George Lucas ensured that Star Wars‘ most unique weapon wouldn’t undermine the power and impact of the lightsaber. Lightsabers have been a staple in Star Wars since the first movie, 1977’s Star Wars – later reтιтled A New Hope – premiered in theaters. They’re an extension of a Jedi’s (and a Sith’s) power; there’s a reason they aren’t normally wielded by those without access to the Force.

This exclusivity, as it were, is a large part of what makes lightsabers such an appealing and enduring part of Star Wars’ iconography. Very few weapons are effective against them, and the range of lightsaber colors, hilt designs, and modifications gives them real meaning and a connection to each character who wields them.

Though there are hundreds, if not thousands, of known lightsaber designs, the most unique lightsaber of all is undoubtedly the Darksaber, forged by Tarre Vizsla, the first Mandalorian Jedi. The Darksaber has taken on a mythical quality in Star Wars’ lore. After Vizsla’s pᴀssing, it was traditionally wielded by the Man’dalor, the leader of all Mandalorian clans. Interestingly, though, the Darksaber wasn’t originally meant to be a lightsaber.

George Lucas Knew The Darksaber Had To Be A Different Type Of Lightsaber

Dave Filoni, who worked closely with Star Wars creator George Lucas on the animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars, told Star Wars Insider that the Darksaber was originally meant to be a regular sword. However, Lucas vetoed this concept, insisting that any weapon “shaped like a sword” should never be able to withstand a direct blow from a lightsaber blade. According to Filoni, Lucas argued:

“No way. There’s no way that there would be a weapon shaped like a sword that could counter a lightsaber blade. If you do that, a lightsaber isn’t special, and then why wouldn’t the Jedi also be using those things? It doesn’t make any sense.”

Lucas’ refusal is entirely justified, and not just because the Darksaber has become such an integral part of Star Wars’ storytelling. Lightsabers are, essentially, laser swords. If a regular, non-kyber-powered sword-shaped blade could easily deflect them, why would lightsabers still be so revered (and feared)?

Of course, Star Wars did still canonically introduce a rare substance that was strong enough to withstand a direct blow from a lightsaber blade: beskar. Beskar was traditionally mined and shaped by Mandalorians, forged into armor and weapons that could therefore repel the Jedi. Din Djarin and Morgan Elsbeth used a spear made of beskar in duels against lightsaber wielders in The Mandalorian, for instance.

The Darksaber Remains One Of Star Wars’ Most Unique Lightsabers (& Weapons)

The Darksaber’s appeal is undoubtedly down to its unique design. The modified broadsword shape of the blade, its black glow, the hilt (infused with beskar), its inexplicable weight, and even the sound it makes when it’s turned on are all careful design choices that make it stand apart from all other lightsabers.

Another major factor of the Darksaber’s appeal is its historical significance. That history has influenced Star Wars’ wider storytelling, especially in The Clone Wars, Star Wars Rebels, and The Mandalorian. This fits in with what Bryce Dallas Howard, one of The Mandalorian’s directors, revealed at this year’s MegaCon: the Darksaber was inspired by King Arthur’s legendary sword, Excalibur.

The Darksaber means something to more than just one individual Jedi. It’s a symbol of hope, a cultural relic, and even a tool of oppression. It holds generational emotional weight, and that makes it Star Wars’ most exceptional weapon by far.