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Force power

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Darth Vader and Obi-Wan Kenobi use Force push against each other.
"Nothing is impossible with the Force."
―Kreia[src]

Force powers were the manifestations of a Jedi, Sith, or other Force-adept's connection with the Force. These powers were supernatural abilities not described by scientists. The powers were usually taught by Force-using organizations, but there were examples of individual, self-improving methods of learning to use the Force. There were many kinds of Force powers, but not all were available to a single person, since some of them required a deep connection with one side of the Force and others were secret or very rare.

Contents

Aspects of Force powers

The Force had a range of powers that functioned in accordance to fundamental attributes that were cardinal in nature, and categorized by the way in which a user was able to focus on the Force while using an ability. The aspects of the Force were divided into Control, Sense, and Alter.[1] Force abilities were each aligned to one of these aspects and, according to the ease or difficulty of mastery by the user, required varying degrees of concentration and/or training to perform.

Control

A Jedi centers himself in preparation for combat.
"Control is internal. It is the Jedi's ability to recognize the Force in himself and to use it to his benefit."
―Jedi Master Bodo Baas[src]
"Control, Control, you must learn Control."
―Jedi Master Yoda[src]

Powers that required Control of the Force modified the user's physical state as the user dictated. Most Control powers were defensive, but not all.

The Jedi Order's teaching method began with the aspect of Control, but its powers were rarely taught to Younglings. They meditated to achieve greater understanding of the Force in themselves and later, as Padawans, learned real Control powers from their masters.

Sense

"...Sense involves the next step, in which the Jedi recognizes the force in the universe outside herself."
―Jedi Master Bodo Baas[src]

Powers that involved Sense of the Force required deeper feeling and understanding of the Force to acquire information about the world around the Force-user. The information could be physical, emotional, Force-like, or other.

Jedi Younglings began learning Sense powers early in their training, near the time of lightsaber combat training.


Alter

"Alter is the third and most difficult area to master, for it involves the student's ability to modify the Force and redistribute its energies."
―Jedi Master Bodo Baas[src]

Powers that require a user to Alter the Force granted a limited influence to the universe to make changes in it. A Force-sensitive could modify its surroundings in a most spectacular way, seemingly by will.

Jedi Younglings usually were not taught this aspect, as they could accidentally harm each other with their powers.

Using Force powers

"Remember: abilities are not inherently good or evil, it's how you use them."
―Kyle Katarn[src]

According to the theory that the Force is one, the light and dark sides did not actually describe the Force, but rather defined how an individual used it: to directly harm his enemies or to help himself overcome situations. Thus the aggressive or vengeful abilities inherently belonged to the dark side, while those which were healing, defensive, self-empowering, or diversionary belonged to the light side.

A Jedi combining Force jump and Force speed.

For example, a Dark Jedi could cast powers that inherently belonged to the light side (like Persuasion). Kyle Katarn, who allied himself with the light side, made use of dark side powers such as Grip and Lightning, possibly because of his experience while fighting Maw, and later on Dromund Kaas. This indicated that skillful Jedi of strong character could use these abilities according to their wisdom since their high experience prevented them from drifting towards the dark side.

Core

Yoda using telekinesis to lift Luke Skywalker's X-wing.

The Core powers were the first powers a Jedi learned, and directly affected his own body or objects without actually harming or benefiting anything (except for Push, which could be used against enemies).

Control

The most basic Force techniques, requiring mastery over self. Control was the first basic abilities to be learned by a Jedi.

Force Sense

The Force technique of Force Sense included all abilities enhancing perception of the world around a being.

Alter

The most perceptive to the dark side, alter was the last technique taught to younglings. It included powers to create external phenomenon.

Universal

Yoda using Force Deflection.

Universal powers were generic Force techniques which were associated with neither side of the Force. Almost all Core powers also qualified as Universal powers, but many of them were uncommon and not an integral part of basic Jedi training.

Oppo Rancisis using Battle meditation.

Light

"A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense, never for attack."
―Yoda[src]

Light side powers were the Force powers that the user accessed through the Force's light side. The Jedi used them for protection, increasing physical and mental capacities, and for defense. They could also inspire and increase the resolve of allies. Certain light side powers could also be used offensively, but did not directly cause physical harm.

Nomi Sunrider, using the power of Force Light.
Qui-Gon Jinn attempting to use a mind trick on Watto, a Toydarian immune to them.

Dark

"A Sith knows when to unleash the fury of the dark side, and when to hold back. Patience can be a weapon if you know how to use it, and your anger can fuel the dark side if you learn how to control it."
―Darth Bane[src]

Dark side powers were used to harm, debilitate, or kill. Some, like Rage and Drain, were used to benefit the user personally, akin to powers of the light side, with the difference that these were used at the expense of his or her own health or another individual's Force reserve. The dark side drew its power from emotion, and while the intent behind their use may well have been good at the time, it was most likely to lead one to further spiritual corruption from overuse, without the proper self control and mindset. Continuous use of dark powers was shown to have a physically corrupting effect on the Force-user, regardless of intent, due to the body's inability to handle such power for long periods of time.

Emperor Palpatine projecting Force lightning.

Force powers applied to lightsaber combat

The Jedi and other Force organizations that used lightsabers also developed specific Force techniques especially for lightsaber combat.

Behind the scenes

The various abilities listed above have been seen in the movies, the Star Wars RPG and Star Wars games licensed or developed by LucasArts, where 'official' names and definitions are given. In some of the games, the Potentium point that Force powers themselves were not inherently evil, but rather reflected the alignment of the Force-user is sometimes stressed, depending on the source.

Luke Skywalker using Force Choke.

Note that some powers, although they have multiple names, are describing the same power, in different levels or ways of use.

It is also important to note that the rigidity of the above system merely reflects the various game design and storytelling strategies, as opposed to some actual delineation. The Force is not "magic," nor does it have specific "spells" or "powers," and they are far more interrelated than the list might suggest.

Despite its name, the Force kick is highly unlikely to be a power.

Appearances

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Sources

Notes and references

  1. ↑ Jedi vs. Sith: The Essential Guide to the Force
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