Why were the Lasats killed?

The Lasats were a species in the Star Wars universe, most notably known for their appearance in Star Wars Rebels. They were a warrior race who were once thriving on their homeworld, Lirasan, but suffered significant persecution and eventual near-extinction due to the Empire. Here's a deeper look into why the Lasats were killed and nearly wiped out, as well as the key events in their story.

1. The Lasat Species: Who Were They?

The Lasats were a humanoid species known for their strong warrior culture, their distinctive facial features (including large, expressive eyes and tusks), and their impressive physical strength. They were known for their combat skills, particularly their use of hand-to-hand combat and weapons. Their culture revered strength, but they also had a deep connection to spirituality, with their Shamanistic traditions and beliefs centered on the "Warrior's Path".

• Homeworld: The Lasats originated from the planet Lirasan, a lush and mountainous world with a rich ecosystem. The species was well-established as a proud and independent people before their downfall.

2. The Rise of the Empire and the Fall of the Lasats

The destruction of the Lasat species and the near extinction of their culture can be attributed to the rise of the Galactic Empire, which began purging species and cultures that it saw as a threat or unnecessary to its vision of an imperial order.

• Empire's Expansion: The Empire, under Emperor Palpatine, sought to consolidate power across the galaxy, often violently suppressing or annihilating entire species that stood in the way of their imperial goals.
• The Lasat as a Threat: The Lasats were seen as a formidable species due to their warrior heritage. The Empire, under the leadership of Imperial forces, likely considered them a threat to their totalitarian rule. The Lasat warrior culture and their ability to organize and resist were seen as problematic.

3. The Role of the Empire's Military: The Destruction of Lirasan

As the Empire expanded its control, it launched a genocidal campaign to wipe out the Lasats, fearing their potential for resistance and uprising.

• The Empire's Assault: The Empire effectively destroyed the Lasats' homeworld of Lirasan, wiping out much of the population. The Empire's military—led by various Imperial officers and agents—used force to decimate their cities, their culture, and their society.
• The Lasats Were Nearly Extinct: Most Lasats were either killed during the Empire's campaign or forced into hiding. By the time of the events of Star Wars Rebels, only a small group of Lasats remained, scattered across the galaxy, including Zeb Orrelios, one of the main characters in Star Wars Rebels.

4. Zeb Orrelios and the Rebellion

Zeb Orrelios was one of the last surviving Lasats, and he played a pivotal role in the Rebel Alliance during the early days of the Galactic Civil War. Zeb's backstory is crucial to understanding why the Lasats were targeted and nearly wiped out.

• Zeb's Story: Zeb was a member of the Ghost crew in Star Wars Rebels, and he had a deep personal connection to the destruction of his people. He was a warrior and had witnessed the death of his comrades during the Empire's purge. The Lasat's destruction was a defining event in Zeb's life, and he was filled with anger, grief, and a desire for vengeance against the Empire.

• The Shaman's Prophecy: Zeb was also bound by a prophecy from the Lasat Shaman that foretold the return of the Lasat people, and the "Warrior's Path". This prophecy became an important part of the Star Wars Rebels narrative, with Zeb and his allies seeking to fulfill this prophecy and rebuild the Lasat culture.

5. The Search for Hope: The Lasat Exodus

In Star Wars Rebels, Zeb's journey becomes one of hope for the future of his people. The remaining Lasats, like Zeb, had to rebuild their culture, preserve their traditions, and find a new home after the destruction of their planet.

• The Prophecy's Fulfillment: The plot of the Star Wars Rebels episode "The Honorable Ones" (Season 2, Episode 14) features Zeb's attempts to preserve his people's memory and legacy, as well as his struggle to find peace with the death of his species.
• Finding a New Home: Zeb and the crew of the Ghost later discover a hidden colony of Lasats that had survived in secret. This marks a moment of hope that the Lasats could survive and perhaps rebuild their society, offering some closure to the tragedy of their near-extinction.

6. Why Did the Empire Target the Lasats?

The destruction of the Lasat species by the Empire was likely motivated by the following factors:

• Fear of Resistance: The Lasats were a warrior culture, skilled in combat and with a long history of resisting outside forces. The Empire viewed them as a potential threat to its control and sought to eliminate them before they could become a major nuisance.
• Cultural Suppression: The Empire sought to control all aspects of the galaxy, including the cultures and species within it. The Lasat's independence and warrior spirit were incompatible with the Empire's desire for absolute dominance.
• Strategic Eliminations: The Empire's practice of purging species was also likely based on practicality: by wiping out those who could resist, the Empire ensured there would be no uprisings that might threaten its rule.

Key Star Wars Rebels Episodes Featuring the Lasats:

• "Reluctant Hero" (Season 1, Episode 2) – This is the episode where Zeb's backstory as a member of the Lasat species begins to unfold.
• "The Honorable Ones" (Season 2, Episode 14) – This episode delves into Zeb's emotional journey and his confrontation with the legacy of his people.
• "Homecoming" (Season 2, Episode 3) – The discovery of the Lasat colony occurs in this episode, offering hope for the species.

Conclusion: The Lasat's Tragic Fate

The Lasat species were nearly wiped out by the Galactic Empire because they were considered a threat due to their warrior culture and resistance potential. Their near-extinction became a personal tragedy for Zeb Orrelios, who became one of the last survivors and a key figure in the Rebel Alliance. Their destruction is an example of the Empire's brutal tactics in suppressing any potential resistance, and their eventual survival is a symbol of hope that some species can endure, even after such devastating losses. The Lasat's story reminds us of the broader theme of genocide and survival that appears throughout the Star Wars saga.

For more details about the Lasats and their fate, you can explore the following resources:

• Star Wars Rebels on Disney+.
• Zeb Orrelios – Star Wars Wiki.