The Great Battle of Corellia in Star Wars: The Old Republic

Within the extensive lore of the Star Wars universe, the events of the Battle of Corellia in 3640 BBY stand out as one of the most significant conflicts between the Jedi and the Sith during the Second Galactic War. This pivotal battle marked a turning point in the ongoing struggle for dominance in the galaxy and serves as a crucial element in the Star Wars: The Old Republic character stories.

The Background: 11 Years of Preparation

Years before the actual conflict, both the Republic and the Sith Empire had been engaged in a prolonged period of preparation. The Sith, under the reign of Emperor Vitiate, had been amassing their military might for over a decade. Their goal was to launch a decisive attack on the strategic planet of Corellia, which had long been a key center for commerce and industry in the galaxy.

Similarly, the Galactic Republic also poured significant resources into bolstering their defenses. The two sides were well aware of their adversaries' intentions and had been conducting espionage and counter-intelligence operations, amassing forces, and fortifying their respective positions.

The Opening Moves

The battle commenced in 3640 BBY, after a decade of rigorous preparations. The Sith Empire, with Emperor Vitiate at their helm, appeared to have the upper hand early on. They launched a coordinated attack on Corellia's main fortresses and quickly established control over several key areas of the planet. The Republic, facing this sudden surge in Sith activity, responded by sending in additional reinforcements to counter the enemy's advance.

A Turning Point in the Conflict

The ensuing battle was both brutal and tactically complex. It featured intense ground and air combat, with both sides displaying impressive strategic prowess and resilience. As the conflict progressed, the tide shifted multiple times, with neither side able to gain a decisive advantage until the Republic managed to mount a last-ditch effort that ultimately tipped the scales in their favor.

The Aftermath: A Cataclysmic Casualty Toll

What sets the Battle of Corellia apart from other significant battles in Star Wars lore is the staggering number of casualties involved. According to Darth Malgus, the Sith Empire suffered a massive loss of military strength during this engagement, with approximately 10% of their total military forces being wiped out. This number alone is staggering, as the Sith Empire was a galaxy-spanning military dictatorship that had thus far managed to maintain its hegemony for almost 30 years.

The exact number of casualties on the Republic side remains undisclosed, but it is widely believed that their losses were similarly catastrophic. In the context of a military operation spanning an enormous number of systems and starships, a loss of 10% of the total military strength is catastrophic. If this 10% figure is to be believed, the number of deaths and injuries must have run into the double-digit billions, far exceeding any other comparable conflict within the Star Wars universe.

Comparing with Historical Battles

To put the scale of the Battle of Corellia into perspective, one cannot help but consider the infamous Battle of Stalingrad during World War II. While the Battle of Stalingrad was a brutal and costly engagement, it is clear that the loss of 10% of a galaxy-spanning empire's military strength would render Stalingrad's losses moot in comparison.

The Battle of Corellia stands as a testament to the brutal and unforgiving nature of conflict in the Star Wars universe, where the stakes are high, and the consequences of defeat are catastrophic. It remains a significant moment in the ongoing struggle between the Jedi defenders of democracy and the Sith forces of tyranny, shaping the course of the Second Galactic War and leaving an indelible mark on the lore of Star Wars: The Old Republic.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the Battle of Corellia, it is clear that it was not just a significant event within the Star Wars: The Old Republic but a pivotal moment in the entire Galactic history. The losses suffered by both sides were immense, and the legacy of this battle continues to influence the strategies and actions of both the Jedi and the Sith across the galaxy. The Battle of Corellia is a dark chapter in the annals of Star Wars, demonstrating the terrible cost of conflict and the importance of peace in the far reaches of the stars.