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| + | {{Otheruses|Lightning}} |
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| + | {{Expand|needs a lot more information added about users, etc.}} |
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{{Force power |
{{Force power |
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| − | |image=[[File: |
+ | |image=[[File:DookuForceLightningSecretsoftheJedi.png]] |
|name=Force lightning |
|name=Force lightning |
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| + | |alternate=*Storm of Midnight Fire<ref name="Dooku: Jedi Lost">''[[Dooku: Jedi Lost]]''</ref> |
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| − | |alternate= |
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| + | *Guided Lightning<ref name="DoH">''[[Disciples of Harmony]]''</ref> |
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| − | |alignment=[[Dark side of the Force]]<ref name="Episode VI">[[Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi|''Star Wars'': Episode VI ''Return of the Jedi'']]</ref> |
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| + | |alignment=[[Dark side of the Force]]<ref name="DB">{{Databank|force-lightning|Force Lightning}}</ref> |
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|area= |
|area= |
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| + | |purpose=To launch bolts of electrical energy at enemies<ref name="Episode VI">{{Film|VI}}</ref> |
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| − | |purpose= |
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|inventor= |
|inventor= |
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| − | |notable practitioners=*[[Darth Sidious]]<ref name="Episode VI" /> |
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| − | *[[Dooku]]/Darth Tyranus<ref name="Master & Apprentice">''[[Master & Apprentice]]''</ref><ref name="EpisodeII">[[Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones|''Star Wars'': Episode II ''Attack of the Clones'']]</ref> |
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| − | *[[Momin]]<ref name="Dark Lord 22">''[[Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith 22: Fortress Vader, Part IV]]''</ref> |
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| − | *[[Snoke]]<ref name="Episode VIII">[[Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi|''Star Wars'': Episode VIII ''The Last Jedi'']]</ref> |
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| − | *[[Son|The Son]]<ref name="Altar of Mortis">{{TCW|Altar of Mortis (episode)|Altar of Mortis}}</ref> |
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| − | *[[Mother Talzin]]<ref name="Massacre">{{TCW|Massacre}}</ref> |
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|affiliation=*[[Sith]]<ref name="EncyclopediaSith">{{SWE|groups|sith|Sith}}</ref> |
|affiliation=*[[Sith]]<ref name="EncyclopediaSith">{{SWE|groups|sith|Sith}}</ref> |
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| − | *[[ |
+ | *[[Force wielder]]s<ref name="Altar of Mortis">{{TCW|Altar of Mortis (episode)}}</ref> |
| − | *[[ |
+ | *[[Nightsisters]]<ref name="Massacre">{{TCW|Massacre}}</ref> |
| − | *[[ |
+ | *[[Baran Do Sages]]<ref name="DoH">''[[Disciples of Harmony]]''</ref>}} |
| − | {{Quote|How does one defend against such power?''"<br />"''A wise master does not reveal all his secrets at once. In due time, my apprentice.|[[Savage Opress]] and |
+ | {{Quote|How does one defend against such power?''"<br />"''A wise master does not reveal all his secrets at once. In due time, my apprentice.|[[Savage Opress]] and Count Dooku, after Dooku assaulted Opress with a barrage of Force lightning|<ref name="Witches of the Mist">{{TCW|Witches of the Mist}}</ref>}} |
| + | '''Force lightning''', also known as '''Sith lightning''' or '''dark rays''', was an offensive [[Force power|power]] that [[Force-sensitive|Force users]] could conjure through the [[dark side of the Force]]. |
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| − | '''Force lightning''' was a [[Force power|power]] that [[Force-sensitive|Force users]], such as the [[Sith]] and even [[Light side of the Force|light siders]] like the [[Jedi]], could conjure through the [[Dark side of the Force]].<ref name="EncyclopediaSith" /><ref name="Master & Apprentice" /> It was an offensive technique which involved a discharge of electrical energy from the practitioner's hands<ref name="Episode VI" /> and was capable of inflicting severe pain on the target of this attack as well as possible disfigurement.<ref name="EpisodeIII">[[Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith|''Star Wars'': Episode III ''Revenge of the Sith'']]</ref> A variant of the ability, known as '''Chain lightning''', involved a burst of lightning that would spread from the first target to those around them, another variant used by Sidious was the power to produce a [[Dark Aura|dark aura]], a miniature storm of malevolent Force energy and lightning that slowed the movement of, and tortured all caught within its radius.<ref name="Battlefront II">''[[Star Wars Battlefront II]]''</ref> Its use was forbidden by the [[Jedi Order]].<ref name="Expert Guide">''[[Star Wars Expert Guide]]''</ref> |
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| + | ==Description== |
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| − | Force Lightning has appeared in four colors; '''blue''', '''green''', '''yellow''' and '''red'''. The standard color was a bluish-purple as demonstrated by Palpatine, Dooku, and Snoke; Nightsister Magic equivalents were green like [[Magical ichor]] as demonstrated by [[Mother (title)|Mother]] [[Talzin]]. Lord [[Momin]] used yet another version that was yellow. It would appear that the most powerful manifestation was "red" as it was used by the [[Son]] (the manifestation of the Dark Side itself) and the disembodied spirit of [[Anakin Skywalker|Darth Vader]] when he entered the portal in his castle on [[Mustafar]]. Anakin blasted the illusion of his master, [[Darth Sidious|Emperor Palpatine]] with red Force lightning after the latter tried to bar him from going to the balcony to see Padme.<ref name="Darth Vader 25">''[[Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith 25: Fortress Vader, Part VII]]''</ref> Momin planned to pour the Force with his version of Force lightning into his engine at the moment of ignition and use it to slow down time, forever trapping the expressions of horror and pain on the city's inhabitants forever.<ref name="Dark Lord 22" /> |
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| + | ===Manifestation of death=== |
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| + | {{Quote|The ultimate physical manifestation of the Force is also one of its most malicious forms and is most commonly generated by those heavily versed in the ways of the dark side, such as Sith Lords. This aggressive energy attack is usually released from the fingertips in the direction of the intended target, leading to severe injury, disfigurement, and death.|Luke Skywalker|<ref name="SotJ">''[[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi]]''</ref>}} |
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| + | [[File:LukeBlastedByForcelightning-ROTJ.png|thumb|left|280px|Luke Skywalker nearly died while Darth Sidious tortured him with Force lightning.]] |
