Lucasfilm has masterfully expanded the Star Wars universe through series like *Star Wars: Andor* and *Star Wars Rebels*, introducing us to new heroes and worlds pivotal to the fight against the Empire. While we're familiar with Yavin-IV, Hoth, and Endor from the movies, lesser-known planets like Lothal and Ferrix have also played crucial roles. Now, with the first three episodes of *Andor* Season 2, another world has captured the attention of fans: Ghorman.

More: The Andor Cast Reacts to 5 Major Moments From the Season 2 Premiere

What is Ghorman, and why does this world hold such significance in the Galactic Civil War? The situation on Ghorman develops into a watershed moment for the Rebel Alliance. Here’s what you need to know about this little-known but vital corner of the Star Wars universe.

Ghorman in Star Wars: Andor

*Star Wars: Andor* first hinted at the planet Ghorman in the Season 1 episode "Narkina 5." During a meeting between Forest Whitaker's Saw Gerrera and Stellan Skarsgård's Luthen Rael, Saw references the doomed anti-Imperial group known as the Ghorman Front. To Saw, the Ghorman Front serves as a cautionary tale in the broader discussion of resisting the Empire.

In Season 2, Ghorman takes on a more direct role. In the premiere episode, Ben Mendelsohn's Director Krennic addresses a group of ISB agents about a sensitive issue concerning the planet. He presents a documentary that highlights Ghorman's thriving textile industry, specifically its silk fabric sourced from a unique breed of spider, which is the planet's primary galactic export.

However, the real issue, as Krennic explains, lies in another of Ghorman's resources: calcite. The Emperor covets this resource for its potential to power the Empire's research into renewable, unlimited energy. Yet, given Krennic's history from *Rogue One*, it's likely he's not being entirely truthful. The true purpose of the calcite may be to fuel the construction of the Death Star, similar to how Kyber crystals are essential for Project: Stardust. The challenge with calcite extraction is that it could turn Ghorman into a barren wasteland, raising concerns about the native Ghor population.

Palpatine's control over the galaxy isn't absolute enough to destroy a world and its people without repercussions, which is why he desires the Death Star. Krennic's strategy involves turning public opinion against Ghorman, justifying the Empire's takeover and displacement of its people. The planet has a history of anti-Imperial sentiment, making it a target for manipulation. While Krennic's propaganda team believes social manipulation alone will suffice, Denise Gough's Dedra Meero understands the need for a more direct approach. The Empire plans to install its own group of radical rebels to portray Ghorman as a dangerous, lawless place, thus allowing the Empire to claim its calcite under the pretext of restoring order.

This sets the stage for a significant storyline in Season 2, likely drawing characters like Diego Luna's Cassian Andor and Genevieve O’Reilly's Mon Mothma to Ghorman as the political situation escalates, turning the planet into a new battleground in the Galactic Civil War. Given what we know about Ghorman, the outcome is expected to be both tragic and pivotal for the Rebel Alliance.

*Andor* Season 2 is poised to depict an event known as the Ghorman Massacre, a crucial development leading to the formation of the Rebel Alliance. While only alluded to in Disney-era Star Wars media, the Ghorman Massacre has deeper roots in the pre-Disney Star Wars Legends universe. In that timeline, set in 18 BBY, Peter Cushing's Grand Moff Tarkin was responsible for the massacre. During a peaceful protest against illegal Imperial taxation on Ghorman, Tarkin ruthlessly landed his ship on the protesters, resulting in hundreds of casualties.

The Ghorman Massacre became a stark symbol of Imperial brutality, sparking public outrage and prompting Senators like Mon Mothma and Bail Organa to support the burgeoning rebel movement. This event directly contributed to the formation of the Rebel Alliance.

In the Disney era, Lucasfilm is reimagining the Ghorman Massacre, and with *Andor* Season 2 underway, the revised timeline is still unfolding. However, the core concept remains: the Ghorman Massacre is a moment where the Empire oversteps, igniting a significant rebel backlash.

Warning: the remainder of this article contains possible spoilers for upcoming episodes of Andor Season 2!