Warning: contains a preview for Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #5!A new preview of Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #5 issues a challenge to the Jedi, questioning whether they actually stick to the famous principles of their Order. Considering how ingrained these ideas have become, it's surprising how something as core to the Jedi identity as lightsabers could betray them.
Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #5 has the creative team of Daniel José Older, Toni Bruno, and Michael Atiyeh. The story has been following Savina "Sav" Malagán, a Jedi Padawan who is torn between the Jedi Order and her life among pirates with Maz Kanata. As a result, she has been undercover and struggling to figure out who she will be. Nonetheless, she is currently trying to save the Republic while allied with Maz. However, the teachings she is learning seem to conflict with reality, as seen in a preview shared by Star Wars News Net.
Do Lightsabers Count as a Jedi Attachment?
Jedi Padawan Sav Malagán remains torn between her devotion to The Force and adventurous spirit of youth. But to save her newfound pirate friends, led by the infamous Maz Kanata, she must delve deeper into the murky underworld and infiltrate a dangerous gang of marauders, known as the Dank Graks. But will her Jedi training be enough to help her save them in time, or will the Graks discover her true identity?
These pages share a throwback to when Sav created her lightsaber. This has long been a rite of age for Padawans. The construction is taken very seriously and is perceived as being a crucial milestone requiring respect and focus for the "sacred implement." Given her speed at constructing it and the displeasure of her teacher, Sav outwardly questions whether Jedi are truly against attachments. She says "what happened to no attachments?" after her master expresses the importance of the lightsaber. The weapon is described as an extension of the self, worthy of utmost respect and care. Notably, the Kyber crystals that give lightsabers their power are alive, suggesting this is indeed an instance of forbidden attachment to another.
The Jedi Ban on Attachment Caused Constant Problems
Jedi are supposed to live simply and dedicate themselves to studying the Force, while maintaining its balance and protecting the galaxy. While various practices and traditions have changed over time, the rule regarding attachments has always been an interesting - and debated - one. Some Jedi have been shown to have relationships with other Jedi. This was the case with Aayla Secura and Kit Fisto in the Dark Horse Comics series, Star Wars Tales. Anakin's relationship is usually the attachment most in contention - given its tragic consequences - though Obi-Wan seemingly had one of his own with Satine Kryze.
Jedi Could Wield Lightsabers Without Attachment
What's interesting is that this degree of attachment makes lightsabers more effective - as it helps to channel the force - but it's not essential. Luke Skywalker wasn't attached to his blue or yellow lightsabers, and only found this bond with his green 'saber, which he constructed himself. This suggests the Jedi encourage attachment in this one circumstance because it grants them more power - a belief that seems more at home in Sith philosophy.
If there's anything Star Wars fans know, it's that the Jedi Order is far from perfect and often contradicts itself, making its perspective on lightsabers an intriguing and conflicting one. Sav's journey as Padawan and pirate will likely continue to raise questions when Star Wars: The High Republic Adventures #5 releases May 10.
Source: Star Wars News Net
