The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends

As a seasoned Star Wars fanatic with more years under my belt than I care to admit, let me tell you, these Legends Lightsaber wielders are a force to be reckoned with! From Luke Skywalker, who redefined the Jedi Order and mastered the art of the Lightsaber, to Jacen Solo, the dark-side-plagued progeny of Han and Leia, these characters show that there’s always room for a little more Force in our lives.


In the universe of Star Wars, you’ll encounter legendary Jedi and Sith figures, renowned for their mastery over lightsabers. Characters such as Obi-Wan, Anakin, Yoda, and others exhibit breathtaking swordplay that ranks among the most impressive in Star Wars lore. It’s worth noting that the older expanded universe (now referred to as Legends) also featured numerous remarkable lightsaber wielders, some of whom might still be present in the current canon in one form or another.

Throughout the entirety of the Star Wars saga, from the time of the Old Republic to the emergence of the New Republic established by the Rebel Alliance following the original trilogy, numerous adept lightsaber fighters have appeared. Here are a handful of these masterful lightsaber duelists, who once captivated audiences in Star Wars media dating back several decades.

8 Exar Kun

The Original Double-Bladed Master

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends

  • Species: Human
  • First Appearance: Jedi Search (unnamed), Dark Apprentice (named)

Although Darth Maul is commonly known for wielding the iconic double-bladed lightsaber, it was actually Exar Kun who first created this weapon, centuries before Maul was even born. Exar Kun’s innovative design reflected his intense inner aggression and arrogance, traits that raised concerns among the Jedi Order even during his Padawan years.

As a fully-fledged Jedi Knight, he likely became one of the deadliest fighters within the Jedi Order, an outcome possibly fueled by his insatiable desire for power that ultimately led him astray into the Dark Side.

7 Revan / Darth Revan

A Legendary Duelist in Both Light and Dark

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends
  • Species: Human
  • Homeworld: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Throughout his life, Revan traversed the teachings and abilities of both Jedi and Sith, amassing immense power as a Force-wielder in the process. His unique journey significantly impacted his Lightsaber combat style, which garnered admiration from many during that era.

Over time, warring against the Mandalorians honed Revan’s abilities to such a degree that he was capable of defeating Mandalore the Ultimate in one-on-one combat, his ex-Sith ally Darth Malak, numerous Jedi and Sith masters. Revan wielded various Lightsaber hues, including blue, green, purple, and red.

6 Ulic Qel-Droma

A Gifted Yet Tragic Figure

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends
  • Species: Human
  • First Appearance: Tales of the Jedi #1

Similar to Exar Kun, Ulic Qel-Droma was a talented Jedi who was drawn towards the ominous grasp of the Dark Side of the Force. Unlike Kun, however, Qel-Droma initially harbored selfless intentions before his descent. It wasn’t until he was undercover within the malevolent Krath Cult that he succumbed to the Dark Side.

Initially, he fought Exar Kun to a draw before ultimately becoming his apprentice, showcasing his exceptional skills in lightsaber combat. Contrary to Exar Kun, Qel-Droma eventually gathered the strength to renounce the Sith and help in overthrowing his former mentor instead.

5 Galen Marek / Starkiller

Apprentice to Vader Turned Jedi

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends
  • Species: Human
  • First Appearance: Star Wars: The Force Unleashed

In the “Star Wars: The Force Unleashed” games, Starkiller showcased his mastery of Lightsaber combat, blending various force-infused techniques to enhance his swordplay skills significantly. Whether wielding a single or double Lightsaber, Starkiller was a formidable adversary not only for ex-Jedi Council members but even gave Darth Vader a run for his money.

In time, the apprentice surpassed his ominous mentor, coming close to slaying him, had it not been for the intervention of his fellow Jedi, Master Rahm Kota. Notably skilled, Starkiller is among a small group who master the unconventional method of wielding a lightsaber in reverse.

4 Mara Jade

Wife to Luke Skywalker

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends
  • Species: Human
  • First Appearance: Heir to the Empire

It’s not unexpected that Mara Jade, who was once under the service of Emperor Palpatine and trained as an assassin skilled in using the Force, would prove to be a formidable opponent for Luke Skywalker in a Lightsaber duel – given that she is his wife.

Essentially, Lightsabers were just one type of weapon that Jade had mastery over, given her past as an assassin which granted her a broad range of fighting techniques. Following her marriage to Luke Skywalker, she dedicated herself to the Jedi Order; however, tragically, she was killed by her nephew Jacen Solo, also known as Darth Caedus, who was equally proficient in lightsaber duels.

3 Darth Malak

Former Apprentice to Darth Revan

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends
  • Species: Human
  • First Appearance: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic

Known as one of the deadliest Lightsaber fighters during his era, Darth Malak was originally a Jedi knight who fought alongside his companion Revan. Over years of brutal battles with the Mandalorians, they pushed them into deep space. There, they stumbled upon the Sith Empire, which had been secretly biding its time to overwhelm the Galactic Republic and eliminate any remaining Jedi.

Malak had been particularly tutored to serve as a guardian at the Jedi Temple, which made his mastery over Lightsabers exceptionally significant. In their ultimate showdown, his skills were almost on par with the repentant warrior, Revan.

2 Jacen Solo / Darth Caedus

The Legends Version of Kylo Ren

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends
  • Species: Human
  • First Appearance: Heir to the Empire

In a fashion reminiscent of current lore, their child – Han Solo’s and Leia Organa’s – followed the path to the Dark Side, much like Kylo Ren did. Adopting the title Darth Caedus, this offspring spent numerous years battling former companions after the Yuuzhan Vong War had ended. This included imprisoning, torturing his apprentice and cousin Ben Skywalker, as well as defeating Mara Jade Skywalker in combat, ultimately taking her life in a gruesome fashion.

Caedus was capable of holding his own against Jedi Battlemaster Kyle Katarn with considerable ease, but he wasn’t quite a match for his uncle Luke Skywalker. He met his end at the hands of his twin sister Jaina Solo, though this was only after he had already suffered severe injuries. Even in that weakened state, their battle was grueling and challenging before Caedus ultimately succumbed.

1 Luke Skywalker

This Legends Version Far Outmatches His Canon Counterpart

The Best Lightsaber Duelists In Star Wars Legends
  • Species: Human
  • First Appearance: Star Wars Episode 4: A New Hope

While it’s true that Luke Skywalker isn’t really a Legends character per se, the version of him that appeared in Legends was much more powerful and accomplished than his canon counterpart. This Luke Skywalker successfully rebuilt the Jedi order and faced many more grave threats in his life than those of Kylo Ren and Snoke.

Luke Skywalker became exceptionally proficient with a lightsaber, innovating several styles and teaching numerous Jedi. In many aspects, this version of Luke embodies the ideal Jedi, surpassing his canonical self in these respects.

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2024-08-11 09:34