Summary
- Jedi use rapid precognition to deflect blaster bolts.
- Trust in the Force allows Jedi to react faster to block and even redirect incoming shots.
- This ability demonstrates a Jedi's strong connection to the Force itself.
One of the most commonly used lightsaber techniques in Star Wars is a Jedi's ability to block and deflect incoming blaster bolts. However, it's never really discussed in the movies or shows beyond a Jedi having to generally "trust in the Force". That said, there is a definitive explanation for the impressive Jedi ability in the established Star Wars canon, going beyond mere reflexes.
Blocking blasterfire with a lightsaber is first seen in A New Hope when Obi-Wan Kenobi trains Luke Skywalker aboard the Millennium Falcon. Placing a helmet over the young boy's head, Luke is instructed to no longer trust his eyes and to trust in the Force while a training droid fires stun bolts. Showing promise, Luke successfully blocks a handful of shots, a move that would go on to be seen by many Jedi across the Star Wars timeline. To that end, the specific Force ability allowing Jedi to move and react so quickly has been broken down in the established canon.
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Jedi Sense The Blaster Bolts Using A Form of Rapid Precognition
Enhancing Jedi Reflexes
According to Timothy Zahn's canonical Thrawn: Alliances novel, a Jedi's ability to deflect and block blaster fire is linked to a specific form of precognition through the Force. During a conflict where a Jedi is forced to wield their lightsaber, an adept Jedi Knight experiences a moment of brief battle precognition before they're attacked. They essentially see double-vision - where they are now, and where the shot will be in a moment.
This rapid precognition allows Jedi to use their already impressive reflexes to react and respond far faster than normal beings in the galaxy. Trusting the Force, the most gifted Jedi can even redirect blaster blots right back at their attackers, a move that has been featured on multiple occasions across the Star Wars timeline, particularly during the Clone Wars on various battlefronts, but also during the recent Ahsoka series when Ahsoka Tano, Ezra Bridger, and Sabine Wren face off against Thrawn's Night Troopers on the extragalactic world of Peridea.
Ahsoka follows the journey of former Jedi Knight Ahsoka Tano as she investigates an emerging threat to a vulnerable galaxy. Released in 2023, this series takes place within the Star Wars universe and features Ahsoka navigating through a complex political and cosmic landscape.
- Cast
- Ariana Greenblatt
- Showrunner
- Dave Filoni
- Directors
- Steph Green, Jennifer Getzinger, Peter Ramsey, Rick Famuyiwa
- Writers
- Dave Filoni
- Franchise(s)
- Star Wars
- Seasons
- 1
- Streaming Service(s)
- Disney+
- Creator(s)
- Dave Filoni
Blocking Blasters Demonstrates Trust In The Force
A True Force Connection
Just like during Luke's Zatochi training with Obi-Wan (or Sabine's with Ahsoka), the ability to block and deflect blaster bolts only comes by trusting in the Force, allowing a Jedi to see what's coming beyond what they can see using their eyes alone. As such, it's not only a useful move during combat, but also a demonstration that shows the strength of a Jedi's connection to the Force itself. As such, knowing more about the specific processes involved certainly enhances the moments when Jedi are seen warding off various foes across the Star Wars franchise.
