FORCE LIGHTNING

(Redirected from Force Lightning)

'Force lightning' is the trademark Force attack of the Sith in the fictional ''Star Wars'' universe, first displayed by Emperor Palpatine in ''Return of the Jedi''.

Contents

Nature of the power

Palpatine

Vader's limitation

Uses in the ''Star Wars'' films

References

Nature of the power

Force energy, in the form of lightning bolts, exits the Force-user's body through their fingertips. The greater the user's aptitude, the more power the lightning bolts possess and the more they fork, allowing the possibility of striking multiple foes at once. Force lightning is often used as a form of torture; not only does it cause severe physical damage, but also extreme agony to the victim. However, a single powerful blast may be sufficient to kill a person instantly. Expanded Universe sources seem to contradict each other. Some claim Force lightning to be a simple blast of Force power, but with the visual look of bolts of lightning. Others, such as novels taking place after ''Return of the Jedi'', claim it to be electricity. This is alluded to when Luke Skywalker's bones are damaged, apparently due to massive electrocution. Force lightning acts as electricity does, forming a "circuit", as shown in ''Revenge of the Sith'' and the novelization, and in Shatterpoint. The use of Force Lightning is not restricted to Sith. Aayla Secura, Luke Skywalker, Jacen Solo and Kyle Katarn were known to have used Force Lightning or its variants. ^[1] Yoda's power is even such that he can absorb the energy and redirect it back towards its caster.

Palpatine

In , Force Lightning appears to deform Palpatine's face, leading some to believe that the power harms the user as well. While the lightning appears to be the cause of Palpatine's physical deformities, the original scripts by Lucas and authors writing Expanded Universe works before the prequels were created stated that Palpatine drew too much of the dark side through his body, and the dark side's corrupt nature caused his body to age at an accelerated rate. ^[2]

Vader's limitation

.]]
Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader, despite being a Sith, is unable to generate or deflect Force Lightning after his cybernetic transformation in ''Episode III''. Before then, he could conceivably have done so (and did in some instances in the Expanded Universe); however, Force Lightning requires an intact hand to direct and generate. Having lost both of his, any attempt by Vader to generate it would electrocute his life-support system -- which is ultimately what kills him in ''Episode VI''. It is in part because of this deficiency that Darth Sidious, despite having Anakin Skywalker as his ultimate apprentice, finds him less than satisfactory and sets about finding a new apprentice, finally settling on Vader's son, Luke. (In the ''Star Wars'' comic book adaptation of ''Splinter of the Mind's Eye'', Darth Vader has no problem using Force lightning, though the Star Wars Insider Magazine suggested it was a weapon installed in Vader's suit and not a force power. However, ''Splinter'' or its variants are not considered canonical sources) Likewise, in the video game ''""'', Darth Vader uses Force lightning, though it comes from the air directly above his opponents, not himself. This is another form of force lightning, a more powerful form called Force Storm. This form of force power is well illustrated along with many other feats and powers in "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords" the sequel to the award winning 2003 "Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic" (No images available)

Uses in the ''Star Wars'' films

★ Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones: Count Dooku unleashes attacks on Anakin Skywalker and Yoda, wounding Anakin, but having no effect on Yoda, who is able to deflect the lightning and shoot it back at Dooku.

★ Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith: Palpatine is seen attacking with Force lightning multiple times; unleashing fierce barrages on both Yoda and Mace Windu. Both Jedi Masters are able to block it for a time, but ultimately fail to defeat Palpatine. After Anakin attacks Windu, Palpatine regains his strength and launches a flurry so powerful at Windu it blows the Jedi out a window and to his death miles below. Yoda and Palpatine both ultimately get forced apart in their duel, due to the force of Palpatine's attack, and Yoda's ability to block it all.

★ Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi: Palpatine unleashes a strong bout of lightning on Luke Skywalker, nearly killing the young man. He is stopped by Darth Vader, who is unable to see his son in pain. Vader, now reborn as Anakin, throws Palpatine down a reactor shaft, becoming mortally wounded in the process.

★ No use of Force lightning is seen in Episodes I, IV, or V.

References

1. "Electric Judgement", the light side version of Force lightning
2. Starwars.com article on Palpatine