There are two reasons given for Mace Windu’s lightsaber being purple, one is based on the behind-the-scenes discussion and the second is based on a non-canonised myth.
The Star Wars franchise has three common colours for lightsabers. The common colours for lightsabers include blue, green and red. Each of the colours has a different significance and meaning within the world of the story.
However, there is one unique lightsaber, which lights up with a purple hue and belongs to Mace Windu. Following the lightsaber making its debut on Episode l, fans have been interested to find out why Mace Windu’s lightsaber is so unique.
Currently, there are two theories, one is based on the behind-the-scenes discussions with Samuel L. Jackson, the other is based on Star Wars mythology.
Who was Mace Windu?
Mace Windu was one of the most powerful Jedi, who is believed to be the second most powerful Jedi to Yoda.
As a character portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, the Jedi was lauded by fans due to his wise sayings, understanding of the Force, and is best-known for developing the Vaapad.
Jackson as Windu made his debut during Episode I in 1999. One of the biggest fascinations was when Mace Windu revealed the unique colour of his lightsaber beam, which was purple.
The unique colour of his lightsaber set him apart as the common colours for lightsabers are green, red and blue.
Why is Mace Windu’s lightsaber purple?
The first explanation on the decision to make Mace Windu’s lightsaber purple is based on the actor, Samuel L. Jackson. Jackson reportedly sought to have a unique lightsaber for the epic Battle of Geonosis during Episode ll.
He believed that the purple lightsaber would be easily recognisable during the chaotic battle sequence, and when the film was released in 2002, Jackson was proved right.
However, the decision was not an easy one to make, as Star Wars’ George Lucas was initially apprehensive due to his purist stance for the intergalactic universe he created.
It is reported, though, that the matter was up in the air for a while during the production of the film. However, during post-production, Lucas decided to go with the idea which paid off following the release of Episode ll.
Moreover, Jackson truly believed in the decision, as he explained during an interview with Graham Norton, “I’m like the second baddest Jedi in the universe next to Yoda”, which further affirmed why his lightsaber being a different colour was the right decision.
Another reason given for Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber is based on Star Wars mythology. However, as the matter has not been officially canonised by the universe, it is contentious.
With that in mind, it is still believed that Mace Windu’s purple lightsaber is as a result of a 14-year-old Mace Windu as a Jedi initiate being sent on his first quest to construct his lightsaber.
While on Hurlkane, he gets attacked and manages to win the battle easily. However, one of his adversaries falls into a gorge and sustains injuries. Upon healing his adversary, Mace Windu is thanked with purple crystals which create the hue of his lightsaber.
What does a purple lightsaber symbolise?
On the surface, Mace Windu’s purple coloured lightsaber primarily represents the rarity of the lightsaber and in extension the Jedi himself. Moreover, it separates the Jedi as a special combatant.
However, as Mace Windu stands as the only Jedi to have the purple lightsaber, it’s believed that the colour is also meant to symbolise the essence of the Jedi as a wise, compassionate and one of the most powerful fighters.
More so as he is behind developing the Vaapad, which is just as unique as his lightsaber.
What is the Vaapad?
Out of the seven known fighting styles in the Star Wars universe, the most aggressive is considered as the seventh style: the Juyo.
This is as it harnesses aspects of the Dark Side. While Jedi Knights are prohibited to use it, Mace Windu used the Juyo to develop the Vaapad.
Essentially, it is a fighting style which absorbs the darkness and throws it back to the opponent.
Considering that in order to utilise the power, one needs to mix blue and red, light and dark, to use the Vaapad, it would allude to another reason that Mace Windu’s lightsaber is purple.
Final thoughts
The Star Wars universe is filled with unique characters and backstories which have contributed to the longevity and continued relevance of the franchise. Each character has something unique or a calling card which makes them easily identifiable to fans.
One of most recognisable calling cards is that of Mace Windu, who was played by Samuel L. Jackson. Mace Windu had a purple lightsaber, which is believed to have been spearheaded by Jackson himself in order to stand out.
The matter of the purple lightsaber was then later mythologised into the world of the story.