Star Wars: Andor Makes Legends’ Ghorman Massacre Officially Canon!

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The continuity of Star Wars Legends is undeniably complex and confusing, with numerous unexplained occurrences and characters so potent they’d scare Darth Vader himself. Yet, there are parts of Legends that have been incorporated into official lore, like Grand Admiral Thrawn, a high-ranking Imperial officer. Lucasfilm has also drawn from the well of Legends for the second batch of episodes in Star Wars: Andor Season 2 on Disney+, paving the way for the Rebellion to emerge from obscurity by acknowledging a heartrending incident as canonical.

In the narrative of “Andor,” I found myself following events centered around the planet Ghorman, a place of significant interest for the Empire during its second season. The Emperor’s insatiable thirst for absolute power drove the Imperials to intensify their control over this world, rich in the mineral calcite. However, the Ghor people are not willing to surrender without a fight. They are well aware that peacefulness hasn’t protected them in the past.

What Is the Ghorman Massacre in Star Wars Legends?

In the same vein as established lore, Emperor Palpatine’s proclamation of a new regime causes turbulence throughout the galaxy in Legends. Many Republic-aligned planets are baffled by the ex-chancellor’s edict, and peaceful demonstrations crop up everywhere. Ghorman is one such planet that dislikes being ruled by the Emperor, leading to widespread protests. To maintain control, Captain Wilhuff Tarkin (later known as Grand Moff Tarkin) journeys to Ghorman but encounters resistance upon landing. The protesters refuse to move, so to avoid appearing weak, he lands his spaceship right on them. This action results in the deaths of hundreds and serves as a catalyst for some factions to begin organizing the Rebellion.

In essence, removing Legends from the official storyline made it appear as though the Ghorman Massacre was no more. However, the animated series “Star Wars Rebels” sought to depict the early stages of the Rebellion, thereby allowing for the reintroduction of Ghorman into the narrative. The Ghorman Massacre, where the Empire slaughtered peaceful protesters, served as the catalyst that drove Mon Mothma to abandon her senatorial duties in “Rebels” and join the Rebellion movement. In the latest episodes of “Andor”, it’s revealed that Tarkin visited Ghorman following the rise of the Empire, suggesting that the planet will continue to suffer.

The Empire Isn’t Done With Ghorman in Star Wars: Andor

Although it seems unlikely that the grim series Andor could directly link with the lighter-toned Rebels, Season 2 reveals that Ghorman plays a crucial role in the entire narrative. The Ghor harbor deep resentment towards the Empire, fueled by their promise that no structure would cast a shadow on the memorial they erected for the victims of the Tarkin Massacre. Living up to its reputation, the Empire reneges on this agreement and constructs a massive armory, which infuriates the locals. In response, they seek help from Luthen and his rebellion group, but their inexperience causes problems when their plan to steal Imperial weapons fails. Worse yet, the Empire anticipates their actions and is eager for an excuse to retaliate.

It can be disheartening to witness a world like Ghorman being manipulated in a game it doesn’t comprehend. Yet, this is what makes Andor so captivating. The show exposes the intricate processes and doesn’t shy away from delving into the uncharted territories of Legends if there’s a character or incident that can intensify the plot.

Andor Season 2 is streaming now on Disney+.

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2025-05-01 21:14