Why didn’t Leia get the Lightsaber?

The other day my son asked me:

“Why did Obi-wan give Anakin’ s lightsaber to Luke instead of Leia?”

Seven years old and asking the important questions. Why was Luke worthy of getting a cool lightsaber and special Jedi training but Leia wasn’t? There’s a lot of in-universe and out-of-universe trains of thought.

In-universe, the simplest explanation is that Leia was adopted by Bail who could adequately protect her. Luke went to their aunt and uncle (seriously?) and Obi-wan stayed to watch over him. He had the saber so naturally he gave it to Luke. Maybe the Force gave some visions. Maybe Bail didn’t want Leia trained as a Jedi.

Out of universe, there’s the almost certain point that Luke and Leia weren’t supposed to be siblings when ANH was made. So it wasn’t even a consideration.

Of course, there’s also the undeniable fact that out-of-universe, until very recently, it never would have even been a question. Of course, Luke, the male, would get the cool weapon. Even if Lucas for sure knew Luke and Leia were siblings, there’s no doubt the story would have played out the same.

This built in assumption to our culture, American at least but it’s fairly widespread, is the reason so many people now complain about the new Star Wars movies. Rey has the lightsaber now. And she’s a girl.

For it’s time the original Star Wars is fairly progressive. Leia is a princess rescued, sure, but the movie never portrays her as helpless and she’s kind of a badass. There’s still plenty of sexism (Carrie Fisher being told in space she wouldn’t need a bra for example, plus the metal bikini). Lando may have been the only black guy in the Star Wars universe, but he did become a general and blow up a Death Star. But given this was made in late 70’s/early 80’s that’s pretty good for the time.

Fortunately, things are changing now. Enough that kids are questioning the built-in assumptions from forty years ago. And that’s wonderful.