed o

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