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How Old is Galen Erso? The Hidden Genius of the Death Star

Matt "ObiWaN" Hansen Andor, know your lore

If you’ve watched Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, you know Galen Erso is the man behind the Empire’s most controversial architecture project—The Death Star. He’s the guy who took “work from home” to a whole new level, building planet-destroying superweapons while sending secret messages to his daughter through Imperial databases. But while we know his role in galactic history, one question remains: How old was Galen Erso?

Galen Erso’s Early Life: A Scholar in a War-Torn Galaxy

To understand Galen’s age, we need to roll back the holocron a bit. Galen was born around 57 BBY (Before the Battle of Yavin) on the planet Grange. His early years were defined by his insatiable curiosity and scientific prowess, which caught the attention of the Republic and, later, the Empire.

He studied as a scientist specializing in kyber crystal research, which—spoiler alert—isn’t just for lightsabers. Kyber crystals are the backbone of the Death Star’s superlaser. And let’s just say Galen knew more about them than a Jedi at a lightsaber crafting workshop.

How Old Was Galen Erso During Rogue One?

If you do the math, Rogue One takes place in 0 BBY, literally right before A New Hope. Since Galen was born in 57 BBY, that would make him about 57 years old when he was reunited with his daughter Jyn and subsequently decided that “blowing up planets for a living” wasn’t really his dream job.

Fifty-seven might seem like a spry age for a guy who built the galaxy’s largest weapon of mass destruction, but when you consider Imperial work hours and the constant threat of Vader breathing down your neck, it probably felt a bit longer.

The Timeline Breakdown

Let’s break this down in an easy-to-digest format because time is relative, especially when Star Destroyers are involved:

  • 57 BBY – Galen Erso is born on Grange. Probably not yet designing superweapons, but who knows?
  • 33 BBY – Marries Lyra Erso and begins his studies into kyber crystals. Starts thinking big… like “destroy a planet” big.
  • 22 BBY – Galen and Lyra are captured by Separatists during the Clone Wars. This is when his research is temporarily put on hold for the whole “not being captured” thing.
  • 20 BBY – Rescued by Orson Krennic, who convinces him to work for the Empire. Big mistake, Galen. Big mistake.
  • 19 BBY to 0 BBY – Works reluctantly on the Death Star project, all while secretly embedding a fatal flaw in its design.
  • 0 BBY – Galen is about 57 years old when he sacrifices himself to get the Death Star plans to the Rebellion.

Why Galen’s Age Matters

You might be wondering, “Why does Galen Erso’s age even matter?” Well, it’s more than just a number. His age is a testament to the long journey he went through—from idealistic scientist to Imperial pawn to hidden Rebel hero. His experience and the wisdom that came with it were critical to understanding the implications of his work and ultimately deciding to sabotage it from within.

His life also serves as a stark reminder that even the most brilliant minds can be manipulated. But it’s never too late to right a wrong, even if it means going against the largest military force in the galaxy.

Final Thoughts: The Man Who Built and Broke the Death Star

Galen Erso wasn’t just an engineer; he was the lynchpin in one of the most crucial events in Star Wars history. At 57, he orchestrated the design flaw that would lead to the Death Star’s destruction—not bad for a guy whose employer list includes the biggest bads the galaxy has ever seen.

His age, his experiences, and his moral redemption are proof that the Force isn’t just strong with those who wield lightsabers. Sometimes, it’s strongest with those who design the flaws in planet-killing superweapons.

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