Why is a Lightsaber the Weapon of the Jedi?

Anyone familiar with Star Wars also knows that Jedi such as Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, or even Sith like Darth Vader wielded the mythic lightsaber as their weapon of choice. The question comes up, however, why would the Jedi use such an archaic sort of weapon in a time when blasters were so common on the battlefield? The answer lies in the history of the Order and its connection to the powerful source of their powers, the Force.

The earliest Jedi relied on metal swords, carefully honed to a fine edge not only for ceremonial purposes but also for battle itself. The relationship between a Jedi and the Force can be felt throughout their bodies, making hand-to-hand combat ideal for augmentation with the Force. The flurry of swings and lunges and parries would be more than most opponents could even hope to handle. In the quest for greater potency on the battlefields of the galaxy, the Jedi began experimenting in "freezing" a blaster's beam. With this primitive beam of light connected to a power source on their belt, the first recognizeable lightsabers were born.

The lightsabers continued to grow in stability and design, soon becoming the handheld weapons recognized across the galaxy. They offered the Jedi numerous advantages against their opponents, such as the ability to parry blaster shots fired at them or to cut through even the sturdiest of battle armors. There were few enemies that could stand up to a Jedi, making them fearsome defenders of peace. Even barriers such as blast doors and durasteel walls could be sliced through with relative ease.

Earning their reputation against the Sith and other would-be conquerors, the lightsaber also grew into a symbol of the Jedi, its glow becoming a light that those in peril could take refuge behind knowing that a selfless champion would use the weapon to defend them to the last breath. So recognizable was the lightsaber that it was made into an integral portion of the Order's emblem, fitting considering just how expertly a Jedi could wield one with the Force as his or her guide.  

Do you know how many famous Jedis once lived on Tatooine? Check out the Jason Hope Jawa blog if you want to learn more.