From Takodana, specifically Takodana Castle, a diverse collection of beings (including a droid) observe the destruction of Hosnian Cataclysm via sub-hyperspace.
Sentience can be described as the state of having self-awareness, the capability for abstract thought, and advanced reasoning skills. Sentient beings not only possess intelligence but also experience emotions and have unique personalities. The galaxy is home to tens of thousands of sentient species, with 3PO-series protocol droids programmed to recognize over 30,000 of them. The total population of individuals across the galaxy reaches into the millions of billions. Examples of sentient species include humans, Ewoks, Patitites, Gungans, and Geonosians.
Non-sentient organic life forms within the animal kingdom are generally referred to as "creatures" or "beasts." However, some creatures, like the Zillo Beast and Purrgil, exhibit signs of emerging sentience and are classified as semi-sentient. It was believed that the soul of a varactyl was simpler and more pure when compared to a sentient being, yet these creatures still possessed their own form of intelligence. Droids also have the potential for sentience, although some, such as 0-0-0 and EV-9D9, derive pleasure from causing pain to others, similar to some organic beings.
Most sentient species reside on land, in areas where plentiful rain supports vibrant forests, cultivated gardens, and expansive grassy plains. However, numerous species have also adapted to arid ecosystems and rocky terrains. Their ability to thrive in these more challenging worlds has made them more adaptable to off-world environments. Some sentient species have a preference for aquatic environments, inhabiting water-covered planets, yet they can survive in airy environments without needing a breathing apparatus or environmental suits.
The laws of the Galactic Republic prohibited the use of sentient beings as slaves. Nevertheless, slavery persisted on certain isolated planets, such as Tatooine, and was a lucrative business for the Zygerrians. Droids were typically regarded as property, inferior to organic sentients, and were programmed to prevent them from harming organic beings. Exceptions existed, such as police droids and battle droids. Despite their programming, mechanical beings could develop unique personality traits and even sentience. However, this was often suppressed through memory wipes, a practice opposed by advocates for droid rights, who argued for sentient rights for droids. They pointed to the Galactic Empire's Galactic Constitution, which declared all sentients equal and outlawed slavery and forced servitude. The Second Revelation consisted of sentient droids.
Using his sentience, Darth Sidious was able to manipulate unsuspecting senators within the Galactic Senate, including Jar Jar Binks, to grant him supreme authority. However, through the will of the Force, Sidious was ultimately deposed by the son of the Chosen One, who had been conceived by midi-chlorians. These organisms formed a symbiotic bond with organic beings, communicating the Force's will to them. This is the foundation of life and the connection that sustains the symbiotic relationship between the Living Force, which is the energy of all life, and the Cosmic Force, which binds everything within the galaxy.