What Was the Ghorman Massacre Before Andor Season 2?

Andor Season 2 has premiered and the first three episodes have introduced fans to the planet Ghorman. Ben Mendelsohn’s Orson Krennic has claimed that the planet is of great interest to Emperor Palpatine’s energy programme.

The name Ghorman rings a bell for ardent fans, as it is related to an important event in Star Wars history, the Ghorman Massacre. But those who aren’t well-versed with Star Wars lore are curious about the event and its importance.

So, here’s the Ghorman Massacre explained.

What is the Ghorman Massacre in Star Wars: Andor Season 2?

The Ghorman Massacre is a pivotal event that took place during the early period of the Galactic Civil War. This event was instrumental in the declaration and establishment of the Rebel Alliance.

The Ghorman Massacre took place in 2 BBY, which is two years before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope. During this event, the Imperial Army violently suppressed peaceful protests on the planet Ghorman. Stormtroopers initiated a massacre that killed over 100-1000 people, as recorded by Imperial archives.

The massacre was part of the Galactic Empire’s efforts to eviscerate rebel activity. The event was a major turning point for Senator Mon Mothma, who decided to openly oppose the Galactic Empire, moving forward. Prior to the massacre, Mothma had been opposing the Empire within the confines of her role in the Imperial senate.

Mothma then delivered a powerful speech, where she strongly condemned the Empire’s role in the massacre. She called Emperor Palpatine a “lying executioner” and accused him of “imposing his tyranny” in the guise of “security.”

Mothma was then branded a traitor, leading to her going into exile. She eventually became the Rebel Alliance’s leader, a position she was seen holding in Rogue One and the original Star Wars trilogy.

According to Beaumont Kin in his history book The Rise and Fall of the Galactic Empire, the Ghorman Massacre had convinced those with rebel ideologies that peaceful opposition to the Galactic Empire was no longer an option. Kin also called this event a miscalculation by Imperial officials.

In a recent interview with Collider, showrunner Tony Gilroy said the Ghorman massacre is “a very significant part” of Andor Season 2.