Introduction
Obi-Wan Kenobi is one of the most iconic Jedi Knights in the Star Wars universe. He is known for his wisdom, skills with a lightsaber, and commitment to the Jedi Order. Throughout the prequel trilogy, Obi-Wan uses a blue lightsaber which suits his calm and thoughtful nature. However, some fans have wondered why Obi-Wan never used a green lightsaber given that green is the secondary color for Jedi Consulars like him. There are a few potential reasons why Obi-Wan may have chosen to only use a blue blade.
The Meaning of Lightsaber Colors
In the Star Wars universe, the color of a Jedi’s lightsaber is deeply symbolic. Here is a quick overview of the meaning behind the most common lightsaber colors:
- Blue – Associated with Jedi Guardians who focused on combat training and aggression. Favored by Anakin Skywalker.
- Green – Used by Jedi Consulars who focused on reflection, diplomacy, and building consensus. Favored by Qui-Gon Jinn.
- Yellow – Used by Jedi Sentinels who relied on intellect, stealth, and creativity. Extremely rare.
- Purple – Reserved for Jedi who walked the line between light and dark. Used by Mace Windu.
- Red – Symbolic of the dark side and used by Sith Lords. The red crystal was made by corrupting a normal crystal.
As a Jedi Consular, many expected Obi-Wan would use a green lightsaber. However, he chose to wield a blue blade throughout his career which suggests other factors were at play.
Obi-Wan’s Combat Prowess
While Obi-Wan was an expert negotiator and teacher, he was also one of the most skilled combatants amongst the Jedi. In fact, he was the first Jedi in centuries to defeat a Sith Lord when he battled Darth Maul during the invasion of Naboo.
Obi-Wan likely recognized his considerable talents in battle and felt the blue lightsaber crystal called out to him. The blue color aligned more with Obi-Wan’s combat experience despite his wisdom and thoughtfulness. So the blue blade allowed Obi-Wan to maintain balance between his diplomatic and fighting skills.
Connection to Anakin Skywalker
Obi-Wan played a critical role in training the young Anakin Skywalker to become a Jedi. The two formed an almost brotherly bond during their many adventures in the Clone Wars. This close relationship may have inspired Obi-Wan’s choice of a blue lightsaber to match Anakin’s own blue blade.
The matching blue lightsabers would have highlighted the Master-Apprentice connection between Obi-Wan and Anakin. This symbolic meaning seems appropriate given Obi-Wan’s devotion to mentoring the volatile but talented Anakin.
Honoring Qui-Gon Jinn
Obi-Wan’s own Master, Qui-Gon Jinn, favored a green lightsaber during his time as a Jedi Consular. However, Qui-Gon was slain by Darth Maul who Obi-Wan later defeated using his Master’s green lightsaber.
After this defeat of Maul, Obi-Wan may have switched to a blue blade to honor Qui-Gon’s memory rather than taking the green lightsaber for himself. The blue color allowed Obi-Wan to mourn his deceased Master while still incorporating the valuable lessons in diplomacy and patience.
Lightsaber Combat Styles
Each lightsaber color also generally correlates with one of the 7 forms of Jedi lightsaber combat:
| Form | Focus | Associated Color |
|---|---|---|
| Form I: Shii Cho | Basic moves and postures | Blue |
| Form II: Makashi | Elegant fencing style | Blue |
| Form III: Soresu | Pure defense | Blue |
| Form IV: Ataru | Agility and acrobatics | Green |
| Form V: Shien/Djem So | Power and reflecting blaster bolts | Blue |
| Form VI: Niman | Jack of all trades style | Blue or Green |
| Form VII: Juyo/Vaapad | Aggressive and dangerous style | Purple |
Obi-Wan practiced the defensive Soresu style but was also proficient in the more aggressive Form V. Both of these combat forms are best suited for wielding a blue lightsaber.
Symbolism of Jedi Generals
During the Clone Wars, Obi-Wan and Anakin were named Jedi Generals and led the Republic’s clone trooper army against the Separatist droid forces.
The blue lightsaber color had symbolism befitting great military leaders defending the Republic. The crimson red blades of Sith Lords like Dooku and Grievous also contrasted dramatically against the blue lightsabers of the Jedi Generals.
Balance Between Diplomacy and Combat
Green blades symbolized diplomacy and blue symbolized combat for the Jedi Order. As a Jedi who embodied both philosophies, Obi-Wan may have chosen the blue blade to achieve balance between these two competing ideals. His skills in both combat and negotiation complemented each other.
The blue lightsaber allowed Obi-Wan to bring diplomacy and compassion to his combat abilities. While the green blade represented overt peacefulness, Obi-Wan’s mission as a Jedi demanded the resolve of the blue lightsaber at times. He understood that combat was sometimes necessary when diplomacy failed against the forces of evil.
Obi-Wan’s Personality and Disposition
On a basic level, the calm and stoic Obi-Wan likely felt more in tune with a blue lightsaber crystal than the more rebellious and spontaneous green crystal. The green blade’s association with Jedi unconventionality did not align with Obi-Wan’s strictly orthodox views.
Obi-Wan also saw extensive combat throughout the Clone Wars so the meditation-focused Consular path was not always practical. The blue crystal called to his balanced personality between the contemplative and the combative.
Conclusion
Obi-Wan Kenobi chose the blue lightsaber throughout his career despite being a Jedi Consular who would typically use a green blade. He likely wanted to highlight his considerable combat skills and experience which the blue color represented. His close bond with Anakin Skywalker and the symbolism of Jedi military Generals in the Clone Wars also factored into Obi-Wan’s preference for blue.
But above all, the blue lightsaber allowed Obi-Wan to achieve harmony between his diplomatic tendencies and martial prowess. The blue crystal called to Obi-Wan’s balanced disposition between negotiations and fighting. For these reasons, Obi-Wan retained his signature blue blade throughout his illustrious career as one of the most respected Jedi Masters of the Star Wars saga. The blue lightsaber defined him as a warrior, teacher, and peacekeeper.
