Kylo Ren and His Mysterious Lightsaber

Kylo Ren as seen in the second The Force Awakens teaser trailer.

Writing Prompt:

What does Kylo Ren’s lightsaber reveal about the man behind the mask?

Closely examine Kylo Ren’s lightsaber hilt (shown in the photos below) and consider the following guiding questions.

• Record your first impressions of the hilt.
• Briefly describe Kylo Ren’s lightsaber hilt.
• What does the lightsaber’s design possibly reveal about Kylo Ren’s character or role in the upcoming film?
• What about the lightsaber’s design makes you think this way?

Animated GIF of Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Hilt
(click to enlarge)

Detail of Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Hilt

Detail of Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Hilt

Detail of Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Hilt

Detail of Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Hilt

Detail of Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Hilt

Detail of Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Hilt

Detail of Kylo Ren's Lightsaber Hilt

Compare Kylo Ren’s lightsaber to Luke Skywalker’s and Emperor Palpatine’s lightsabers.

• In what ways is Kylo Ren's lightsaber different from Luke's and the Emperor's?
• Why might Kylo Ren’s design be so different?

Comparison Lightsabers (click to enlarge)

Comparison Lightsabers (click to enlarge)

In a paragraph or two, turn your thoughts into a short story explaining the back story of Kylo Ren. Consider the following questions before writing:

• Where/how did he acquire his lightsaber?
• Is he a Jedi? Sith? Neither? How do you know?

At the conclusion of the activity, have students share their background stories. Discuss major similarities and differences.

Educator Background Notes

A hero or villain’s weapon often defines who they are or what they are destined to become. For example, in the King Arthur legends, Arthur was given Excalibur from the Lady of the Lake. The offering and acceptance of this sword symbolized Arthur’s power and rightful claim to be king.

In the classic Norse tale of Sigmund, the god Odin plunges the sword, Gram into Barnstokk, a living tree. He announces that only one man will be able to remove the sword from the tree’s trunk. Many try, but only Sigmund is able to pull Gram from the tree. Again, this revelation reveals Sigmund’s uniqueness and importance within a larger story.

In Star Wars: Episode IV, Luke Skywalker is similarly presented with his father’s lightsaber when Obi-Wan Kenobi reveals the true nature of Luke’s past. By accepting the weapon, Luke embraces his destiny of becoming a Jedi Knight and ultimately destroying the Empire. Similarly, Kylo Ren’s lightsaber reveals something about his past and destiny, but what? Although his lightsaber may reveal clues, very little is currently known about Kylo Ren.

Lightsabers are the traditional weapon of the Jedi, the peacekeepers of the Galaxy. Each Jedi constructs his or her own lightsaber, using various materials to meet their specific needs and stylistic preferences. Lightsabers are powered by crystals that provide the necessary energy. Likewise, the Sith or evil opponents of the Jedi also wield and make their own lightsabers. Traditionally, Sith have red blades that symbolize their association with the Dark Side of the Force.

The uniqueness of Kylo Ren's lightsaber presents many questions for fans and your students to ponder.

• Is Kylo Ren a true Sith Lord?
• Is he an untrained Force-sensitive who constructed a crude lightsaber?
• Did his unconventional or non-existent training inspire the cross-guards of his lightsaber?
• Is he an unknown apprentice of Darth Vader?
• Is it Kylo Ren who retrieves the mask of Darth Vader in the second trailer?

Whatever theories your students come up with, it will be interesting to learn the true story of Kylo Ren this December when The Force Awakens premieres.

If you think it's helpful, you could also show your students the two teaser trailers that reveal Kylo Ren wielding his lightsaber.

Teaser Trailer 1

Teaser Trailer 2

**The Educator Background Notes shown above are meant to help educators understand the importance of a hero’s weapon. If you feel this section is helpful to your students, then feel to share with them as well.

First posted on: May 01, 2015 by Wes Dodgens