Overview:

Description: Most notable for being an icy planet, Ilum was an isolated and frigid world. The world was 90% ice and consisted of various caverns, mountains, snow caps, and even ice flows. Located in the Unknown Regions, Ilum made the perfect site for Kyber crystal excavation. The planet itself had two moons in orbit, as well as one sun, Asar. The main factor in Ilum's differentiation from other worlds was its rotation period. To complete a single rotation, the planet took 66 standard hours. While Ilum appeared nearly impossible to inhabit, it was home to several species: the snow feather bird, asharl panther, lisk, and more. 

History: The cephalopod species known as the Gree were thought to be the first inhabitants of Ilum. The Gree were responsible for establishing their enclave, which later saw the deployment of the Gray Secant, a vessel tasked solely with exploration. With the Gree out of the picture, Ilum was then discovered by the Jedi Order in 22,800 BBY. Using the Force to guide her through hyperspace, a Jedi scout was drawn to the frigid planet. After reporting back to the Jedi High Council, Ilum's treasures were then discovered, caverns full of Kyber crystals. These crystals were valued by the Jedi Order, powering their weapon, the lightsaber. With this discovery, the High Council had no delay in securing the site. Scholars, artisans, and other highly-respected Jedi were assigned to protect and research the ludicrous caves. As years passed, the Jedi Temple for the sacred event, the Crystal Gathering, was created. The Crystal Gathering was a rare event in which young Jedi were brought to the crystal caves in search of their very own Kyber crystal. Once found, the learner would construct their lightsaber by utilizing the Force, guiding their way to success. With the Galactic Cold War on the horizon, tragedy struck the Light Side planet. The Sith Empire led an attack on Ilum with the might of Sith and shock troopers, dealing a tremendous loss to the Jedi Order and the Galactic Republic. Because of recent events (Great Galactic War, Treaty of Coruscant), Ilum had fallen out of Jedi control. To the Galactic Republic's horror, the Sith had begun harvesting something far worse than lightsaber crystals. These new resources had the capability of powering a cloaking device. With the war resolution, the Jedi Order grasped Ilum back into their control. At the start of the Clone Wars (22 BBY), Ilum fell victim to yet another attack, this time the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The caves were damaged immensely because of the present violence surrounding the war, and Crystal Gatherings had come to a halt. 

Conclusion: Post-Order 66, Ilum became a place of refuge for surviving Jedi of the Great Jedi Purge. Shortly before the Galactic Empire had discovered its location, Obi-Wan Kenobi was called to help Jedi in hiding in the caves. Unfortunately, the two Jedi were imprisoned by the Empire and met their fate. The 481st Legion was eventually deployed on the planet, seeking out any remaining Jedi. With the Empire's strength growing, so did Ilum's enforcement and security. A blockade formed and ultimately prevented close to all Jedi from entering the caves again.