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Galen Erso is one of the most intriguing characters in the Star Wars universe. He is the father of Jyn Erso, the main protagonist of Rogue One (2016), and the creator of the Death Star, the ultimate weapon of the Galactic Empire. But he is also a secret rebel who sabotaged his own creation and gave hope to the galaxy.
Who is Galen Erso?
Galen Erso was a human male scientist who specialized in crystallography and energy enrichment. He was born on the planet Grange in 51 BBY, and studied at the Futures Program on Brentaal IV. He was a brilliant and passionate researcher who wanted to use his knowledge for good.
However, his life changed when he was recruited by Orson Krennic, an ambitious officer of the Empire who wanted to use Galen’s expertise for building a superweapon that could destroy planets. Galen was unaware of Krennic’s true intentions and believed that he was working on a project that could provide unlimited energy for peaceful purposes.
Galen married Lyra Erso, a geologist and explorer who shared his ideals. They had a daughter named Jyn Erso, who was born in 22 BBY. They lived happily on Coruscant until Galen realized the true nature of his work and decided to escape from Krennic’s control. They fled to Lah’mu, a remote planet where they hoped to live in peace.
How did Galen Erso create the Death Star?
Unfortunately, Galen’s escape did not last long. In 13 BBY, Krennic found him and forced him to resume his work on the Death Star. He threatened to kill his family if he refused. Galen had no choice but to comply. He was taken to Eadu, a secret facility where he worked with other scientists under Krennic’s supervision.
Galen was responsible for designing and developing the Kyber crystal reactor that powered the Death Star’s superlaser. Kyber crystals were rare and powerful crystals that could amplify energy and were used in lightsabers by Jedi Knights. Galen was fascinated by these crystals and studied them extensively. He discovered that they had a connection to the Force, the mystical energy field that binds the galaxy together.
Galen used his knowledge of Kyber crystals to create a reactor that could harness their energy and unleash it in a devastating beam that could obliterate entire worlds. He also devised a way to synthesize artificial Kyber crystals that could be used in the reactor. He completed his work in 0 BBY, just before the Battle of Scarif.
Why did Galen Erso betray the Empire?
Galen Erso was not a loyal servant of the Empire. He hated what he had done and what he had become. He regretted creating a weapon of mass destruction that could be used by a tyrannical regime. He missed his wife, who was killed by Krennic’s troops when they captured him in Lah’mu. He worried about his daughter, who was left behind and became a fugitive.
Galen Erso was a rebel at heart. He secretly contacted Saw Gerrera, a radical leader of the Rebel Alliance who had rescued Jyn from Lah’mu. He told him about his work on the Death Star and revealed that he had built a hidden weakness into its design. He explained that if a proton torpedo was fired into a small thermal exhaust port on the surface of the Death Star, it would cause a chain reaction that would destroy the entire station.
Galen Erso risked his life to send this message to Saw Gerrera, hoping that it would reach his daughter and the Rebel Alliance. He also sabotaged the Eadu facility and caused an explosion that killed many of his fellow scientists. He sacrificed himself for the greater good and for the sake of his family.
What is the legacy of Galen Erso?
Galen Erso was a tragic hero who played a crucial role in the history of the galaxy. He was the man behind the Death Star, but also the man who gave hope to the rebels. His message was received by Jyn Erso, who joined a team of rebels led by Cassian Andor to steal the plans of the Death Star from Scarif. They succeeded in their mission but died in the process.
The plans were delivered to Princess Leia Organa, who escaped from Darth Vader’s pursuit and reached the rebel base on Yavin 4. There, Luke Skywalker, a young Jedi in training, used Galen’s information to destroy the Death Star during the Battle of Yavin. This was a major victory for the Rebel Alliance and a turning point in the Galactic Civil War.
Galen Erso’s legacy lives on in his daughter, who became a symbol of courage and hope for the rebels. His legacy also lives on in his work, which inspired other scientists and engineers to explore the mysteries of Kyber crystals and the Force. His legacy also lives on in his actions, which showed that one person can make a difference in the face of evil.
Galen Erso was a man of science, but also a man of faith. He believed in the Force and its will. He believed that there was still good in the galaxy and that it was worth fighting for. He believed that his daughter would find him and that they would be reunited. He believed that he could redeem himself and that he could save others.
Galen Erso was a man behind the Death Star, but he was also much more than that.