In the Star Wars universe, the lightsaber is more than just a weapon. It’s a symbol of identity, power, and the deep connection to the Force. Cal Kestis, the main protagonist of Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, embodies this more than any other character introduced in recent years. His journey from a young Padawan to a lone Jedi on the run is deeply intertwined with the two iconic lightsabers he wields throughout his story. In this guide, we will take you through Cal’s journey, the significance of his lightsabers, and the transformative moments tied to these powerful weapons.
1. Introduction to Cal Kestis
Cal Kestis was born on the planet Bracca, where he spent his early life working as a scrapper. However, from a young age, it was clear that Cal was Force-sensitive. His journey began when he was discovered by the Jedi Order, trained under the tutelage of Jedi Master Jarro Tapal. Unfortunately, Cal’s peaceful training was interrupted by the tragic events of Order 66, which saw the near-complete destruction of the Jedi Order.
After the massacre, Cal was forced to go into hiding, suppressing his connection to the Force to avoid detection by the Empire’s Inquisitors, who were hunting down the remaining Jedi. His life was forever changed after the death of his close friend and the resurgence of his own connection to the Force, which set him on a path to reawaken the Jedi Order and battle against the Empire.
2. The First Lightsaber: A Symbol of Loss
Cal's Initial Weapon: A Blue Lightsaber
When Cal first begins his journey, he wields his blue lightsaber, which originally belonged to his Jedi Master, Jarro Tapal. This saber symbolizes everything that Cal once was—a hopeful Jedi apprentice committed to the ideals of the Jedi Order.
The blade of this lightsaber is a blue Kyber crystal, which is commonly associated with Jedi Guardians—those who are skilled in combat and defend peace across the galaxy. The hilt, designed with simplicity and elegance, was a reflection of Jarro Tapal's style—an experienced Jedi who emphasized discipline and the importance of the Jedi code.
During the Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order campaign, Cal’s journey with this lightsaber is marked by intense personal loss. After the tragic events of Order 66, he is forced to abandon his weapon. In a desperate moment, during his escape from the Empire’s forces on the planet Bracca, the lightsaber is lost, symbolizing Cal’s initial connection to his past and his Jedi identity.
The Meaning Behind Cal's First Lightsaber
The blue lightsaber embodies Cal’s initial purpose as a Jedi: peacekeeper, protector, and apprentice. However, after the fall of the Jedi Order and the death of his master, this weapon becomes a symbol of loss and disillusionment. The loss of his saber is, in a sense, a moment of forced transformation for Cal. He has to let go of his past in order to forge a new future, one where he must survive and evolve without the guiding structure of the Jedi Order.
3. Cal’s Second Lightsaber: The Rebirth of Hope
Forging the New Weapon: A Fresh Start
After losing his first lightsaber, Cal is left vulnerable. But, as the story of Jedi: Fallen Order unfolds, Cal finds a renewed sense of purpose. In the face of the Empire's tyranny and the ongoing threat of the Sith, Cal forges a new lightsaber—one that symbolizes his growth as a Jedi and his acceptance of the painful past that shaped him.
This new lightsaber is built using parts of Jarro Tapal’s and Sere Junda’s sabers. Sere Junda, a former Jedi Knight who aids Cal on his journey, had also survived Order 66, and her connection to the Force and the Jedi Order plays an important role in Cal’s path forward.
The new weapon is not just a replacement for the old one; it is a fusion of past and present. This new lightsaber reflects a pivotal turning point in Cal's journey—a moment where he decides to take up the mantle of the Jedi once again and fight back against the Empire, even if the odds seem insurmountable.
The Dual Blades of Cal’s New Lightsaber
One of the most unique features of Cal’s new lightsaber is its ability to be used both as a single-bladed weapon and as a double-bladed weapon. This hybrid combat style becomes a signature move for Cal as he adapts to his new role as a Jedi in a galaxy that has been corrupted by the Empire’s rise.
The double-bladed lightsaber is a rare form, made famous by characters like Darth Maul. However, in Cal's case, it represents his struggle to find balance between his anger and fear—emotions that are closely tied to the dark side. The double blade is a symbol of his internal conflict, showing how he has to harness the power of the Force in new and innovative ways to survive.
The Significance of the New Blade
Cal’s second lightsaber represents hope, resilience, and a second chance. It is forged from the ruins of his previous weapon, much like how Cal himself is reborn through his trials. The second lightsaber also symbolizes his growing understanding of the Force. Cal begins to realize that he is no longer just an apprentice or a survivor—he is now a Jedi in his own right, capable of leading others and rebuilding the Jedi Order.