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| + | Force lightning was a [[Dark side of the Force|dark side]]<ref name="DB" /> combinative technique which involved a discharge of electrical energy from the practitioner's hands<ref name="Episode VI" /> and was capable of killing or [[Torture|inflicting severe pain]] on the target, as well as possible disfigurement<ref name="Episode III">{{Film|III}}</ref> or even disintegration. It could also be used to destroy physical objects, such as star ships. Moreover, sometimes the user's hand would emanate faint amounts of smoke just after employing this power.<ref name="Episode IX">{{Film|IX}}</ref> Sometimes this power was used to parry another's usage of the Force.<ref name="Son of Dathomir, Part Four" /> Using this power to stun an opponent was possible, as was using the lightning to move an enemy.<ref name="Episode II" /> |
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| + | [[Luke Skywalker]] considered it to be the ultimate manifestation of the Force in a physical sense.<ref name="SotJ" /> The [[Baran Do Sages]] understood a means of using Force lightning without drawing upon the dark side.<ref name="DoH" /> In some cases, the intensity of Force lightning was so high that the victim's skeletal system glowed and could be seen through their skin—as demonstrated with Windu<ref name="Episode III" />—or even through [[Darth Vader's armor|heavy armor]].<ref name="Episode VI" /> During the [[Mission to Pasaana (Resistance)|mission to Pasaana]], while battling [[Ben Solo|Kylo Ren]], the Jedi [[Rey Skywalker|Rey]] released a burst of Force lightning so powerful it was able to obliterate a [[AAL-1971/9.1 Troop Transport|First Order troop transport ship]].<ref name="Episode IX" /> Shortly after, during the [[Battle of Exegol]], Darth Sidious, having absorbed the power of a dyad, unleashed a tempest of Force lightning of such power and precision that it completely disabled [[Citizens' Fleet|an entire fleet]] of 14,000 ships, while leaving his own fleet of [[Xyston-class Star Destroyer|''Xyston''-class Star Destroyers]] untouched.<ref name="Episode IX" /> |
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| ⚫ | A Jedi could deflect the lightning with a [[lightsaber]]; a powerful [[Jedi Master]] |
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| + | ===Variations=== |
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| − | Other dark side wielders besides the Sith were able to harness the ability. [[Mother (title)|Mother]] [[Talzin]] conjured her own version of Force lightning that was powerful enough to block Darth Sidious' lightning.<ref name="Son of Dathomir, Part Four">''[[Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir, Part Four]]''</ref> [[Supreme Leader]] [[Snoke]] used it to subdue his apprentice, [[Kylo Ren]] when the young [[Knights of Ren|knight]] lost control of his anger. Snoke's use of Force lightning varied from previous practitioners as he projected energy against the floor, causing it to bounce upward and knock the target off their feet.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> |
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| + | [[File:Talzin-vs-Sidious.png|thumb|right|250px|Mother Talzin uses Nightsister magick to bring forth her version of Force lightning against Darth Sidious's Sith Force lightning.]] |
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| + | A variant of the ability, known as '''chain lightning''', involved a burst of lightning that would spread from the first target to those around them. Sometimes this power was unleashed in a wave of stunning sparks. Another variant used by Sidious was the power '''[[Dark Aura]]''', a miniature storm of malevolent Force energy and lightning surrounding its producer that tortured and slowed the movement of all caught within its radius.<ref name="Battlefront II">''[[Star Wars Battlefront II]]''</ref> |
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| + | Force lightning occurred in at least six [[color]]s; blue,<ref name="Episode VI" /> green,<ref name="Massacre" /> yellow,<ref name="Dark Lord 22">[[Darth Vader (2017) 22|''Darth Vader'' (2017) 22]]</ref> white,<ref name="Unlimited Power" /> black and red.<ref name="Darth Vader 25">[[Darth Vader (2017) 25|''Darth Vader'' (2017) 25]]</ref> The typical form was a bluish-purple or bluish-white version as demonstrated by [[Darth Sidious]],<ref name="Episode III" /> [[Dooku|Darth Tyranus]],<ref name="Episode II">{{Film|II}}</ref> [[Snoke]],<ref name="Episode VIII">{{Film|VIII}}</ref> [[Yoda]],<ref name="Unlimited Power" /> and [[Rey Skywalker|Rey]];<ref name="Episode IX" /> [[Nightsisters|Nightsister]] [[magick]] equivalents were green like [[magical ichor]] as demonstrated by [[Mother (title)|Mother]] [[Talzin]].<ref name="Massacre" /> [[Darth Momin]]'s lightning glowed yellow<ref name="Dark Lord 22" /> and red lightning was used by the [[Son]]—a representation of the dark side<ref name="Altar of Mortis" />—and the disembodied spirit of [[Anakin Skywalker|Darth Vader]] when he entered a [[portal]] in his [[Fortress Vader|castle]] on [[Mustafar]].<ref name="Dark Lord 25">[[Darth Vader (2017) 25|''Darth Vader'' (2017) 25]]</ref> |
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| − | Light siders like the Jedi could also use this power. [[Dooku]] during his time as a member of the Jedi Order utilized it spontaneously during a painful Force vision to kill some [[Presagers of Hakotei]], without any known prior training<ref name="Dooku: Jedi Lost">''[[Dooku: Jedi Lost]]''</ref> and using it on [[Shenda Mol]] to save his [[Padawan]] [[Qui-Gon Jinn]] whilst on [[Numidian Prime]].<ref name="Master & Apprentice" /> |
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| + | ===Counteractions' and effects=== |
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| − | In some cases, the intensity of Force lightning was so high that the victim's skeletal system glowed and could be seen through his or her skin—as demonstrated with [[Mace Windu]]<ref name="EpisodeIII" />—or even through [[Vader's armor|heavy armor]].<ref name="Episode VI" /> |
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| + | {{Quote|As you can see, my Jedi powers are far beyond yours. Now, back down.''"<br />"''I don't think so.|Count Dooku and Obi-Wan Kenobi|<ref name="Episode II" />}} |
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| + | [[File:YodaFingerSpark-UP.png|thumb|left|200px|Yoda bending lightning with the Force on Dagobah]] |
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| ⚫ | A [[Jedi]] and [[Sith]] could deflect the lightning with a [[lightsaber]], such as when Obi-Wan Kenobi blocked Dooku's lightning with his saber; a powerful [[Jedi Master]] such as [[Yoda]] was capable of deflecting the attack using [[Force deflection]]<ref name="Episode II" /> but only for a short while and with immense effort.<ref name="Character Encyclopedia">''[[Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded]]''</ref> [[Gungan personal energy shield]]s were also capable of repelling Force lightning,<ref name="Weapons Poll">{{SW|url=news/poll-which-star-wars-weapon-would-you-use|text=Poll: Which ''Star Wars'' Weapon Would You Use?}}</ref> as were [[Squad shield]]s.<ref name="Battlefront II" /> [[Mace Windu]]<ref name="Episode III" /> and Rey were both able to deflect Sidious' lightning back onto him using lightsabers. In Rey's case, the force of his own reflected lightning was what ultimately destroyed Sidious.<ref name="Episode IX" /> Anakin and Obi-Wan were able to use their lightsabers to absorb Dooku's Force Lightning.<ref name="Episode II">{{Film|II}}</ref><ref name="Star Wars: The Clone Wars film">{{TCW|Massacre}}</ref> [[Quinlan Vos]] was able to deflect the Force lightning of Tyranus back onto him with his lightsaber.<ref name="Dark Disciple">''[[Dark Disciple]]''</ref> |
