Despite its numerous flaws, the sequel trilogy effectively conveyed the seriousness of the predicament at hand. In Star Wars: The Force Awakens, the menace of the First Order was subtly hinted as a revived empire that had been secretly growing stronger in the far-off Unknown Regions, poised to wreak havoc on an unaware galaxy. Yet, the true extent of their might took everyone by surprise.
The First Order declared themselves as the sole rulers of the galaxy by achieving something their predecessor couldn’t – annihilating the New Republic. They used a powerful weapon to obliterate not just one, but five planets simultaneously, effectively eliminating the New Republic and its army in an instant. This act established them as the dominant force across the galaxy. The destruction of this planet was one among six that were destroyed by the end of the movie, but it had profound effects on the balance of power and administration throughout the galaxy.
How the First Order Killed an Entire System
The Hosnian System Was Completely Wiped Out
The First Order skillfully utilized their time in concealment, drawing lessons from their experiences. Rather than pursuing quantity, they emphasized quality in their operations. Unlike the Empire, which boasted a larger force compared to the Rebel Alliance, its ranks were marred by disorganization and harbored numerous incompetents. In stark contrast, the First Order rigorously trained its troops and innovated lethal technology, positioning themselves for immediate dominance upon their return to the wider galaxy.
The immense destructive power and dramatic flair of Starkiller Base truly showcased its advanced nature, being likened as an even larger version of the Death Star. Situated on a planet’s surface, it harnessed energy from neighboring stars to fuel its devastating abilities. This energy was converted into a blast that could travel through hyperspace, capable of obliterating entire planets in an instant. The blast would split into numerous currents, quickly reaching targets and causing destruction so intense it transformed the targeted planets into miniature novas. Moreover, the base’s destructive capabilities were not just powerful but also theatrical, allowing distant galaxies to witness the devastation through sub-hyperspace. This spectacle was designed to instill fear, forcing other worlds to surrender to the First Order or risk becoming the next target. Indeed, Starkiller Base proved to be highly effective in this regard, with many systems willingly capitulating following the destruction of the Hosnian System.
The Hosnian Cataclysm Was the End of the New Republic
The Seat of the New Republic Was Destroyed by the First Order
The objective of the First Order was, logically, to seize control over Hosnian Prime, a strategic point that served as the headquarters of the New Republic due to a policy of relocating their capital based on popular vote. Hosnian Prime offered an ideal starting point for the First Order’s invasion and held significant tactical value. Not only was this location where the New Republic’s governing body resided, but it was also home to the majority of their armed forces. The annihilation of Hosnian Prime resulted in the loss of the New Republic Defense Fleet, their main naval force, which at that time, was the largest fleet in the galaxy. In a single strike, the First Order eliminated the leadership of the New Republic and severely weakened their military capabilities, leaving them nearly defenseless against retaliation.
Together with Hosnian Prime, the entire Hosnian System was annihilated, a catastrophe deliberately orchestrated by the First Order. Besides Hosnian, four other planets – Raysho, Cardota, and Courtsilius were also obliterated in the explosion. Although little is known about these planets, it’s likely they housed inhabitants, as General Leia Organa visibly struggled upon sensing the collective loss of life. The devastation wasn’t essential for the First Order’s plans; instead, their aim was to spread fear and turmoil across the galaxy, making their takeover more manageable. The Hosnian System served as a sacrifice on the alter of their ambitions. Ultimately, the destruction of the Hosnian System unsettled the balance of power in the galaxy. For years, there had been a period of relative tranquility following its establishment. The New Republic, while not as powerful militarily as the Galactic Republic at its peak, had kept order and fairness throughout the galaxy. The destruction of the Hosnian System marked the return of a regime that many thought was extinct but is now back to cause chaos in the galaxy once more.
Starkiller Base Was the Final Casualty of The Force Awakens
The Resistance Rallies to Destroy Starkiller Base
Fortunately, the galaxy was saved by the Resistance, who acted as a private military force when the New Republic failed to recognize the danger. They swiftly counter-attacked the First Order and discovered a vulnerable spot on their space station. Exploiting this weakness, they detonated it, which prematurely dispersed the energy accumulated from the star, leading to the destruction of the planet and the demise of Starkiller Base. This major defeat for the First Order was significant because construction of Starkiller Base had started during the early years of the Empire, meaning it would take several decades to build another base with comparable power, and even longer to find a suitable planet for such a project.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on the extraordinary nature of Starkiller Base. Initially, it was known as Ilum, a world revered by the Jedi Order, where younglings would undertake trials to obtain their kyber crystals – essential for crafting lightsabers and channeling energy. Given Ilum’s abundance of these crystals, it made an ideal location to construct a device capable of storing and unleashing immense energy all at once. In essence, the Dark Side transformed this planet, once a beacon of defense for the Jedi, into a devastating weapon. The destruction of Starkiller Base was vital, but the cultural and historical loss of Ilum cannot be underestimated. It was a sacred planet to the Jedi, steeped in history, likely containing numerous ancient artifacts and temples dedicated to their order. The Resistance may not have been aware of this when they aimed to destroy it, but even if they had, the necessity of eliminating Starkiller Base remained unchanged. Much like the Jedi of old, Ilum had to be sacrificed for a greater good, marking its tragic end in The Force Awakens.
The New Republic Never Recovered From the Destruction of Hosnian Prime
The Galaxy’s Government Is in Shambles After the War
As a devoted cinephile reflecting on the aftermath of the war against the First Order, I can’t help but feel the weight of loss that still lingers from the devastating destruction of Hosnian Prime. The catastrophic blow dealt by Starkiller Base left the New Republic in shambles, its government barely holding together amidst the chaos. With the Resistance, a small and loosely connected militia, being the only organized faction that survived, it’s hard not to wonder about the fate of the galaxy following the events of The Rise of Skywalker and who might step up as its new leader.
Starfighter” are set to unveil this new post-Sequel Trilogy era, giving them a unique chance to establish the new norm for the galaxy in the coming days.
Star Wars: The Force Awakens is now streaming on Disney+.
Read More
- CRK Boss Rush guide – Best cookies for each stage of the event
- Fortress Saga tier list – Ranking every hero
- Glenn Greenwald Sex Tape Leak: Journalist Cites “Maliciously Political” Motives
- Mini Heroes Magic Throne tier list
- Grimguard Tactics tier list – Ranking the main classes
- Cookie Run Kingdom Town Square Vault password
- Castle Duels tier list – Best Legendary and Epic cards
- How to Prepare and Dominate the Awakened Hollyberry Cookie Update
- Hero Tale best builds – One for melee, one for ranged characters
- Overwatch Stadium Tier List: All Heroes Ranked
2025-06-06 04:52