Star Wars’ Mace Windu: None of Us Are Ready For the Rank of Jedi Master
One of the most famous of the prequel Jedis, and wielding one of the only purple lightsabers, Mace Windu is a Jedi almost everyone knows.
Mace Windu is one of the prequel’s most recognizable, popular, and well-known character’s outside of the main three. Is this in part because of his unique lightsaber color? Is this because he’s played by Samuel L. Jackson? Maybe it’s because of the theories that he’s a little more gray than your average Jedi Knight. Or maybe, it’s all of the above.
Mace Windu
Mace Windu was born on the planet Haruun Kal in the year 72 BBY. Like many Force-sensitive youngsters, he was handed over to the Jedi Order at a very young age to be raised in the ways of the Force. Despite being Jedi Master by the time we meet him, Windu had a rocky start. His first attempt at building a lightsaber ended in failure, resulting in his doubt in his own abilities as a Jedi. He had to take a little extra effort to master patience and his own emotions, as well as being able to simply trust in the Force.
When Mace Windu became a Padawan he apprenticed under Jedi Master Cyslin Myr as well as some training with Yoda. Eventually, he rose to the rank of Jedi Knight. As a knight, he recognized an internal darkness within him. In response, he created the Vaapad form of lightsaber combat as a way to channel that darkness into something more constructive and good. He also began passing on his own hard-earned lessons to the younger generation by holding lessons in letting go and trusting the in force.
“You are on this council, but we do not grant you the rank of Master.”
– Mace Windu to Anakin Skywalker
Jedi Master and High Jedi Council
Over time, Mace Windu would rise to the rank of Jedi Master, as well as serve on the Jedi High Council. As a member of the council he wasn’t entirely on board with training Anakin Skywalker as a Jedi- in part because the child was much older than most children when they are brought into the Jedi Order. Later, he agreed that an older Anakin wasn’t ready for the title of Jedi Master. In the years leading up to the Galactic Civil War, Windu was outspoken and often aware of every new and troubling development and discovery.
When it became evident that Senator Palpatine was Darth Sidious, Mace Windu was the one to attempt to apprehend and arrest the senator. Unfortunately, Palpatine, assisted by an angry and disillusioned Anakin, defeated Windu. Mace Windu was fore-electrocuted and thrown from the window of Palpatine’s office to fall to his death. But fans aren’t convinced that this was the last we’ve seen of him.
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Force Powers and Abilities
As a Jedi Master, Windu had a top-tier command of the force and high lightsaber. But even amoung the Jedi he was regarded as one of the most capable Jedi on the battlefield. His prowess in battle was ranked only under that of Yoda.
Windu created the Vappad form as a way to control and channel inner darkness. And he was one of only two Jedi to ever use the technique—the other being Depa Billaba. This combat style allowed him to draw from his passions without being taken by them. And it made him an especially formidable fighter as well as a Jedi who was notably skillful at taking on multiple enemies at a time and deflecting back incoming attacks.
When it came to the force, in addition to force-enhanced reflexes and agility, Mace Windu could see into the future. Though these powers weren’t perfect and at times wouldn’t happen at will.
The Lightsaber
Mace Windu’s signature purple lightsaber is a result of an amethyst colored kyber crystal. He used multiple sabers throughout his career as a Jedi, but the one we see on screen has gold highlights to indicate his status as a senior member of the Jedi High Council. His is also the first purple lightsaber we ever saw on screen.
This is because Samuel L. Jackson specifically requested a purple lightsaber. He said this is so he would stand out in scenes and it would be easier for him to find himself in big battles.
Is It Possible Mace Windu Survived?
Maybe! We never get out-and-out verification that Mace Windu was killed. Which is to say that no other characters ever found a body or said, “Oh no guys, Mace is dead!” Throughout Star Wars characters have survived Force lightning, getting a hand cut off, and long falls off screen. Plus, the final showdown with Palpatine happened very shortly before Order 66 and the purge of the Jedi. Even if he had disappeared and escaped, or been found, too much was going on for it to be mentioned.
Like many characters, unless we see a body we can assume that the character is both dead and alive. He can make an appearance any time that Disney and Lucas Film think he’ll be useful and interesting. Or not. It’s a real Schrödinger’s Jedi.
Was Mace Windu Good or Bad?
Windu was a Jedi with darkness and internal struggle. If you think the Jedi were the good guys in the Clone Wars, you’d consider him good. He wasn’t especially villainous or evil, though.
Is Mace Windu a Gray Jedi?
There aren’t really examples of canonical gray Jedi, and in recent years this seems to be more of a fan construct than anything. There are, however, Jedis who contain multitudes and can’t be described as ‘light’ or ‘dark’ because of who they are as people. Windu could easily fall into that category. But canonically, he followed the light side of the Force.
If you’d like to do a signoff, put it in red, and bold italics–queue the end-credits music.