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| + | Quinlan Vos described the feeling of being struck by Dooku's lightning as both burning and freezing his limbs. Those who were harmed with Force lightning often writhed in pain with uncontrollable muscle spasms. After [[Asajj Ventress]] was struck with Dooku's lightning, her skin became tattooed with dark lines where the lightning bolts had hit her.<ref name="Dark Disciple" /> |
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| − | {{Stub}} |
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| + | |||
| + | ==Usage== |
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| + | {{Quote|Now you will experience the full power of the dark side.|Darth Sidious, to Yoda|<ref name="Episode III" />}} |
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| + | Aside from the obvious uses to stun or kill an enemy, this power was used for other tasks. Momin planned to pour the Force into his engine via his version of Force lightning, at the moment of ignition to use it to slow down time, trapping the expressions of horror and pain on the city's inhabitants forever.<ref name="Dark Lord 22" /> Count Dooku used this power to [[Torture|torment]] [[Savage Opress]], in the hope of teaching him to embrace his hate more fully and so deepen his connection to the Force.<ref name="Witches of the Mist">{{TCW|Witches of the Mist}}</ref> While traveling through an illusion-filled plain of reality, the soul of [[Darth]] Vader was able to make use of a red Force lightning; he blasted an illusion of his [[Sith Master]], Darth Sidious, with red Force lightning before confronting the visage of his late [[Marriage|wife]], [[Padmé Amidala]].<ref name="Darth Vader 25">[[Darth Vader (2017) 25|''Darth Vader'' (2017) 25]]</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:Snoke_Lightning.png|thumb|right|250px|Snoke using a short burst of Force lightning to subdue Kylo Ren.]] |
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| + | Other dark side wielders besides the Sith were able to harness the ability. Mother Talzin conjured her own version of Force lightning that was powerful enough to block Sidious' lightning.<ref name="Son of Dathomir, Part Four">[[Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir 4|''Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir'' 4]]</ref> The Son used red lightning to attack his sister.<ref name="Altar of Mortis3">{{TCW|Altar of Mortis (episode)}}</ref> [[Supreme Leader]] Snoke used it to subdue his apprentice, [[Ben Solo|Kylo Ren]], when the young [[Knights of Ren|knight]] lost control of his anger. Snoke's use of Force lightning varied from previous practitioners, as he projected energy against the [[Supremacy|ship's]] floor, causing it to bounce upward and knock the target off their feet.<ref name="Episode VIII" /> [[Bendu]] [[Alter Environment|created and joined with a massive storm]], raining lightning upon the Imperial forces as well as those of the Rebellion. Due to Bendu's own claims about being of both the light side and dark side, it is unclear which side of the Force he used for this battle.<ref>{{Rebels|Zero Hour}}</ref> [[Ben Solo]],<ref>''[[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Sith]]''</ref> similarly, after a confrontation with his uncle, called down a bolt of lightning upon Luke Skywalker's Jedi temple, annihilating the structure, and those within.<ref>[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 1]]</ref> During his fall to the dark side, Solo also conjured lightning around himself as he fought with Ren.<ref>[[The Rise of Kylo Ren 4|''The Rise of Kylo Ren'' 4]]</ref> [[Yoda]], after his death, [[Force spirit|appeared]] to Luke Skywalker and caused a lightning strike to [[Fire|burn]] a [[tree]] as a demonstration to Skywalker.<ref>[[Star Wars: Episode VIII The Last Jedi]]</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | [[File:Sidious_Force_storm.png|thumb|left|200px|With his powers amplified by a Force dyad, Sidious unleashed a storm of Force lightning upon his enemies above Exegol.]] |
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| + | Although its use was officially forbidden by the [[Jedi Order]] for most of its history,<ref name="Expert Guide">''[[Star Wars Expert Guide]]''</ref> light-siders like the Jedi could also use this power. Dooku, during his time as a member of the Jedi Order, utilized it spontaneously during a painful Force vision to kill some [[Presagers of Hakotei]], without any known prior training<ref name="Dooku: Jedi Lost">''[[Dooku: Jedi Lost]]''</ref> and also used it on [[Shenda Mol]] to save his [[Padawan]] [[Qui-Gon Jinn]] while on [[Numidian Prime]], although Qui-Gon was unaware of it.<ref name="Master & Apprentice">''[[Master & Apprentice]]''</ref> Yoda himself conjured Force lightning while in exile on [[Dagobah]].<ref name="Unlimited Power">''[[Unlimited Power]]''</ref> Yoda was also able harvest the power of absorbed lightning to temporarily increase his telekinetic powers.<ref name="Battlefront II" /> Force lightning was one of the dark side powers that Luke Skywalker admitted might be correct to use if the need of a Jedi was dire, though he still felt that under most circumstances using the dark side carried a cost beyond whatever benefits such power might grant.<ref name="SotJ" /> |
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| + | In a skirmish with the First Order during a [[Mission to Pasaana (Resistance)|mission to Pasaana]], the Jedi Rey was trying to bring down a [[AAL-1971/9.1 Troop Transport|First Order transport]] she believed was carrying [[Chewbacca]]. She and Kylo Ren were both trying to bring the transport to themselves with the Force, and in her anger, she accidentally unleashed lightning upon it, destroying the ship immediately.<ref name="Episode IX" /> |
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==Behind the scenes== |
==Behind the scenes== |
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| + | ===Conception and development=== |
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| − | [[File: |
+ | [[File:Adventures_of_Luke_-_Force_Lightning.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Darth Sidious blasting Luke Skywalker with lightning in [[Ralph McQuarrie]] artwork seen in ''[[The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight]]'']] |
| − | Force lightning first appeared in the [[1983]] film [[Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi|''Star Wars'': Episode VI ''Return of the Jedi'']], the final film of the ''[[Star Wars]]'' [[original trilogy]].<ref name="Episode VI" /> In [[Star Wars Legends|''Star Wars'' Legends]], a few [[Jedi/Legends|Jedi]], such as [[Luke Skywalker/Legends|Luke Skywalker]], used a variant of [[Force lightning/Legends|Force lightning]].<ref name="DNI:TJK">''[[Dark Nest I: The Joiner King]]''</ref> The [[Databank (website)|Databank]] entry for Force lightning, however, says that in current [[canon]], it's exclusively a [[Dark side of the Force|dark-side]] power.<ref>{{Databank|force-lightning|Force Lightning|archivedate=20170710190140}}</ref> |
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| + | Force lightning first appeared the [[canon]] continuity in the [[1983]] film [[Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi|''Star Wars'': Episode VI ''Return of the Jedi'']], the final installment of the ''[[Star Wars]]'' [[original trilogy]].<ref name="Episode VI" /> In Legends, conversely, the [[1978]] novel ''[[Splinter of the Mind's Eye]]'' was the first work this power is introduced in.<ref name="Splinter">''[[Splinter of the Mind's Eye]]''</ref> |
