George Lucas Had Major Input On Darksaber's Origins

08/26/2017 08:54 pm EDT

George Lucas' impact on fan-favorite animated series Star Wars: The Clone Wars continues to be felt in Star Wars Rebels, where he helped create the lore behind the popular weapon known as the Darksaber.

With roots stretching back to the Old Republic and the War of Mandalore, the Darksaber first debuted in the hands of Pre Vizsla in a duel with Ob-Wan Kenobi.

A new featurette about the Darksaber revealed that Lucas himself wrote the dialogue from the series in which Vizsla gives a brief introduction about the weapon.

"This lightsaber was stolen from your Jedi Temple by my ancestors during the fall of the Old Republic," Vizsla said. "Since then, many Jedi have died upon its blade. Prepare yourself to join them."

After its debut in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, the weapon returned to prominence in the third season of Star Wars Rebels, which hits Blu-ray and DVD this week.

Star Wars Rebels executive producer Dave Filoni spoke about the responsibility he has to creating new lore and recognizing the legacy of the proud and powerful Mandalorian people. Check out the clip at io9.

"When it was decided by George in Clone Wars that the Mandalorians were going to be pacifists under the rule of Satine [Kryze], I cannot all of that to just be disintegrated," Filoni said. "We have the warrior element, but we also have a people that change and grow and achieve knowledge like what George wanted. They're not just one thing, they're more like a real people."

Mandalorian warrior and pilot Sabine Wren obtains the Darksaber in the series and uses it to unify many of the warring houses on her homeworld.

Later, Kanan Jarrus learns of the weapon's history from Fenn Rau, who explains that it was made by the first Mandalorian Jedi allowed into the Order.

Sabine became the recognized wielder of the Darksaber, but hints for Season Four of Star Wars Rebels reveal that the weapon might pass to Bo-Katan Kryze, the sister of former Mandalorian Duchess Satine.

This animated entry in the "Star Wars" franchise fills the gap between the events of "Episode III" and "Episode IV." Imperial forces occupy a remote planet and are ruling -- and ruining -- its inhabitants' lives with an iron fist. A clever, disparate crew aboard the starship Ghost takes a stand against the Empire, facing new villains and colorful adversaries. The rebels on the Ghost include leader Kanan, ace pilot Hera, feisty heroine Sabine, tough guy Zeb and 14-year-old con artist Ezra.

Disclosure: ComicBook is owned by CBS Interactive, a division of Paramount. Sign up for Paramount+ by clicking here.