The Creation and Legacy of Rey Skywalker’s Lightsaber
Explore the creation and legacy of Rey Skywalker’s lightsaber. Uncover its significance and how it shaped the future of the Jedi in Star Wars lore.

When it comes to Star Wars, few bits of property are as symbolic as a lightsaber. Fans have debated every detail for decades—blade color, hilt origin. But among all the galaxy far, far away's most legendary weapons, Rey Skywalker's lightsaber stands out not just in design, but in symbolism.
Rey's transformation from solitary scavenger on Jakku to Force-strong wielder wasn't simple. Her lightsaber—built after The Rise of Skywalker—is a circle-back moment of self-discovery, reflecting on the decision to hold onto a legacy while forging her own.
From Borrowed Sabers to Her Own
Much of the sequel trilogy, Rey was battling with someone else's lightsabers. She first used Luke's blue lightsaber, one that was classically Anakin Skywalker's. That saber battled in important fights and represented her surprising link to Jedi tradition. She also used Leia's saber later on, training with Leia.
But Rey Skywalker's lightsaber waited until the conclusion of her trilogy, when she had defeated Palpatine in the final battle. She buried Anakin's and Leia's sabers with her old home on Tatooine, the ends of theirs and the beginning of hers. When she turned on her newly built weapon for the first time, audience members were automatically captivated.
Rey's Lightsaber Color: A Deeper Meaning
The most apparent and talked-about feature of Rey's lightsaber is its color. While other Jedi possess the typical blue or green blades, or the dark red of the Sith Lords, Rey's lightsaber glows golden-yellow, bright.
This is more than a visual choice—it is more significant. Yellow lightsabers in Star Wars lore had been reserved primarily for the Jedi Temple Guards and symbolized balance, defense, and wisdom. The application of this Rey's lightsaber color by Rey speaks to her unique status in the galaxy, not as a traditional Jedi, but as a transition between ancient practice and something new.
Although Rey might have been trained by Jedi masters, she didn't adhere to their code strictly. Her path was highly personal, and her connection to the Force showed both light and dark influences. The choice of yellow might indicate that she regards herself more as a guardian of balance than as a blind adherent to Jedi orthodoxy.
The Design: Scavenger Roots
Unlike other Jedi, Rey didn't construct her lightsaber from the workshop of a Jedi temple. True to her origins, she pieced it together from salvaged components—most famously, a fragment of her former quarterstaff. This brought a raw, practical aesthetic that suited her. The design speaks to her history and her transformation, combining what she once was with what she has become.
The ignition system of the Rey lightsaber is also distinctive. Rather than the conventional switch, it has a rotating ring that switches on the blade. This little aspect adds to her ingenuity and willingness to do things differently.
What If Rey Had Turned to the Dark Side?
Viewers continue to discuss the alternate vision depicted in The Rise of Skywalker, when briefly there is revealed a Sith version of Rey is revealed. During that dreamlike scene, we have seen Darth Rey lightsaber—a double-bladed red lightsaber similar to Darth Maul's. The moment has been brief, yet indelible.
This dark iteration of Rey was a glimpse at what might have been—a haunting reminder that no one is above temptation. The double saber was in-your-face and brutal, the antithesis of the peaceful, measured presence of her yellow blade. That juxtaposition makes her ultimate decision all the more significant. She didn't merely spurn the dark side—she rewrote what it meant to use the Force.
Rey Skywalker's Lightsaber in Fan Culture
From the time of its introduction, the Rey Skywalker lightsaber has been a must-have item among collectors. Replica models have appeared in fan exhibitions, online retailers, and cosplay exhibitions worldwide. Its unique design and limited color make it a hit, and many fans understand the symbolic significance it holds.
Whereas Anakin's or Kylo Ren's sabers were based on conflict, Rey's saber symbolizes resolution, rebirth, and individual truth. It's a saber born not of war, but of wanting to protect and comprehend.
A New Path for the Force
Rey adopting the Skywalker surname was contentious to some, but it was fitting in the context of her path. She didn't inherit it through bloodline—she adopted it. That gesture, along with crafting her lightsaber, was how she was paying respect to her mentors while establishing her legacy.
The Rey lightsaber shows that identity in Star Wars doesn’t have to be fixed. It can evolve. And perhaps that’s the message the creators wanted to leave us with: that your origin doesn’t define you—your choices do. Whether we’ll see more of Rey in future films remains to be seen. But her lightsaber—bright, golden, and unmistakably her own—has already carved out a special place in the Star Wars canon.