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| + | As sound designer [[Ben Burtt]] wanted sounds for sparks and artificial lightning akin to those in [[Wikipedia:Victor Frankenstein|Frankenstein]] films during the production of the [[1977]] film [[Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope|''Star Wars'': Episode IV ''A New Hope'']], Burtt tracked down [[Wikipedia:Kenneth Strickfaden|Ken Strickfaden]], the person who built and kept the props of [[Wikipedia:Frankenstein (1931 film)|''Frankenstein'']], and asked if he could record sounds from the still-functional ''Frankenstein'' props. Strickfaden initially denied the request, but, during the production of the [[1980]] film [[Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back|''Star Wars'': Episode V ''The Empire Strikes Back'']], was stunned after watching the 1977 ''[[Star Wars]]'' film and drove Burtt to his house in [[Wikipedia:Santa Monica, California|Santa Monica]], switching on all his props and allowing Burtt to record the sounds. Much of the Emperor's Force lightning attack on Luke Skywalker in ''Return of the Jedi'' made use of sounds recorded from Strickfaden's ''Frankenstein'' props, with the sound effects being used in subsequent ''Star Wars'' media.<ref name="Frankenstein">{{SWYouTube|gEBBuCSoC_E|Conversations: Sounds In Space - Frankenstein Sounds|sw_url=video/frankenstein-sounds-conversations-sounds-in-space}}</ref> |
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| − | There has been a debate about the consequences of Force lightning in an individual. In ''Revenge of the Sith'', after having been bested by Mace Windu, Darth Sidious uses Force lightning against the [[Jedi Master]], who repels it with his lightsaber, deflecting it on Sidious and disfiguring and scarring the [[Sith Lord]]'s body.<ref name="EpisodeIII" /> However, previous to the Force lightning's appearance in ''Sith'', Sidious blasted [[Luke Skywalker]] with Force lightning in ''Return of the Jedi'' several times and Skywalker wasn't disfigured or scarred.<ref name="Episode VI" /> Though an official explanation of this inconsistency has yet to be given, [[Lucasfilm Story Group]]'s [[Matt Martin]] has shared his thinking for what the explanation could be, as he never saw it as an inconsistency. In his mind, it was Sidious' own fault that his disfigurement took place, assuming that he overexerted himself, causing the Force lightning's voltage to be higher unlike when he later attacked Skywalker.<ref name="Matt's Explanation">{{Twitter|missingwords|status/1034554469596319746|[[Matt Martin]]|quote=This is not an official answer but I just always assumed there was more going on with Palps and it wasn't just a result of the lightning itself. Maybe he overexerted himself and that caused it? Maybe he had the voltage turned up higher? IDK, but I never saw it as an inconsistency}}</ref> |
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| + | George Lucas originally conceived of Force lightning as being just another Force power and wanted Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader to use it against each other in ''Empire Strikes Back'', with Luke seeming to turn close to the dark side to increase his power at Vader's urging, but ultimately being defeated as in the final film, though ultimately this idea of Luke using lightning so early in his life was not implemented in ''The Empire Strikes Back''.<ref>''[[The Making of The Empire Strikes Back]]''</ref><ref>{{Film|V}}</ref> The ''Return of the Jedi'' draft script saw Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda appear amid the Emperor's use of Force lightning against Luke: the two Force ghosts appeared in defense of the young Jedi and deflected the Sith's attack.<ref name="Rewind of the Jedi">{{InsiderCite|218|Rewind of the Jedi}}</ref> |
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| + | |||
| + | ===Disfigurement=== |
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| + | There has been a fan debate about the consequences of Force lightning in an individual.<ref name="Matt's Explanation">{{Twitter|missingwords|status/1034554469596319746|[[Matt Martin]]|quote=This is not an official answer but I just always assumed there was more going on with Palps and it wasn't just a result of the lightning itself. Maybe he overexerted himself and that caused it? Maybe he had the voltage turned up higher? IDK, but I never saw it as an inconsistency|archiveurl=https://archive.is/790hW}}</ref> In ''Revenge of the Sith'', after having been bested by Mace Windu, Darth Sidious uses Force lightning against the [[Jedi Master]], who repels it with his lightsaber, deflecting it onto Sidious and disfiguring and scarring the [[Sith Lord]]'s body.<ref name="Episode III" /> However, previous to the Force lightning's appearance in ''Sith'', Sidious blasted [[Luke Skywalker]] with Force lightning in ''Return of the Jedi'' several times and Skywalker was not disfigured or scarred.<ref name="Episode VI" /> Likewise, Dooku used this power on Anakin Skywalker without permanently damaging him.<ref name="Episode II" /> |
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| + | |||
| + | Though an official explanation of this inconsistency has yet to be given, [[Lucasfilm Story Group]]'s [[Matt Martin]] has shared his thinking for what the explanation could be, as he never saw it as an inconsistency. In his mind, it was Sidious' own fault that his disfigurement took place, assuming that he overexerted himself, causing the Force lightning's voltage to be higher, unlike when he later attacked Skywalker.<ref name="Matt's Explanation" /> In Legends, it was suggested that Palpatine used a Sith power known as "[[Mask (Sith Alchemy)|Mask]]" to hide his true face, suggesting the lightning did not cause his disfigurement. Instead, the lightning only broke the spell and revealed the Sith Lord's true appearance. Any further damage was because of the mask suddenly dropping from a blast of dark side energy.<ref name="Jedi Counseling 71">[[Jedi Counseling]] 71, [[Wizards of the Coast]] [[Star Wars Roleplaying Game]] website [https://web.archive.org/web/20090602013752/http://www.wizards.com/default.asp?x=starwars/article/sw20050804jc71 (link)]''<nowiki/>''</ref> |
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==Appearances== |
==Appearances== |
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| − | {{ |
+ | {{Scroll_box| |
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| ⚫ | |||
| − | *''[[ |
+ | *''[[Star Wars: Galactic Defense]]'' |
*''[[Master & Apprentice]]'' {{Flash}} |
*''[[Master & Apprentice]]'' {{Flash}} |
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| + | *[[Master & Apprentice (audiobook)|''Master & Apprentice'' audiobook]] {{Flash}} |
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| − | * |
+ | *[[Age of Republic - Darth Maul 1|''Age of Republic - Darth Maul'' 1]] |
*''[[Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace]]'' {{Mo}} |
*''[[Star Wars Journeys: The Phantom Menace]]'' {{Mo}} |
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*''[[Star Wars Journeys: Beginnings]]'' |
*''[[Star Wars Journeys: Beginnings]]'' |
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| − | *''[[Star Wars |
+ | *{{SeriesListing|short}} ''[[5-Minute Star Wars Villain Stories]]'' |
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront II]]'' |
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront II]]'' |
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| − | * |
+ | *[[Age of Republic - Count Dooku 1|''Age of Republic - Count Dooku'' 1]] {{Co}} |
| ⚫ | |||
| − | *[[Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones|''Star Wars'': Episode II ''Attack of the Clones'']] |
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| + | *{{Film|II}} |
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| − | *{{Galaxy of Adventures|Yoda vs Count Dooku |
+ | *{{Galaxy of Adventures|Yoda vs Count Dooku – Size Matters Not}} |
