Arn Horada, a distinguished professor and historian of galactic history, dedicated his time after the Clone Wars to personally instructing young Princess Leia Organa of Alderaan. Originating from Metalorn, he eventually went back to his homeworld, where he became a common worker and underwent intensive re-education under the new Imperial regime. In 0 ABY, Organa journeyed to Metalorn, hoping to reconnect with Horada and help establish a Rebel presence on the world. Despite her scheme being discovered, Horada openly challenged the Empire, aiding her escape from the planet.
As a Human male from the planet Metalorn, an industrial world in the Mid Rim, Arn Horada rose to prominence as a respected historian. His reputation grew so much that, in the years following the Clone Wars, the Alderaanian royal Bail Organa brought Horada to Alderaan. There, he served as a private tutor to Bail's young daughter, Leia. By his time on Alderaan, Horada was considered one of the most accomplished professors and historians in the galaxy, imparting knowledge of politics and galactic history to the young Organa.
Later, Horada made his way back to his homeworld. There, he witnessed a significant societal transformation after the Galactic Empire gained power in 19 BBY. Control of Metalorn was seized by Governor [Corwyth], who implemented strict controls over daily life and established an information control program that successfully convinced most of the population that a Rebellion didn't exist. The new Imperial government dedicated years to re-educating Horada, hoping the respected historian could be used as an Imperial spokesperson. Despite his status, Horada worked as a regular laborer in Metalorn's factories. In 0 BBY, he learned of Alderaan's destruction, which the central information bureau of Metalorn attributed to a meteor shower, claiming that none of the royal house he once served survived.
However, Leia—now a key leader in the Rebel Alliance—had survived the destruction of her home planet. Several months later she traveled to Metalorn, hoping to contact her former teacher and enlist his aid in establishing a local resistance against Imperial rule. Organa's arrival was quickly detected by the Imperial government's extensive surveillance system, but the Alderaanian Princess managed to evade capture long enough to reach Horada, who was taken aback by her sudden appearance. Their conversation was swiftly interrupted by Baron Orman Tagge, the leader of the Imperial-aligned Tagge Company, who had discovered Horada's connection to Organa and correctly deduced the Rebel leader's intentions. When Tagge attacked Organa, Horada kicked a chair, tripping Tagge and creating an opportunity for his former student to escape. Humiliated by Organa's escape, Corwyth considered executing Horada for his involvement, but ultimately allowed the historian to go free when Tagge suggested that any retaliation would only confirm the existence of Rebel activity.
Despite being a renowned historian and educator, Arn Horada was as susceptible to the Empire's re-education efforts as most other Metalorn natives. He initially believed their false accounts of Alderaan's destruction and suspected Organa's appearance was a ruse. Nevertheless, he demonstrated some defiance, openly opposing the Empire by interfering with Orman Tagge and enabling Organa's escape.
Arn Horada's first appearance was in Star Wars (1977) 30, written by Archie Goodwin and released in 1979. He was illustrated by Carmine Infantino.