Also known as Darth Sidious, Palpatine played an essential role in the development of Star Wars. Originally a politician before becoming a Sith, this emperor excels in combat as well as in negotiation and manipulation. However, he has rarely shown us his mastery of lightsaber combat in the saga. A number of questions then arose around Palpatine’s mysterious lightsaber , notably concerning its origin and its role in the rise of the Sith.
The mysterious origins of Palpatine’s lightsaber
No one can say with certainty how many swords Palpatine would have owned. Although he favors the use of force with a lightsaber, theories to date suggest that Darth Sidious possesses two sabers.
Growing up on Naboo, the future Emperor met his master Darth Plagueis. It was under this apprenticeship, in particular, that he began making his own swords. Palpatine has held two sabers since the very beginning of his rise as a Sith.
Features of Palpatine’s lightsaber
The emitter of Darth Sidious’s lightsaber was made from Aurodium, a rare and expensive metal. To obtain the scarlet red color of the blade, it was combined with a red Kyber crystal. Covered in a phrik alloy, it can withstand a lightsaber blade. The electrum finish on the handle adds a refined, majestic touch to this sword.
The length of Darth Sidious’s saber blade is adjustable. This option represents a significant advantage in combat situations. Having long concealed his true identity, Palpatine opted for a smaller-than-normal lightsaber, to easily hide it.
Palpatine has also coated one of his sabers with a hitherto unknown black material.
Chancellor Palpatine’s lightsaber: the weapon of iconic duels
Interestingly, Palpatine only pulls out his lightsaber on rare occasions. He only draws it as a last resort, when his opponents prove particularly powerful. His duels with Mace Windu and Master Yoda in Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith are perfect examples.
Mace Windu versus Chancellor Palpatine: the duel that changed everything
When Anakin Skywalker discovers Palpatine’s true identity, he tells Mace Windu. Supported by his companions Kit Fisto, Saesee Tiin and Agen Kolar, the latter set off at a determined pace towards the Chancellor’s office to arrest him. Darth Sidious had already prepared for this possible attack by concealing his saber in a statue on his desk. In preparation for battle, the Chancellor releases his weapon with the help of the Force.
Palpatine’s saber easily overcame Kolar, Tiin and Fisto. However, after a fierce struggle with Mace Windu, the latter succeeded in disarming him by cutting the blade just at the guard, which was not protected by the phrik. At that moment, Darth Sidious lost his first saber, which fell in the city of Coruscant.
The duel between the representative of Good and the representative of Evil
Darth Sidious rarely uses his lightsaber in battle against the Jedi. Yet, faced with Master Yoda‘s power, the Emperor had no choice but to draw his weapon. A duel to remember, it thrilled fans right up to the last minute. Combining the use of the dark force and his saber, the Emperor got the better of Yoda.
Interesting fact: This confrontation confirmed the existence of a second saber in Sidious’s possession, given that the first had fallen into the void during his duel with Mace Windu.