| + | *''[[Queen's Hope]]'' |
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| + | *[[Queen's Hope (audiobook)|''Queen's Hope'' audiobook]] |
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| + | *''[[Brotherhood]]'' {{Mo}} |
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| + | *[[Brotherhood (audiobook)|''Brotherhood'' audiobook]] {{Mo}} |
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| + | *[[Hyperspace Stories 11|''Hyperspace Stories'' 11]] |
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| + | *[[Hyperspace Stories 5|''Hyperspace Stories'' 5]] |
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*[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' film]] |
*[[Star Wars: The Clone Wars (film)|''Star Wars: The Clone Wars'' film]] |
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*{{TCW|Dooku Captured}} |
*{{TCW|Dooku Captured}} |
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*{{TCW|The Gungan General}} {{Flash}} |
*{{TCW|The Gungan General}} {{Flash}} |
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| + | *{{StoryCite|story=Dooku Captured (short story)|book=The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark}} {{Mo}} |
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| + | *{{StoryCite|story=Dooku Captured (short story)|book=The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark (audiobook)|bformatted=''The Clone Wars: Stories of Light and Dark'' audiobook}} {{Mo}} |
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*{{TCW|Witches of the Mist}} |
*{{TCW|Witches of the Mist}} |
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| − | *{{TCW|Altar of Mortis (episode) |
+ | *{{TCW|Altar of Mortis (episode)}} |
*{{TCW|Ghosts of Mortis}} |
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*''[[Dark Disciple]]'' |
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+ | *[[Dark Disciple (audiobook)|''Dark Disciple'' audiobook]] |
| − | * |
+ | *[[Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir 1|''Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir'' 1]] |
| − | * |
+ | *[[Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir 2|''Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir'' 2]] |
| − | * |
+ | *[[Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir 3|''Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir'' 3]] |
| − | * |
+ | *[[Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir 4|''Darth Maul—Son of Dathomir'' 4]] |
| + | *{{Film|III}} |
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| − | *[[Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith|''Star Wars'': Episode III ''Revenge of the Sith'']] |
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| + | *{{TCW|Shattered}} {{C|Audio only}} |
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| − | *''[[Darth Vader: Dark Lord of the Sith 1: The Chosen One, Part I]]'' |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2017) 1|''Darth Vader'' (2017) 1]] |
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*''[[Lords of the Sith]]'' |
*''[[Lords of the Sith]]'' |
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| + | *[[Lords of the Sith (audiobook)|''Lords of the Sith'' audiobook]] |
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| − | * |
+ | *[[Darth Vader (2017) 25|''Darth Vader'' (2017) 25]] {{Vision|Darth Vader}} |
*''[[Leia Organa: Ordeal of the Princess]]'' {{Flash}} |
*''[[Leia Organa: Ordeal of the Princess]]'' {{Flash}} |
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*''[[The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight]]'' |
*''[[The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight]]'' |
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*''[[Star Wars: The Original Trilogy – A Graphic Novel]]'' |
*''[[Star Wars: The Original Trilogy – A Graphic Novel]]'' |
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*''[[Star Wars Battlefront]]'' |
*''[[Star Wars Battlefront]]'' |
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+ | *[[Star Wars Annual (2015) 1|''Star Wars Annual'' (2015) 1]] |
| − | * |
+ | *[[Doctor Aphra (2016) 33|''Doctor Aphra'' (2016) 33]] |
| + | *[[Yoda 10|''Yoda'' 10]] {{Vision|Yoda}} |
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| − | *{{Galaxy of Adventures|Yoda |
+ | *{{Galaxy of Adventures|Yoda – The Jedi Master}} {{Flash}} |
| − | *[[Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi|''Star Wars'': Episode VI ''Return of the Jedi'']] {{1st}} |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 5|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 5]] |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 6|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 6]] |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 8|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 8]] {{Flash}} |
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| + | *[[Crimson Reign 1|''Crimson Reign'' 1]] {{Flash}} |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 28|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 28]] |
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| + | *[[Hidden Empire 4|''Hidden Empire'' 4]] {{Co}} |
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| + | *[[Hidden Empire 5|''Hidden Empire'' 5]] |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 33|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 33]] |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 40|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 40]] |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 41|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 41]] {{Flash}} |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 42|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 42]] |
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| + | *[[Darth Vader (2020) 43|''Darth Vader'' (2020) 43]] {{Flash}} |
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| + | *{{Film|VI}} {{1st}} |
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*[[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (paperback novel)|''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'' junior novelization]] |
*[[Star Wars: Return of the Jedi (paperback novel)|''Star Wars: Return of the Jedi'' junior novelization]] |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | *[[Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side! (audiobook)|''Return of the Jedi: Beware the Power of the Dark Side!'' audiobook]] |
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*''[[Episode VI: Return of the Jedi Read-Along Storybook and CD]]'' |
*''[[Episode VI: Return of the Jedi Read-Along Storybook and CD]]'' |
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| + | *{{StoryCite|story=Masters|book=Stories of Jedi and Sith}} {{Flash}} |
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| + | *{{StoryCite|story=Masters|book=Stories of Jedi and Sith (audiobook)|bformatted=''Stories of Jedi and Sith'' audiobook}} {{Flash}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | *{{Film|VIII}} |
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*''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition]]'' |
*''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition]]'' |
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| + | *[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition (audiobook)|''Star Wars: The Last Jedi: Expanded Edition'' audiobook]] |
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*''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: A Junior Novel]]'' |
*''[[Star Wars: The Last Jedi: A Junior Novel]]'' |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | *[[The Last Jedi Adaptation 1|''The Last Jedi Adaptation'' 1]] |
