One of the experiences that will be available when Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at the end of the month will be the ability to build your own lightsaber. This will be done at Black Spire Outlet by visiting Savi’s Workshop at Savi’s Scrapyard. There, appointments can be made with the Gatherers to customize and build your own lightsaber.
The Backstory
The Gatherers are a group of men and women who, according to Imagineer Scott Trowbridge, have “dedicated their lives to restoring balance in the galaxy by passing on their knowledge of the Force and the ancient ways of the Jedi.” Today they share that knowledge with people stopping at Batuu looking to learn more of the Force and build their own lightsabers.
Through the years, the Gatherers have collected stories, kyber crystals, and other saber parts from around the galaxy. They are “keepers of the Force” who hope to keep the “flame of hope” alive by sharing what they know from generation to generation. Savi, was one of the original Gatherers and also a friend of Lor San Tekka (Star Wars: The Force Awakens). Both were believers in the ideals and values of the Jedi Order. Savi created a salvage business to hide his real agenda of sharing the ways of the Force to a new generation of Force users and helping them build their lightsabers.
The Experience
Those looking to build a lightsaber will need to visit Savi’s workshop. To find the right entrance they will need to find a sign by the door. Then a secret phrase must be given to the Gatherers to enter and build a lightsaber. Inside, the Builders will be surrounded by various objects, pieces, and odds and ends. These will all become instrumental when it comes time to build a lightsaber. A Builders Table will be found in the middle of the table. It will accommodate 14 builders. On it will be found relics salvaged from around the galaxy that will be useful for building and customizing lightsabers.
Types of Lightsabers
According to Scott Trowbridge on the Disney Parks Blog, there are four main types of lightsabers to be built. Here are the descriptions he shared:
Peace and Justice: Salvaged from fallen Jedi temples and crashed starships, these lightsaber pieces were created for Force wielders of the Republic era. The simple designs reflect the commitment to the devout life of those whom they were created by – the Jedi Order – the once guardians of peace and justice in the galaxy.
Power and Control: Reclaimed from the ashes of the rumored Sith homeworld and abandoned Sith temples, these lightsaber pieces were originally forged by the Sith of their time. Characterized by sharp and strong forms, these pieces showcase the brutality and relentlessness of the Sith’s insatiable desire for power and control.
Elemental Nature: As we have been told, The Force is an energy field created by all living things; it surrounds us, penetrates us and binds the galaxy together. These lightsaber pieces are born of that same Force. They are as unique as the user and as the elements of nature: the wood from a Brylark tree, a bone of the Cartusion whale or even a tooth from a Rancor.
Protection and Defense: Cultivated from a time forgotten, these earliest lightsaber pieces contain designs and inscriptions that are shrouded in mystery. Believed to be created for protection and defense, conferring anonymity and symbolizing emotional detachment, a lightsaber made from these pieces reconnects the user with the most ancient wellspring of the Force.
What do you think of the lightsaber building process? Will you be building one? What kind do you want to build? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will be opening at the Disneyland Resort on May 31, 2019. Reservations and valid theme park admission will be required to enter the new land through June 23rd. After June 23rd, reservations will no longer be required. As with all things at Disneyland, everything is subject to availability and capacity.
