Why did Rey's lightsaber turn yellow?

Rey’s lightsaber in Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker turns yellow at the end of the film, and this choice carries significant symbolic and narrative weight. Although the film doesn't explicitly explain the reason behind the color of Rey's lightsaber, there are several key themes and ideas that help us understand why this color was chosen.

1. Symbol of Balance:

A yellow lightsaber is often seen as a symbol of balance in the Force, which is central to Rey’s journey. Throughout the movie, Rey is shown grappling with her heritage, her connection to both the light and dark sides of the Force, and her desire to forge a new path for the Jedi.

  • Not Tied to the Past: Rey’s yellow lightsaber symbolizes that she is not merely following in the footsteps of the past Jedi, nor is she succumbing to the dark side, as some of her predecessors did. Instead, she is forging her own way, creating a new legacy for herself and for the Jedi Order that blends the lessons of both sides of the Force.
  • A New Beginning: After defeating the Sith and Palpatine, Rey doesn’t take on the traditional blue or green lightsaber that was common among the Jedi. Her yellow blade shows that she is creating a new order that transcends old traditions, a new hope for the galaxy.

2. Connection to the Jedi Sentinels:

The yellow lightsaber was traditionally associated with the Jedi Sentinels in Star Wars lore. The Jedi Sentinels were a specific class of Jedi who combined combat skills with practical knowledge. They worked to protect the galaxy and maintain peace but often focused on tasks that were more action-oriented, like investigating threats or working in the field.

  • Rey as a Protector: Rey’s use of a yellow lightsaber reflects her role as a protector of peace and someone who isn’t confined to traditional Jedi ways. While she does have powerful connections to the Force, her role is not to solely meditate or sit in the Jedi Council chambers. Instead, she represents a Jedi who is out in the world, working to safeguard the galaxy.

3. Unique and Rare Color:

The yellow lightsaber has always been a relatively rare color in the Star Wars universe, and Rey’s use of it signals her as someone who is unique and different from the Jedi of the past. She isn’t simply carrying on the tradition of using blue or green sabers. Her yellow lightsaber sets her apart as someone forging a new path for the Force, not bound by the constraints of old Jedi teachings.

4. A Symbol of Hope:

Just as Rey's overall arc is about hope, her yellow lightsaber symbolizes the bright future she hopes to create for the Jedi and the galaxy. It's a color that isn't defined by conflict but by possibility, which fits with Rey’s character, who has chosen to move beyond the baggage of the past and embrace her own identity and future.

5. Connection to Rey's Journey:

In The Rise of Skywalker, Rey confronts the dark side—particularly through her lineage as the granddaughter of Emperor Palpatine—and ultimately rejects the darkness in favor of the light. However, she doesn’t ignore the reality of the challenges of living in a galaxy torn by war. The yellow lightsaber reflects her understanding of the need for balance between light and dark, a theme that plays heavily throughout her arc.

Conclusion:

Rey’s yellow lightsaber represents her unique role in the Star Wars universe. It symbolizes her balance between the light and dark sides of the Force, her new path as a Jedi who transcends the old ways, and her role as a protector of peace and hope. By choosing this color, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker reflects her journey as someone who brings a fresh perspective to the Force, creating a new era for the Jedi.

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