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| + | *{{StoryCite|story=A Life Immortal|book=Dark Legends}} {{Flash}} |
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| + | *{{StoryCite|story=Sleep of Ages|book=Dark Legends}} {{Flash}} |
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| + | *{{Film|IX}} |
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| + | *[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition (audiobook)|''Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: Expanded Edition'' audiobook]] |
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| + | *''[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: A Junior Novel]]'' |
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| + | *[[Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: A Junior Novel (audiobook)|''Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker: A Junior Novel'' audiobook]] |
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| + | *{{StoryCite|story=The Final Battle|book=5-Minute Star Wars Stories (2020)}} {{1stID|dark rays}} |
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| + | }} |
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===Non-canon appearances=== |
===Non-canon appearances=== |
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*''[[Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes]]'' |
*''[[Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes]]'' |
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| − | * |
+ | *[[LEGO Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Scholastic)|''LEGO Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith'' (Scholastic)]] |
| + | *''[[Disney Infinity 3.0]]'' |
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*''[[Star Wars Epic Yarns: Return of the Jedi]]'' |
*''[[Star Wars Epic Yarns: Return of the Jedi]]'' |
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*{{The Freemaker Adventures|Return of the Kyber Saber}} |
*{{The Freemaker Adventures|Return of the Kyber Saber}} |
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*{{The Freemaker Adventures|The Pit and the Pinnacle}} |
*{{The Freemaker Adventures|The Pit and the Pinnacle}} |
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*{{The Freemaker Adventures|Flight of the Arrowhead}} |
*{{The Freemaker Adventures|Flight of the Arrowhead}} |
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| + | *{{The Freemaker Adventures|A Perilous Rescue}} |
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| + | *{{The Freemaker Adventures|Escape from Coruscant}} |
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*{{The Freemaker Adventures|Return of the Return of the Jedi}} |
*{{The Freemaker Adventures|Return of the Return of the Jedi}} |
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| − | *{{Droid Tales |
+ | *{{Droid Tales|Crisis on Coruscant}} {{Flash}} |
*{{Droid Tales|Gambit on Geonosis}} {{Flash}} |
*{{Droid Tales|Gambit on Geonosis}} {{Flash}} |
||
*''[[LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]'' |
*''[[LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens]]'' |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | *{{VisionsCite|THE TWINS}} {{Ambig}} |
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| + | *{{VisionsCite|The Ninth Jedi}} {{Ambig}} |
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| + | *{{VisionsCite|The Elder (short film)}} {{Ambig}} |
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==Sources== |
==Sources== |
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| + | {{Scroll box| |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | *<!-- 2014-07-01 -->{{SW|url=series/clone-wars/dooku-captured-episode-guide|text="Dooku Captured" Episode Guide | The Clone Wars}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2014-07-01 -->{{SWE|groups|sith|Sith}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2015-03-11 -->{{SWCT|Mace Windu - Jedi Master (ROTS) - Base Series 1|Mace Windu - Jedi Master (ROTS) - ''Base Series 1''}} {{1stID|Sith Lightning}} |
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| − | *''[[Star Wars: |
+ | *<!-- 2016-04-05 -->''[[Star Wars Character Encyclopedia: Updated and Expanded]]'' |
| + | *<!-- 2016-07-13 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|14|Highlights of the Saga|The Second Death Star}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2016-07-13 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|14|Weapons & Uniforms|The Sith}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2016-07-27 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|15|Highlights of the Saga|Palpatine Unmasked}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2017-11-15 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|49|Databank A-Z|Serenno–Anakin Skywalker}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2018-03-06 -->{{BustCollectionCite|4|Star Wars Universe|Jedi vs. Sith: An Imbalance in the Force}} |
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| − | *{{Databank|sith|Sith|archivedate=20170911135720}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2018-05-30 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|63|Databank A-Z|Darth Vader}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2018-10-03 -->{{HelmetCollectionCite|72|Databank A-Z|Mace Windu}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
| + | *<!-- 2018-12-06 -->''[[Star Wars: The Dark Side]]'' |
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| ⚫ | |||
| ⚫ | |||
| + | *<!-- 2019-09-05 -->''[[Star Wars: How Not to Get Eaten by Ewoks and Other Galactic Survival Skills]]'' |
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| + | *<!-- 2019-11-12 -->''[[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Jedi]]'' |
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| + | *<!-- 2020-05-08 -->{{DisneyGallery|Legacy (Disney Gallery: The Mandalorian episode)}} |
||
| + | *<!-- 2020-09-30 -->{{EncyclopediaCite|R2-D2 (Star Wars Encyclopedia)}} |
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| + | *<!-- 2020-10-01 -->''[[The Star Wars Book]]'' |
||
| + | *<!-- 2021-01-08 -->{{EncyclopediaCite|The Final Order and the Battle of Exegol}} |
||
| + | *<!-- 2021-10-12 -->''[[Star Wars: The Secrets of the Sith]]'' |
||
| + | *<!-- 2022-05-16 -->{{SW|url=news/clones-at-20-rob-coleman-interview|text=''Clones'' at 20 | Rob Coleman on Bringing Yoda, Dexter Jettster, and More to Digital Life}} |
||
| + | *<!-- 2023-05-02 -->{{InsiderCite|218|Rewind of the Jedi}} |
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| ⚫ | |||
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| + | *{{Databank|the-force|The Force}} |
||
| + | }} |
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==Notes and references== |
==Notes and references== |
||
| − | {{Reflist}} |
+ | {{Scroll_box|content={{Reflist}}}} |
{{Interlang |
{{Interlang |
||
|de=Macht-Blitz |
|de=Macht-Blitz |
||
| + | |el=Αστραπές της Δύναμης |
||
|es=Rayo de la Fuerza |
|es=Rayo de la Fuerza |
||
| + | |fi=Voimasalamointi |
||
|fr=Foudre Sith |
|fr=Foudre Sith |
||
| + | |he=ברקי כוח |
||
|hu=Erő villámlás |
|hu=Erő villámlás |
||
| + | |ja=フォース・ライトニング |
||
|ko=포스 번개 |
|ko=포스 번개 |
||
|nl=Force Lightning |
|nl=Force Lightning |
||
|pl=Błyskawica Mocy |
|pl=Błyskawica Mocy |
||
|pt=Relâmpago da Força |
|pt=Relâmpago da Força |
||
| + | |tr=Güç yıldırımı |
||
| − | |ru=Молния Силы |
||
| − | |tr=Force Lightining |
||
|uk=Блискавка Сили |
|uk=Блискавка Сили |
||
}} |
}} |
||
| − | [[Category:Dark side powers |
+ | [[Category:Dark side powers]] |
Latest revision as of 22:02, 14 February 2024
 |  |
- "How does one defend against such power?"
