The lightsaber sound first appeared in Star Wars in 1977, when sound designer Ben Burtt crafted its distinctive hum and ignition for the original film. It quickly became one of cinema's most recognisable effects, returning in every subsequent Star Wars movie, animated series and video game. As clips spread through fan videos, memes and edits, the ignition alone came to stand for a weapon being drawn and a fight beginning. Its blend of electronic snap and steady hum still makes it instantly readable, even to viewers who have never seen the films.