The lightsaber sound comes from Star Wars, first heard when the weapon was introduced in the original 1977 film. Sound designer Ben Burtt created its distinctive hum by combining the buzz of a film projector motor with television interference, giving the blade a living, electric presence. The ignition snap became part of that identity, marking the moment a Jedi or Sith prepares to fight. As Star Wars grew into films, games, toys and online video, the sound spread far beyond the cinema and is now a shorthand for sci-fi power in edits, memes and fan videos.