‘Star Wars: The Acolyte’ is a highly controversial show, partly due to its alleged wokeness and partly due to its perceived bending of the canon, which has greatly offended some fans.

One of the elements the show introduced from the books and comics is the so-called “lightwhip.”

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‘The Acolyte’ marks the first live-action appearance of the lightwhip, solidifying its place in canon. Fans took to social media to voice their complaints about its inclusion, with opinions varying on whether it was a good or bad decision. However, there is a solid reason why lightwhips never became mainstream in light-based weaponry.

Lightwhips have always been controversial due to their extreme lack of defensive capabilities. Designed for maximum damage, a lightwhip is an offensive weapon meant to injure, maim, and kill. Naturally, such a weapon is not suitable for the Jedi, who prioritize defense and non-lethal measures.

The Jedi Council frowned upon lightwhips because they were seen as instruments of cruelty, which contradicts the Jedi tenets. However, lightwhips did have their advantages, particularly in countering the Sith’s forbidden lightsaber forms.

So, how does Vernestra Rwoh fit into this? She modified her lightsaber into a lightwhip during the High Republic Era, a time when the Sith were believed to be extinct. So why did she need such a weapon?

Vernestra felt guided by the Force to make this modification, but she initially kept it a secret from her fellow Jedi and the Jedi Council. Eventually, the Council approved its use, but it remained highly controversial. This explains why lightwhips have not been seen for a century.

The fact that Vernestra uses a lightwhip in live-action speaks volumes about her character. Last week, we discussed a theory that Vernestra is secretly Qimir’s master and that the scars on his back were caused by her unusual weapon.

Rwoh’s demeanor is also more standoffish and cold compared to other Jedi. She is quick to inflict damage with her weapon, which goes against Jedi tenets. This peculiar behavior has led fans to speculate that she might be corrupted by the Dark Side.

In the books, Rwoh was guided by the Force to create the lightwhip, with no implication that she did so out of cruelty. However, the live-action portrayal of her character might take a darker turn.

What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!