'The Acolyte': What is Lightsaber Whip? Here's all you need to know
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'The Acolyte' Episode 6 dropped on Disney+ on July 2, 2024, and the exhilarating episode took everyone by storm when it debuted a new weapon out of nowhere. Master Vernestra (Rebbeca Henderson) used a unique weapon to kill an umber moth in Khofar.
'The Acolyte' is set 100 years before the events of 'Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace' at a time when the Jedi order was at its peak in the High Republic Era. A character that has symbolized the era is Master Vernestra but when the Jedi Masters die in Khofar, she goes to survey the damage that has been done and gets attacked by an umber moth.
She unveiled her unique whip-like lightsaber to slash the moth in half and did it with extreme nonchalance. Viewers have been curious about the weapon after this episode. Here's what we know about the Lightwhip.
Lightwhips were used by the Jedi Order during the Sith wars
In 'Star Wars' novels, there is an account of Lightwhips being used by the Jedi Order during the Sith wars though they became uncommon during the High Republic Era and were used by the Witches from Dathomir instead.
LIghtwhips are a modified form of Lightsabers that are where the internal workings were modified in a way that their plasma blades have flexibility, unlike the normal Lightsaber. That adds a whip-like effect to the lightsaber.
The lightsabers however do not have the strength of the usual lightsaber as the plasma blades are weakened to provide flexibility. This made the lightsabers go extinct in the long run.
Master Vernestra designed the Lightwhip for herself after a Force Vision she had during her time at Port Haileap, where she was stationed as a Jedi Knight.
The Lightwhip appeared for the first time in 'The High Republic: A Test of Courage' in the book and audiobook simultaneously. It appeared in 'The Acolyte' Episode 6.
Lightwhip might offer a clue about Qimir's past
Qimir (Manny Jacinto) who is unveiled as the Sith Lord shows a scar on his back to Osha (Amandla Stenberg). The scar has a mark that looks like it has come from a Lightwhip wound.
In Episode 6, Qimir talks about being a former Jedi and that he was betrayed by the Jedi for being different and having emotions. The discussions have fueled speculations about who his Jedi Master might have been.
It is possible that Master Vernestra was the Jedi Master who threw Qimir out forcing him to go on his own rogue path and harbor angst against the Jedi. It will be interesting to see if that is the final reveal in the coming two episodes.
How to stream 'The Acolyte'?
'The Acolyte' Episodes 1-6 are streaming on Disney+. To watch the show, you will need a Disney+ Subscription. To stream 'The Acolyte', you'll need a subscription to Disney+.
The basic membership plan with ads costs $7.99/month while the premium plan (with no ads) comes at $13.99/month or $139.99/year.
'The Acolyte' trailer
'The Acolyte' Episodes 1-6 are streaming on Disney+.