4. The Evolution of Cal’s Lightsaber Combat Style
As Cal progresses through his journey, his combat style evolves along with his connection to the Force. From his initial training under Jarro Tapal to his battles with Imperial Inquisitors, Cal adopts a variety of lightsaber forms.
Makashi and Ataru: A Hybrid Combat Style
Cal’s initial combat style incorporates elements of Makashi, the second form of lightsaber combat, which is known for its grace and precision. This form is especially effective in one-on-one duels, which is fitting for Cal as he faces off against powerful foes like the Second Sister, a former Jedi turned Inquisitor.
As Cal grows and adapts, he begins incorporating aspects of Ataru, the fourth form of lightsaber combat, which focuses on acrobatics, agility, and using the environment to one’s advantage. Ataru’s emphasis on speed and agility is useful for Cal, who is often outnumbered or facing overwhelming odds.
Over time, Cal blends these two forms, creating a hybrid style that incorporates both fluidity and precision. This combination allows Cal to adapt to various combat situations, making him a versatile fighter capable of defeating some of the most dangerous enemies in the galaxy.
5. Cal’s Key Battles: Testing the Power of His Lightsaber
Throughout Jedi: Fallen Order, Cal is tested in numerous battles that not only shape his skill but also his character. The lightsaber, both a weapon and a symbol of his identity, plays a critical role in these battles.
The Duel Against the Second Sister
The Second Sister, a former Jedi Knight who becomes one of the Empire's Inquisitors, is one of Cal’s most significant adversaries. Their encounters are emotionally charged, as the Second Sister taunts Cal with the loss of his master and the memory of the Jedi's fall. The duels with her represent Cal’s struggle with his inner demons—his fear, anger, and confusion about his place in the galaxy.
Each duel with the Second Sister marks a step forward in Cal’s growth, not just as a warrior but as a Jedi. The last battle, where Cal defeats her, represents a critical turning point, signaling that he is now ready to confront his past and embrace his true role as a Jedi.
The Fight Against Taron Malikos
Another key battle in Cal’s journey is his duel with Taron Malikos, a fallen Jedi who has succumbed to the dark side. This battle represents Cal’s struggle with temptation. Malikos tries to convince Cal to join the dark side and abandon his search for the Jedi Order, but Cal’s determination to restore the light side of the Force prevails.
This fight is a test of Cal’s resolve. His lightsaber is not only a weapon in this duel—it is a reflection of his strength, his ability to resist the pull of darkness, and his commitment to the Jedi way.
6. Cal Kestis: The Grey Jedi
One of the most intriguing aspects of Cal Kestis is his potential connection to the concept of the Grey Jedi—Force users who don’t strictly follow the Jedi Code or the Sith Doctrine. Cal’s journey is unique in that he must balance the teachings of the Jedi while also confronting his darker emotions. His willingness to confront the darkness within himself, without fully embracing it, places him in a unique position within the Star Wars universe.
Cal’s internal conflict is most clearly reflected in his combat style and his dual-bladed lightsaber. The use of the double-bladed weapon could be seen as a metaphor for his struggle to find balance, using both the light and dark sides of the Force in his efforts to achieve peace and justice.
7. Conclusion: The Legacy of Cal Kestis and His Lightsabers
The story of Cal Kestis is a powerful one—his rise from a young apprentice to a Jedi Knight on the run is both thrilling and poignant. His lightsabers, especially his second weapon, play a central role in this narrative, symbolizing his growth, his acceptance of loss, and his commitment to the Jedi ideals.
As Cal continues to evolve, his lightsabers will undoubtedly remain a key part of his journey, guiding him through battles, personal struggles, and the larger war for the galaxy’s future. The legacy of his lightsabers will live on as a beacon of hope for those who strive for peace in a galaxy torn apart by the forces of darkness.
FAQs about Cal Kestis and His Lightsabers
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How many lightsabers does Cal Kestis have?
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Cal has two lightsabers: one blue lightsaber inherited from his master, Jarro Tapal, and a second, custom-built lightsaber made from parts of his former Jedi companions’ sabers.
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Who was Cal Kestis’ first lightsaber?
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His first lightsaber originally belonged to Jarro Tapal, his Jedi Master who was killed during Order 66.
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What makes Cal Kestis’ second lightsaber unique?
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The second lightsaber can be used as both a single-bladed weapon and a double-bladed lightsaber, offering flexibility in combat.
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What form of lightsaber combat does Cal Kestis use?
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Cal primarily uses a hybrid of Makashi (for precision dueling) and Ataru (for acrobatic combat) forms.
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Is Cal Kestis a Grey Jedi?
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While Cal is not officially classified as a Grey Jedi, his journey reflects many of the characteristics associated with them, especially his ability to navigate both the light and dark sides of the Force.
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