Star Wars: How did Maz Kanata obtain the Skywalker lightsaber?

Maz Kanata never explained how she got the Skywalker lightsaber. But we have a few ideas of just how she came into possession of it in Star Wars.

“A good question, for another time.”

This is all we get in Star Wars: The Force Awakens for an explanation as to how Maz Kanata obtained the fabled lightsaber of Anakin and Luke Skywalker.  I think many of us were waiting for more on this in The Last Jedi, but alas we’re still speculating on this story.

Theoretically this question may never be answered, as it may just be an inconsequential detail in the grand scheme of things.  Or it could in fact be a critical plot point that connects several loose ends together.

Regardless, the tale of how the Skywalker lightsaber ended up in Maz’s possession is bound to be an interesting one. We look at a few options at how it could have possible happened.

Darth Vader had it

Perhaps the lightsaber was confiscated by Darth Vader shortly after The Empire Strikes Back.  Vader crafted it after all, and perhaps wanted it for his collection.

After Vader’s death, the lightsaber remained in Imperial custody until after the Empire was ultimately defeated after the Battle of Jakku. Thereafter it was salvaged and eventually sold to Maz.