Myth And Symbolism In George Luca's Star Wars

Myths have been a part of the way the human race tells tales. It became the way early people would explain natural occurrences and phenomenon pertaining to religion, retold history, and told stories. Myths and legends have been used to teach an important lesson, often found in works of old and modern times. These symbols and tales can be found in any piece of work that tells a story, whether that be a poem, book, movie, or song. A prime example of a piece of work riddled in myth and symbolism is George Luca’s Star Wars. Star Wars has pieces of mythology, symbolism, historical references, and religious tales woven so deep into the story that they have become essential in order to tale the story. The main stage of the Star Wars franchise is its Hero’s Journey and the challenges and lessons the characters face before achieving their goals. The franchise follows the story of Anakin Skywalker and his son, Luke. Both father and son start out living ordinary lives. Anakin, the future Darth Vader, was born into slavery to one parent. Anakin’s mother, Shmi, explains that there was no father, paralleling the tale of the birth of Jesus to the Virgin Mary. In this case, Shmi was impregnated by “the force” instead the holy spirit, thus

Anakin represented as Achilles. In The Iliad Homer writes, “sing, o goddess, the wrath of Peleus’ son Achilles, whose anger brought pains a thousand-fold upon the Achaeans…” describes the eventual downfall of Anakin. Anakin’s pride and ambition, fueled by fear and anger, lead to his fall from grace, in this way symbolizing Lucifer. When Lucifer was casted out of heaven, he created his own kingdom very much like Darth Vader and the birth of the Galactic Empire. Like their father, Luke and his twin sister Leia are the embodiment of Apollo and Artemis, the “divine twins” born to restore the balance in the