The Star Wars universe is home to many iconic items and characters. Since its debut in the late 1970s, it has not failed to mesmerize, entertaining fans with twists and turns through its ever-evolving storyline.
For quite some time, we saw numerous Force-sensitive individuals follow the light and dark sides of the Force. The classification of Force-sensitive beings into two groups, namely Jedi and Sith, gives room to give us an even more expanding insight into what’s coming in the future.
There are remarkable characters on both sides. The Jedi and Sith carry a lot of history and significance, enough to draw our attention. Their famous duels, confrontations, and experiences are what light up the galaxy.
One of the main attractions on both sides of the Force is a lightsaber. The lightsaber is a special part of the Star Wars universe. It is more than just a sword-like weapon and has a personal connection with its wielder. As per the noblest Jedi arts and traditions, a lightsaber portrays a part of its wielder’s personality. It further shows us a Jedi’s path and preference for the Force.
From a very young age, the Jedi undergo training and are nurtured to show responsibility and fight for the light side of the Force. They learn about the true Jedi values and their mission to resist all evil forces. At their learning stage, we know them as Younglings.
The Younglings are the pride of the Jedi Order. They are considered very important for the future of the Jedi. During their training, they are made accustomed to lightsabers. Youngling lightsabers give us a good idea about the foundations of Jedi weaponry.
Youngling Lightsabers
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Youngling lightsabers, also known as training lightsabers, were used by the Jedi only for training and light sparring. They were non-lethal and made specifically to give the trainees a piece of the real-world experience.
The Younglings were a special part of the Jedi. From the beginning, they were protected and kept away from the prying eyes of the Sith, as they were important to the Order’s future.
The Younglings underwent a special selection process. The Jedi scoured all over the galaxy and conducted blood tests on potential Force-sensitive beings. If the test results were positive per the Jedi criteria, the individuals were considered optimal for qualifying as Jedi Initiates.
There was no set age limit. Every selected Force-sensitive child, except the infants, was sent to the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. The chosen children were divided into ten clans, consisting of 20 children per group. From there, the clans had to live and train together till they were taken as Padawans by the noble Jedi Master.
During the first stages of their training, they were taught lightsaber combat. The Youngling lightsabers were of different types made from numerous materials. Their strength varied, depending on the required intensity and duration, as per the training program.
They had a nominal length of about 16-17 centimeters and a width of 2-3 centimeters. The dimensions varied as per the younglings’ size preferences. The outer structure, including the hilt, was white and heat-sensitive, making them perfect for sparring.
The lightsabers were made capable of resisting blaster shots and direct blows. They had the same design and could produce scorch marks in case of a heavy strike.
The resistance was not sufficient, as the Younglings could suffer minor injuries on contact.
Some of the sabers had a low-power setup and a high-vibration setting, making the training sessions as intense, competitive, and realistic as possible.
The masters encouraged lightsaber combat with Youngling lightsabers from the early stages to ensure that initiates were always prepared. They were taught various combat forms that attuned to their style and Force abilities.
Although the training sabers did not offer much versatility and strength, they were still important in developing the dueling sense of a Jedi. With the feel of a youngling lightsaber, a Jedi would master the basics of dueling and get accustomed to recognizing its importance in the Jedi culture.
The Gathering: Acquiring a Real Lightsaber
The next and most important stage of Jedi training was the gathering. It put the Younglings to a great test to showcase their capabilities and understanding of the Force.
In one of the sacred caves of Ilum, the chosen Younglings set out to embark on a journey to discover their crystal. Once they found their matching kyber crystals, they would construct a lightsaber by combining different elements using the Force.
At this instance, they were already aware of the structure of the lightsaber. Thanks to their initial training in saber combat, the Younglings were already ahead with a basic understanding of the lightsaber.
Importance of Youngling Lightsabers
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When a Jedi Youngling starts his/her journey, a youngling saber plays a big part in character development. It evokes a sense of responsibility and maturity in the individual.
As per the Jedi values, a lightsaber was a sign of discipline, one of the most important qualities in an individual. By using a training saber, the young Jedi would learn of resistance against unwanted aggression and provoking.
The Younglings would be immediately aware of their duties to the Jedi order. The sabers made them realize what the Order demanded of them. In this way, they could turn out to be capable and strong, making the best decisions for the light side of the force.
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