10 Most Traumatic Events In Star Wars

Who knew we were so attached to the Ewoks?

Star Wars Qui-Gon Death
LucasFilm

The Star Wars saga now spans three trilogies, several side movies, a handful of TV shows and dozens if not hundreds of novels and books. That's not to mention all the comic books and video games that have added their own depth to the universe.

We've had every kind of tale in Star Wars by this point; the comedy, the romance, the action-adventure, even a zombie story - you heard that right - but if there's one theme that exists throughout all, it's tragedy. Betrayals, heartbreak, death and destruction are just common occurrences when you're dealing with powerful space wizards duking it out in a struggle of Good vs. Evil.

Needless to say Star Wars has been field with traumatic events. Time and again we've seen our characters go through ordeals or witness things that would turn anyone into a quivering wreck. And as an audience, we've been left with our own scars.

Due to the extensive nature of the Star Wars universe, we've narrowed it down to just events that have happened in the movies. Be warned, you're about to be triggered.

10. The Death Of Aunt Beru And Uncle Own

Star Wars Qui-Gon Death
Disney

Many of the most tragic events in Star Wars were catalysts for significant events happening further down the line. The murder of Luke's guardians led to his decision to leave Tatooine, the destruction of the Death Star and the eventual overthrow of the Empire.

It's true that Luke wanted to join the Rebel Alliance before his family's death, but the event triggered an early departure, leading him into the path of Han and Chewie. Meeting the smuggling duo in Mos Eisley was so integral to the story that half the events to follow, wouldn't have happened otherwise. For one, Leia wouldn't have been saved, leaving the Rebellion without its greatest leader.

The death of Luke's Aunt Beru and Uncle Owen was certainly traumatic for the character, but it kind of got glossed over. Luke looks sad for a moment, but then John Williams comes in with his stirring heroes theme, reminding the audience that everything would work out. What's more, Luke never grieves for his aunt and uncle, or even mentions them again.

This guy had a weird way of processing trauma.

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Before engrossing myself in the written word, I spent several years in the TV and film industry. During this time I became proficient at picking things up, moving things and putting things down again.