"A wise master does not reveal all his secrets at once. In due time, my apprentice." - ―Savage Opress and Count Dooku, after Dooku assaulted Opress with a barrage of Force lightning
Force lightning, also known as Sith lightning or dark rays, was an offensive power that Force users could conjure through the dark side of the Force.
Description[]
Manifestation of death[]
- "The ultimate physical manifestation of the Force is also one of its most malicious forms and is most commonly generated by those heavily versed in the ways of the dark side, such as Sith Lords. This aggressive energy attack is usually released from the fingertips in the direction of the intended target, leading to severe injury, disfigurement, and death."
- ―Luke Skywalker
Luke Skywalker nearly died while Darth Sidious tortured him with Force lightning.
Force lightning was a dark side[3] combinative technique which involved a discharge of electrical energy from the practitioner's hands[4] and was capable of killing or inflicting severe pain on the target, as well as possible disfigurement[10] or even disintegration. It could also be used to destroy physical objects, such as star ships. Moreover, sometimes the user's hand would emanate faint amounts of smoke just after employing this power.[11] Sometimes this power was used to parry another's usage of the Force.[12] Using this power to stun an opponent was possible, as was using the lightning to move an enemy.[13]
Luke Skywalker considered it to be the ultimate manifestation of the Force in a physical sense.[9] The Baran Do Sages understood a means of using Force lightning without drawing upon the dark side.[2] In some cases, the intensity of Force lightning was so high that the victim's skeletal system glowed and could be seen through their skin—as demonstrated with Windu[10]—or even through heavy armor.[4] During the mission to Pasaana, while battling Kylo Ren, the Jedi Rey released a burst of Force lightning so powerful it was able to obliterate a First Order troop transport ship.[11] Shortly after, during the Battle of Exegol, Darth Sidious, having absorbed the power of a dyad, unleashed a tempest of Force lightning of such power and precision that it completely disabled an entire fleet of 14,000 ships, while leaving his own fleet of Xyston-class Star Destroyers untouched.[11]
Variations[]
Mother Talzin uses Nightsister magick to bring forth her version of Force lightning against Darth Sidious's Sith Force lightning.
A variant of the ability, known as chain lightning, involved a burst of lightning that would spread from the first target to those around them. Sometimes this power was unleashed in a wave of stunning sparks. Another variant used by Sidious was the power Dark Aura, a miniature storm of malevolent Force energy and lightning surrounding its producer that tortured and slowed the movement of all caught within its radius.[14]
Force lightning occurred in at least six colors; blue,[4] green,[7] yellow,[15] white,[16] black and red.[17] The typical form was a bluish-purple or bluish-white version as demonstrated by Darth Sidious,[10] Darth Tyranus,[13] Snoke,[18] Yoda,[16] and Rey;[11] Nightsister magick equivalents were green like magical ichor as demonstrated by Mother Talzin.[7] Darth Momin's lightning glowed yellow[15] and red lightning was used by the Son—a representation of the dark side[6]—and the disembodied spirit of Darth Vader when he entered a portal in his castle on Mustafar.[19]
Counteractions' and effects[]
- "As you can see, my Jedi powers are far beyond yours. Now, back down."
"I don't think so." - ―Count Dooku and Obi-Wan Kenobi
Yoda bending lightning with the Force on Dagobah
A Jedi and Sith could deflect the lightning with a lightsaber, such as when Obi-Wan Kenobi blocked Dooku's lightning with his saber; a powerful Jedi Master such as Yoda was capable of deflecting the attack using Force deflection[13] but only for a short while and with immense effort.[20] Gungan personal energy shields were also capable of repelling Force lightning,[21] as were Squad shields.[14] Mace Windu[10] and Rey were both able to deflect Sidious' lightning back onto him using lightsabers. In Rey's case, the force of his own reflected lightning was what ultimately destroyed Sidious.[11] Anakin and Obi-Wan were able to use their lightsabers to absorb Dooku's Force Lightning.[13][22] Quinlan Vos was able to deflect the Force lightning of Tyranus back onto him with his lightsaber.[23]
Quinlan Vos described the feeling of being struck by Dooku's lightning as both burning and freezing his limbs. Those who were harmed with Force lightning often writhed in pain with uncontrollable muscle spasms. After Asajj Ventress was struck with Dooku's lightning, her skin became tattooed with dark lines where the lightning bolts had hit her.[23]
Usage[]
- "Now you will experience the full power of the dark side."
- ―Darth Sidious, to Yoda
Aside from the obvious uses to stun or kill an enemy, this power was used for other tasks. Momin planned to pour the Force into his engine via his version of Force lightning, at the moment of ignition to use it to slow down time, trapping the expressions of horror and pain on the city's inhabitants forever.[15] Count Dooku used this power to torment Savage Opress, in the hope of teaching him to embrace his hate more fully and so deepen his connection to the Force.[8] While traveling through an illusion-filled plain of reality, the soul of Darth Vader was able to make use of a red Force lightning; he blasted an illusion of his Sith Master, Darth Sidious, with red Force lightning before confronting the visage of his late wife, Padmé Amidala.[17]
Snoke using a short burst of Force lightning to subdue Kylo Ren.
