Inquisitors explained: Jedi hunters and their spinning lightsabers
The Inquisitors are the Galactic Empire's feared Jedi hunters. After Order 66, they track down surviving Jedi and other Force-sensitive people under the command of Darth Vader and the Grand Inquisitor. Their signature weapon is a red, double-bladed lightsaber with a circular hilt that can even spin in the fictional Star Wars universe.
Why does this lightsaber look so unusual? Are Inquisitors really Sith, and which hunters appear in Star Wars Rebels, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Jedi: Fallen Order and Ahsoka? Here we explain the difference between the Star Wars story and real-life replicas. Warning: minor spoilers.
Who are the Inquisitors in Star Wars?
After the fall of the Jedi Order, Emperor Palpatine wants to ensure that surviving Jedi can never become a threat again. The Inquisitorius is an elite group of Force-sensitive agents serving the Empire. Darth Vader oversees their mission, while the Grand Inquisitor leads the hunters day to day.
Many members were once Jedi or Padawans who were captured after Order 66 and forced towards the dark side. Their individual backgrounds are not all the same. Trilla Suduri, known as the Second Sister, is an important example in the story of Cal Kestis.
Are the Inquisitors Sith?
No. They are not Sith Lords like Darth Sidious and Darth Vader. Although they use the dark side and carry red lightsabers, they are not trained as Sith Masters or apprentices. Instead, they serve as the Empire's specialist hunters. Rivalries between them are deliberately encouraged, but their power remains below that of Vader and the Emperor.
How does a spinning Inquisitor lightsaber work?
The best-known design features a circular guard around the hilt and space for two red blades. The official description of the Grand Inquisitor's weapon in Star Wars Rebels describes two modes:
- Crescent mode: an open, crescent-shaped ring with one active red blade.
- Disc mode: a closed ring with two blades; in the fictional universe, a special mechanism makes the blades spin rapidly.
The spinning blades can intimidate and disorient opponents. Not every Inquisitor lightsaber has exactly the same abilities. Reva, the Third Sister, for example, uses a weapon that can split into two separate sabers. In Rebels the Eighth Brother even uses his spinning weapon briefly to travel through the air. When it is damaged, the escape attempt fails.
That helicopter-like flight is a fictional ability, not a feature of real replicas. A ring that folds open and closed does not automatically have a motorized spinning mechanism.
Which Inquisitors appear in the films, series and games?
| Inquisitor | Appears in | Notable detail |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Inquisitor | Rebels and Obi-Wan Kenobi | Leads the hunters; spinning ring-shaped weapon |
| Second Sister (Trilla) | Jedi: Fallen Order | Former Padawan who hunts Cal Kestis |
| Third Sister (Reva) | Obi-Wan Kenobi | Hunts Kenobi; saber can split in two |
| Fifth Brother | Rebels and Obi-Wan Kenobi | Dangerous hunter with a double-bladed saber |
| Seventh Sister | Rebels | Mirialan who also uses ID9 seeker droids |
| Eighth Brother | Rebels | Uses spinning blades while airborne |
| Marrok | Ahsoka | Masked hunter with a red ring-shaped saber |
These adversaries play a part in the stories of Ezra Bridger, Ahsoka Tano and Obi-Wan Kenobi. Explore those blogs to learn more about the Jedi they pursue.
What is the difference between an Inquisitor lightsaber and Darth Maul's saberstaff?
Like the Inquisitors, Darth Maul also wields a double-bladed lightsaber. A traditional saberstaff has a long, straight hilt with a blade at each end. A typical Inquisitor saber instead has a ring around a shorter hilt and sometimes a mechanism that makes the blades rotate.
A weapon's design is not the same as a lightsaber combat form. Learn more about movement and Jedi fighting styles in our guide to the seven lightsaber combat forms.
Which Inquisitor lightsabers can you find at KenJo?
The Dark Twist features the distinctive silver-and-black ring-shaped hilt. The ring can fold open or closed, and you can use the saber with one or two blades. It is operated using a single button.
The Knight Enforcer is another Inquisitor-inspired model, with a silver ring and black accents. Its ring also folds open or closed, and it can be used with one or two blades. The design recalls the masked hunter from Ahsoka.
Please note: a folding ring is not the same as the motorized spinning feature seen on screen. Available soundboards, included parts and suitability for heavy contact can vary by model. Check the product page for the exact details. For technical guidance, read our comparison of Baselit and Neopixel.
Frequently asked questions about the Inquisitors
Who leads the Inquisitors?
The Grand Inquisitor leads the group day to day. Darth Vader gives him orders on behalf of the Empire.
Were all Inquisitors formerly Jedi?
Many Inquisitors were once Jedi or Padawans, but their personal histories differ. Trilla, the Second Sister, is one well-known example.
Can Inquisitor lightsabers fly?
In Star Wars Rebels the Eighth Brother uses a spinning weapon during a short flight. That is fictional and not a feature of a physical replica.
Do all Inquisitors have two red blades?
The double-bladed ring design is iconic, but modes and additional functions vary. The Grand Inquisitor can activate one or two blades, while Reva uses a weapon that can split apart.
Are real Inquisitor lightsabers suitable for heavy dueling?
That depends on the hilt, blade and version. Not every ring-shaped saber is designed for intensive contact. Follow the specific advice on the product page.
