The people of Alderaan, known as Alderaanians, were a human cultural group originating from that planet. They held pacifism and artistic expression in high regard. Notable Alderaanians include Viceroy Bail Prestor Organa, Queen Breha Organa (his wife), and their adopted daughter, Princess Leia Organa. The Galactic Empire's Death Star obliterated their world in 0 BBY, pushing them to near extinction, leaving only scattered survivors throughout the galaxy.
Alderaanians were a human subspecies who were native to the planet of Alderaan. Most had reddish tan, golden tan, or dark brown skin tones, but some, such as Princess Leia Organa, had fairer complexions.
Alderaanian society was rooted in pacifism, a deep appreciation for the arts, and philosophical pursuits, with a strong emphasis on sharing knowledge. They lived in harmony with their planet, famous for its untouched beauty.
Alderaan was also governed by a monarchy, dedicated to the well-being of its citizens for millennia.
Traditions surrounding braids on Alderaan varied by continent and era, dictating who wore them, when, and why. The monarch of Alderaan was expected to wear braids. Some Alderaanian men, such as Nash Windrider, traditionally wore long hair.
Initially, Alderaanians had soldiers like most cultures, but they evolved into a pacifist society. Over time, they became known for sharing their knowledge within the broader Galactic community.
Throughout their history, many Alderaanians left their homeworld to establish communities on other planets, spreading their unique culture. Notable off-world settlements existed on Naboo and Sullust. Several generations before the Galactic Civil War, Alderaanians also settled on Espirion, a planet known for welcoming refugees and travelers. They intermarried with the native humanoid species of Espirion, who had red skin and pointed ears. This resulted in a population of half-Alderaanians on Espirion, exhibiting non-human traits. Chief Beon Beonel led their community immediately following the Battle of Yavin.
The destruction of Alderaan by the Galactic Empire, used as a demonstration of the Death Star's battle station power, resulted in the deaths of most Alderaanians. However, some were off-world at the time. Shortly after the Battle of Yavin, where the Rebel Alliance destroyed the Death Star in retaliation, Princess Leia Organa embarked on a mission to find and rescue the Alderaanian survivors.
Some Alderaanians who fought for the Alliance to Restore the Republic had a tattoo of the Rebel Alliance starbird beneath their left eye, symbolizing their lost home and people. This became so common that Imperial veterans could recognize the tattoo and identify the wearer as an Alderaanian, as seen when Carasynthia Dune encountered an Imperial shuttle pilot.