Other dark side wielders besides the Sith were able to harness the ability. Mother Talzin conjured her own version of Force lightning that was powerful enough to block Sidious' lightning.[12] The Son used red lightning to attack his sister.[24] Supreme Leader Snoke used it to subdue his apprentice, Kylo Ren, when the young knight lost control of his anger. Snoke's use of Force lightning varied from previous practitioners, as he projected energy against the ship's floor, causing it to bounce upward and knock the target off their feet.[18] Bendu created and joined with a massive storm, raining lightning upon the Imperial forces as well as those of the Rebellion. Due to Bendu's own claims about being of both the light side and dark side, it is unclear which side of the Force he used for this battle.[25] Ben Solo,[26] similarly, after a confrontation with his uncle, called down a bolt of lightning upon Luke Skywalker's Jedi temple, annihilating the structure, and those within.[27] During his fall to the dark side, Solo also conjured lightning around himself as he fought with Ren.[28] Yoda, after his death, appeared to Luke Skywalker and caused a lightning strike to burn a tree as a demonstration to Skywalker.[29]
With his powers amplified by a Force dyad, Sidious unleashed a storm of Force lightning upon his enemies above Exegol.
Although its use was officially forbidden by the Jedi Order for most of its history,[30] light-siders like the Jedi could also use this power. Dooku, during his time as a member of the Jedi Order, utilized it spontaneously during a painful Force vision to kill some Presagers of Hakotei, without any known prior training[1] and also used it on Shenda Mol to save his Padawan Qui-Gon Jinn while on Numidian Prime, although Qui-Gon was unaware of it.[31] Yoda himself conjured Force lightning while in exile on Dagobah.[16] Yoda was also able harvest the power of absorbed lightning to temporarily increase his telekinetic powers.[14] Force lightning was one of the dark side powers that Luke Skywalker admitted might be correct to use if the need of a Jedi was dire, though he still felt that under most circumstances using the dark side carried a cost beyond whatever benefits such power might grant.[9]
In a skirmish with the First Order during a mission to Pasaana, the Jedi Rey was trying to bring down a First Order transport she believed was carrying Chewbacca. She and Kylo Ren were both trying to bring the transport to themselves with the Force, and in her anger, she accidentally unleashed lightning upon it, destroying the ship immediately.[11]
Behind the scenes[]
Conception and development[]
Darth Sidious blasting Luke Skywalker with lightning in Ralph McQuarrie artwork seen in The Adventures of Luke Skywalker, Jedi Knight
Force lightning first appeared the canon continuity in the 1983 film Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi, the final installment of the Star Wars original trilogy.[4] In Legends, conversely, the 1978 novel Splinter of the Mind's Eye was the first work this power is introduced in.[32]
As sound designer Ben Burtt wanted sounds for sparks and artificial lightning akin to those in Frankenstein films during the production of the 1977 film Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope, Burtt tracked down Ken Strickfaden, the person who built and kept the props of Frankenstein, and asked if he could record sounds from the still-functional Frankenstein props. Strickfaden initially denied the request, but, during the production of the 1980 film Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back, was stunned after watching the 1977 Star Wars film and drove Burtt to his house in Santa Monica, switching on all his props and allowing Burtt to record the sounds. Much of the Emperor's Force lightning attack on Luke Skywalker in Return of the Jedi made use of sounds recorded from Strickfaden's Frankenstein props, with the sound effects being used in subsequent Star Wars media.[33]
George Lucas originally conceived of Force lightning as being just another Force power and wanted Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader to use it against each other in Empire Strikes Back, with Luke seeming to turn close to the dark side to increase his power at Vader's urging, but ultimately being defeated as in the final film, though ultimately this idea of Luke using lightning so early in his life was not implemented in The Empire Strikes Back.[34][35] The Return of the Jedi draft script saw Obi-Wan Kenobi and Yoda appear amid the Emperor's use of Force lightning against Luke: the two Force ghosts appeared in defense of the young Jedi and deflected the Sith's attack.[36]
Disfigurement[]
There has been a fan debate about the consequences of Force lightning in an individual.[37] In Revenge of the Sith, after having been bested by Mace Windu, Darth Sidious uses Force lightning against the Jedi Master, who repels it with his lightsaber, deflecting it onto Sidious and disfiguring and scarring the Sith Lord's body.[10] However, previous to the Force lightning's appearance in Sith, Sidious blasted Luke Skywalker with Force lightning in Return of the Jedi several times and Skywalker was not disfigured or scarred.[4] Likewise, Dooku used this power on Anakin Skywalker without permanently damaging him.[13]
Though an official explanation of this inconsistency has yet to be given, Lucasfilm Story Group's Matt Martin has shared his thinking for what the explanation could be, as he never saw it as an inconsistency. In his mind, it was Sidious' own fault that his disfigurement took place, assuming that he overexerted himself, causing the Force lightning's voltage to be higher, unlike when he later attacked Skywalker.[37] In Legends, it was suggested that Palpatine used a Sith power known as "Mask" to hide his true face, suggesting the lightning did not cause his disfigurement. Instead, the lightning only broke the spell and revealed the Sith Lord's true appearance. Any further damage was because of the mask suddenly dropping from a blast of dark side energy.[38]
Appearances[]
Non-canon appearances[]
- Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes
- LEGO Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (Scholastic)
- Disney Infinity 3.0
- Star Wars Epic Yarns: Return of the Jedi
LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures — "Return of the Kyber Saber"- LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures — "Trouble on Tibalt"
- LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures — "The Pit and the Pinnacle"
- LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures — "Flight of the Arrowhead"
- LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures — "A Perilous Rescue"
- LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures — "Escape from Coruscant"
- LEGO Star Wars: The Freemaker Adventures — "Return of the Return of the Jedi"
- LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales — "Crisis on Coruscant" (In flashback(s))
- LEGO Star Wars: Droid Tales — "Gambit on Geonosis" (In flashback(s))
- LEGO Star Wars: The Force Awakens
- LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga
- Star Wars: Visions — "THE TWINS" (Ambiguous canonicity)
- Star Wars: Visions — "The Ninth Jedi" (Ambiguous canonicity)
- Star Wars: Visions — "The Elder" (Ambiguous canonicity)
