Different assumptions are now surrounding the new Star Wars series The Acolyte. As the show is set during the High Republic Era, it’s expected to introduce a new generation of Jedi Order in the live-action. If this happens, it may include the introduction of different lightsabers, like Vernestra Rwoh’s unique laser sword.
The story of The Acolyte had only been depicted in books and comics, so this would be the first time a show focusing on the High Republic Era would play out on TV—and in live action. A prequel to the 1999 movie Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, it would take place 200 years before the film—at the peak of the Jedi Order and the entire Galactic Republic. It was considered the Renaissance of the Republic and the time of expansion and exploration that might include Jedi technology.
The High Republic had introduced some of the most unique lightsabers in Star Wars history. The Jedi of that time had more access to different resources and equipment than the Jedi of the Age of the Republic. So, if the series follows this plot and introduces the most special laser swords in the Star Wars universe, it’s only fitting to include Vernestra’s purple-bladed lightsaber that can switch into a lightwhip.
What is Vernestra Rwoh’s lightsaber in Star Wars?
Vernestra wields a purple-bladed lightsaber during the High Republic Era. Though it’s only an ordinary single-bladed weapon, she makes it extraordinary by modifying it into a sword that can switch between lightsaber and lightwhip modes after dreaming of the said design. A lightwhip is a heavily modified lightsaber variant with multiple plasma blades in “flexible containment shields.”
However, despite being unique, this sword needs extra care compared to a lightsaber and even has less cutting power. Vernestra keeps its modification a secret and trains using the lightwhip in private. However, she’s forced to unveil her unique weapon when stranded on the jungle moon Wevo with others to clear brush to escape acid rain.
Who is Vernestra Rwoh in Star Wars?
Vernestra Rwoh is a Mirialan female Jedi Knight who's part of the High Republic Era. Also known as Vern, she’s a former Padawan of Jedi Master Stellan Gios and is the youngest Jedi to be promoted to Knight at age 15. Her first Jedi mission is to supervise Avon Starros, the daughter of Senator Ghirra Santos and an aspiring inventor, at the remote outpost of Port Haileap.
However, when the two travel with another party on the starship Steady Wing to the new space station Steady Wing, they get bombed and stranded on Wevo. There, they face members of the pirate organization Nihil.
What is Star Wars: The Acolyte about?
The Acolyte follows the story of a former Padawan who reunites with her Jedi Master to solve mysterious crimes in the galaxy. However, instead of knowing the mystery behind these offenses, they will be shocked to learn a more sinister force behind these unlawful acts.
You can read the synopsis below:
The Acolyte is set at the end of the High Republic era in a world of shadowy secrets and emerging dark side powers, approximately 100 years before Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace (1999). A former Padawan reunites with her Jedi Master to investigate a series of crimes, but the forces they confront are more sinister than they ever anticipated.
The Acolyte is reportedly set to be released on June 5, 2024, on Disney+. With this new assumption about the series, the anticipation is just growing incredibly high.
