Mounted lightsaber combat
From Wookieepedia, the Star Wars wiki.
Mounted lightsaber combat was practiced when Jedi would have to use their lightsabers in combat while riding a mount such as a tauntaun, or mounted on a mechanical means of transportation, like a swoop bike.
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[edit] Description
In this type of lightsaber combat, the Jedi would normally use one hand only, the other hand steering the mount. It would typically consist of simple attacks lashing out at grounded enemy units. Such attacks were normally low lunges with the lightsaber of a diagonal semi-circular nature, as the Jedi—being on a mount—would naturally be elevated in relation to the target. Thus there were some common features between mounted lightsaber combat and the airborne Trispzest lightsaber combat system, the difference being that in mounted lightsaber combat, the Jedi had much less freedom of movement.
The Jedi could also use the lightsaber to incapacitate other mounted units, by lashing out at either the mount, which was efficient especially if the enemy unit was riding a swoop bike, or the rider himself. Finally, the Jedi could use the lightsaber to deflect blaster shots and the like, thus protecting himself or herself while riding the mount.
[edit] Applications
During the Mission to Geonosis, Anakin Skywalker jumps on a transport commandeered by Padmé Amidala and uses this form of combat while driving by many battle droids.
In one of the major battles of the Clone Wars, Yoda could be seen on a kybuck leading his army of clones and Jedi into battle. Yoda's kybuck participated in many battles.
During the Battle of Muunilinst, Obi-Wan Kenobi faced Durge riding a swoop bike, using his lightsaber to destroy Durge's swoop.
Yoda engaged the Separatist armies mounted on his kybuck during General Grievous' daring attempt to kidnap Supreme Chancellor Palpatine.
In the Battle of Utapau Obi-Wan Kenobi chased General Grievous' wheel bike riding a varactyl (named Boga), using the general's own electrostaff to attack his wheelbike. While not using his lightsaber (which he had lost), Obi-Wan did use the staff in much the same way that he would have used a lightsaber.
Jaden Korr, apprentice to Kyle Katarn in Luke Skywalker's New Jedi Order may possibly have been mounted on a tauntaun while engaging snowtroopers on a mission to Hoth.
On a mission to Zonju V, Korr rode a swoop bike, was attacked by several mercenaries on swoops, many of which he killed using mounted lightsaber combat techniques.
[edit] Behind the scenes
Another scene of the Battle of Utapau was in the making in animatics. Obi-Wan Kenobi starts chasing General Grievous's wheel bike riding Boga, and he uses his lightsaber to destroy two droids. This scene did not make it into the film.
In Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy during the Mission to Hoth it is possible (through the use of force speed) to obtain a Tauntaun and use it in the duel with Alora, however as the cut screens show Jaden Korr fighting Alora on foot regardless, meaning this is non-canon.
[edit] Appearances
- Star Wars: Clone Wars
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith
- Super Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back (First appearance)
- Shadows of the Empire (novel)
- Star Wars: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy
