An Overview of Star Wars' Lightsaber Evolution
In the sweaty palm grip of a lightsaber hilt and the flick of an experienced wrist during The Acolyte's latest episode, Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh brought to life an idea that's been simmering in the Star Wars universe for nearly 40 years - the Lightwhip. Far from being the weirdest lightsaber in the galaxy, and although it made a surprising big screen debut, it's not exactly a brand-new weapon either.
The Lightwhip 101
Currently, there's only one known example of a Lightwhip - Vernestra's custom lightsaber, which seems to be more of a modification than an entirely separate weapon.Details on how the whip works in modern continuity are scant, but in the Expanded Universe, Lightwhips rely on multiple emitters and crystals, with no cells around the plasma energy. This configuration allows for a flexible beam of energy that can behave like a traditional whip, reaching further than a standard lightsaber. While it sacrifices some of the coherent beam strength of a traditional lightsaber, it offers improved flexibility and reach.
The unconventional nature of the Lightwhip can be both an asset and a liability. Rare and challenging to master, Lightwhips prey on opponents' unfamiliarity, especially Jedi trained to combat traditional martial weapons. With their ability to attack lightsaber wielders from a longer range, sneaking around blocks and parries a lightsaber couldn't, and in some configurations, overwhelming an opponent with strikes from multiple angles at once, they're a formidable opponent.
From Dark Lady to Dark Side
The Lightwhip made its initial appearance as the weapon of the Dark Lady Lumiya, a Sith Lady and one of the Emperor's Hands, in Marvel's ongoing Star Wars comics. First seen in 1985's Star Wars #95, Lumiya's whip featured some differences from its later interpretations, consisting of a singular, extended energy beam, as well as additional leather tassels reinforced with Mandalorian Iron (better known as beskar in both modern and Expanded Universe lore).
Lumiya's whip eventually led to the creation of another type of lightsaber - the Shoto Lightsaber - that would carve out its own storied history in the Expanded Universe and beyond. The Shoto was a secondary weapon with a shortened blade, capable of wrapping the multiple tassels of a lightwhip around its primary saber's blade while severing the physical extensions.
Prior to Lumiya's whip, early Lightwhips often took the form of a singular energy beam, like the lightwhip wielded by the Sith Lord Githany during the time of the New Sith Wars.
Canon or Legends?
As The Acolyte itself delves into controversy, so too does the Lightwhip's status. In current Star Wars canon, Vernestra is the only known wielder of a Lightwhip, with her saber's alternate form appearing in the 2021 High Republic middle-grade novel A Test of Courage[1]. The Lightwhip appeared to Vernestra in a vision while she was still a relatively new Jedi Knight. Hesitant to share her unique weapon with her fellow Jedi, fearing that the Lightwhip's history as an unorthodox weapon - and its historical association with the Nightsisters of Dathomir - might be met with disapproval.
[1] https://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-high-republic-second-wave-first-wave-author-penned-a-test-of-courage-middle-grade-book
[2] https://starwars.fandom.com/wiki/Lightwhip
[3] https://www.cbr.com/the-10-most-cool-star-wars-weapons/
[4] https://www.ew.com/article/2021/02/11/star-wars-high-republic-book-lightsaber-lightwhip/
[5] https://www.reddit.com/r/StarWars/comments/kpr6e6/lumiya_the_dark_lady_and_her_weapons/
- Following the unveiling of her custom Lightwhip in the latest episode of The Acolyte, Jedi Master Vernestra Rwoh's innovative weapon has sparked discussions about its origin, function, and interpretations in Star Wars.
- Despite being a rare and challenging weapon to master, Lightwhips, such as Vernestra's, offer improved flexibility and reach, making them a formidable opponent, particularly against Jedi trained to combat traditional martial weapons.
- In the Expanded Universe, Lightwhips rely on multiple emitters and crystals, which enable a flexible beam of energy that can behave like a traditional whip, extending beyond the reach of a standard lightsaber.
- Lightwhips have varied throughout Star Wars history, with the Dark Lady Lumiya's whip featuring a singular, extended energy beam in Marvel's Star Wars comics, contrasting with the multiple emitters and crystals of more contemporary interpretations.
