The green-bladed lightsaber wielded by Yoda is one of the most recognisable lightsabers from Star Wars. The shoto-type lightsaber was quite unique in that its blade and hilt were significantly shorter than the standard lightsabers used by the Jedi. This smaller size was to accommodate Yoda’s small and diminutive stature.
Like many of the lightsabers used in Star Wars, Yoda’s green blade has a lot of symbolism and significance to his character, and below, we shall be taking a closer look at what that symbolism is.
How Yoda Constructed His Green Lightsaber
In typical Jedi fashion, Yoda constructed his green lightsaber while he was still a Jedi apprentice with guidance from Huyang. He had to travel to the icy depths of Ilum to acquire a kyber crystal, which he then attuned with the force. While attuning to the crystal, Yoda, who was stronger in the force than most Jedi, came to the realisation that kyber crystals were essentially living, breathing entities that had a very strong connection to the force.
The attunement turned his kyber crystal to a vibrant green colour, which is also why the colour of his lightsaber blade is brilliant green. With instructions from Huyang, he crafted the hilt of his lightsaber, which was a standard straight, cylindrical hilt of about 14 cm. Upon completion, the lightsaber emitted a green plasma blade that was significantly shorter than that of a regular standard lightsaber.
Yoda used his lightsaber in numerous duels and battles, like the First Battle of Geonosis. He also used it on missions to Moraband, Vjun, Coruscant, Rugosa, and Ilum. The green lightsaber was eventually lost during a duel between Yoda and Darth Sidious on Coruscant. Following this loss, Yoda vowed not to wield a lightsaber again, but he did, however, build a second lightsaber, which he kept hidden in his hut on Dagobah.
The Symbolism Behind Yoda’s Lightsaber
In the Star Wars universe, the Jedi view lightsabers as more than just weapons. They are a symbol of a Jedi’s relationship and connection to the force. This ideology is quite evident in the way a Jedi’s lightsaber colour reflects their essence and how they connect with the force. This same ideology can be used to explain the symbolism behind the Yoda lightsaber. Here’s how;
Yoda’s Lightsaber Colour Meaning – Yoda’s shoto lightsaber has a green-coloured blade, and like all other lightsaber colours (blue, red, purple, yellow), this means something.
Firstly, the green hue of Yoda’s blade comes from the colour of his kyber crystal, and as we already know, the colour of a kyber crystal is determined by its owner’s relationship with the force.
In Star Wars lore, a green blade colour is synonymous with a very strong connection and mastery of the force, so it actually makes a lot of sense that a strong force-user like Yoda would have a green lightsaber. The colour green also represents growth, nature, life force, and wisdom, and who is wiser than Yoda?
It is safe to say that the green colour of Yoda’s blade explicitly reflects his wisdom and strong connection to the force.
Yoda’s Lightsaber Combat Style – As mentioned earlier, the shoto-style of Yoda’s lightsaber is to accommodate his small stature. But in addition to that, the lightsaber’s style is also perfectly suited for Yoda’s preferred form of lightsaber combat, Ataru. This form requires a lot of swift acrobatic movements, which Yoda was highly skilled at. The combination of his shoto lightsaber and these Force-enhanced acrobatics is what made Yoda such a formidable duelist.
Conclusion
The green-bladed shoto lightsaber that Yoda wielded in Star Was was quite unique, and it had a lot of symbolism behind it. The colour of its blade showed the Jedi Master’s wisdom and strong connection to the force, while its style and design specifications were to accommodate his small stature and preferred combat style (Ataru).
