A recentStar Warsproject offered more clarity on what a purple lightsaber represents, which also provides new context for Mace Windu’s actions inStar Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith. For decades, theStar Warsmoviesonly featured blue, green, and red as the main lightsaber colors. TheStar WarsLegends Expanded Universeexperimented with more lightsaber hues and explored what they meant, but this didn’t translate to the big screen until theStar Warsprequel trilogy.
Initially, Mace Windu only had a purple lightsaber inStar Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clonesbecause Samuel L. Jackson asked George Lucas if he could.Star Warshas subsequently explored the character in more detail, not only explaining why he has a purple lightsaber but establishing what this means for any Jedi who wields one. AStar WarsTV show even built on this and tied into how lightsaber colors are determined in the new canon.
Jedi With Purple Lightsabers Are Vulnerable To The Dark Side Around Them
A purple blade is a bit closer to red
Although purple is still a cool color, like blue and green, it’s also much closer to a red lightsaber. This represents how Jedi who wield purple lightsabers are not only susceptible to their own inner darkness, but they can also be influenced by the dark side around them.This was explored brilliantly inStar Wars: Visionsseason 1, episode 5 “The Ninth Jedi.”
While this episode is non-canon, it uses the same explanation for red lightsabers as the officialStar Warscanon. A group of Sith claim newly constructed lightsabers intended for Jedi, and their connection to the dark side bleeds the kyber crystals, turning the blade crimson. However,a character called Homen only makes his lightsaber turn purple, even though he fights the Jedi alongside the Sith.
This is becauseHomen was not truly committed to the dark side, but rather was influenced by the darkness of the Sith. He eventually comes to his senses and apologizes to the Jedi, admitting that the darkness temporarily overcame him. This explanation for a purple lightsaber would also work perfectly for Mace Windu.
Especially since he practices a darker lightsaber form
Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber shows that he would be affected by the dark side more than most Jedi.He’s also a practitioner of a lightsaber form called Vaapad, which requires the user to enjoy fighting and use negative emotions to fuel aggressive combat.This made it highly controversial in the Jedi Order, and many who practiced it inevitably fell to the dark side.
InStar WarsLegends, characters like Mara Jade and Jaina Solo wielded purple lightsabers and were often more vulnerable to the dark side or utilized aggressive forms of combat. Jaina was even dubbed the “Sword of the Jedi” by Luke Skywalker.
Many of Mace Windu’s actions inStar Warsdemonstrate how easily he could have slipped into the dark side.When Mace killed Jango Fett, even Count Dooku was shocked that his old Jedi friend would brutally decapitate a man he had already disarmed.Of course, this isn’t the most notable example of Mace nearly giving in to the dark side.
I Totally Get Why Mace Wanted To Kill Palpatine Now
The Sith Lord was likely influencing the Jedi Master
Mace Windu’s final choices inRevenge of the Sithseemed almost out of character for the leader of the Jedi Council, butVisionsmakes his actions much more understandable. He was noticeably angry and aggressive while fighting Palpatine, andMace was fully prepared to execute a man while he was unarmed. Even when Anakin reminded Mace that it violated the Jedi code, Mace didn’t even seem to hear him, focusing on Palpatine like a predator about to strike.
He even says Palpatine is too dangerous to be left alive, the exact logic Palpatine used earlier in the movie after Anakin killed Count Dooku.
However, if Jedi who wield purple lightsabers are vulnerable to the dark side around them, thenjust being around Palpatine probably influenced Mace.He even says Palpatine is too dangerous to be left alive, the exact logic Palpatine used earlier in the movie after Anakin killed Count Dooku. It would also make sense if Palpatine had done this on purpose, as he wanted Mace to try and kill him to make Anakin lash out.
I find this explanation incredibly fascinating, asit not only recontextualizes a pivotalRevenge of the Sithscene but also opens new possibilities for other lightsaber colors.For example, Baylan Skoll uses the dark side but wields an orange lightsaber, so is he more susceptible to the influence of the light side around him? Either way,Star Warshas given us more details on Mace Windu and purple lightsabers, and I’d be intrigued to see more.
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Star Wars: Visions
Cast
This animated anthology series features short films from Japanese creators, offering unique and diverse interpretations of the Star Wars universe. Each episode presents a distinct narrative style, exploring new characters and themes while celebrating the iconic elements of the franchise in a novel format.
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith
Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith details the fall of the Jedi Order and Anakin Skywalker’s transformation under the influence of Darth Sidious. Released in 2005, the film explores Anakin’s internal conflict and the shifting political landscape, leading to the rise of the Galactic Empire.
