Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the name of the book that Joseph Campbell wrote in 1949, which inspired George Lucas to create the Star Wars films?
What is the name of the book that Joseph Campbell wrote in 1949, which inspired George Lucas to create the Star Wars films?
What is the term used to describe the pattern of a hero's journey that is found in myths from all over the world?
What is the term used to describe the pattern of a hero's journey that is found in myths from all over the world?
What event in the story of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope triggers the 'call to adventure' for Luke Skywalker?
What event in the story of Star Wars: Episode IV - A New Hope triggers the 'call to adventure' for Luke Skywalker?
Who is the mentor that helps Luke Skywalker prepare for his journey and 'cross the threshold'?
Who is the mentor that helps Luke Skywalker prepare for his journey and 'cross the threshold'?
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What is the term used to describe the world where the hero's adventure takes place, which is different from their ordinary world?
What is the term used to describe the world where the hero's adventure takes place, which is different from their ordinary world?
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What is the name of the robot that contains Princess Leia's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi, which triggers the 'call to adventure' for Luke Skywalker?
What is the name of the robot that contains Princess Leia's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi, which triggers the 'call to adventure' for Luke Skywalker?
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What is the name of the Ancient Greek epic poem that is an example of the hero's journey, as described by Joseph Campbell?
What is the name of the Ancient Greek epic poem that is an example of the hero's journey, as described by Joseph Campbell?
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What is the stage of the hero's journey where the hero refuses the 'call to adventure' and is hesitant to embark on the journey?
What is the stage of the hero's journey where the hero refuses the 'call to adventure' and is hesitant to embark on the journey?
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Who is the enemy that Luke Skywalker faces in the special world of the Death Star, as part of his hero's journey?
Who is the enemy that Luke Skywalker faces in the special world of the Death Star, as part of his hero's journey?
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What is the term used to describe the 17 stages of the hero's journey, as outlined by Joseph Campbell?
What is the term used to describe the 17 stages of the hero's journey, as outlined by Joseph Campbell?
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Study Notes
The Hero Myth
- The hero myth, also known as the monomyth, is a pattern found in myths from all around the world, described by Joseph Campbell in his 1949 book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces".
- The monomyth consists of a hero setting off from home, overcoming obstacles, defeating enemies, and returning with a prize.
Structure of the Hero Myth
- The hero starts in an ordinary world, but receives a call to adventure that changes everything.
- The hero initially refuses the call, but is persuaded by a mentor to cross the threshold into the special world.
- In the special world, the hero passes tests, fights enemies, and meets friends as they prepare to face their greatest challenge.
- The hero faces a moment of death or loss, which gives them the strength to finally defeat the enemy.
- The hero returns from the special world, changed by their experiences forever.
Star Wars and the Hero Myth
- George Lucas based Star Wars on the hero myth, and specifically on the 17 stages of the hero's journey described by Joseph Campbell.
- In Star Wars, Luke's ordinary life is as a robot repairer with his aunt and uncle.
- The call to adventure comes when Luke finds Princess Leia's message to Obi-Wan Kenobi inside R2D2.
- Obi-Wan Kenobi is Luke's mentor, who helps him cross the threshold into the special world of the Death Star.
- Luke's friends in the special world are Han Solo, R2D2, and C3PO, and his enemy is Darth Vader.
- Luke faces a moment of death or loss when he sees Darth Vader kill Obi-Wan, which gives him the strength to finally defeat the enemy.
- Luke returns from the special world, changed by his experiences, and takes his first steps to becoming a Jedi.
- The hero myth restarts in The Return of the Jedi, with Luke's mentor being Yoda.
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Description
Explore how Star Wars follows the ancient 'hero myth' structure, inspired by Joseph Campbell's book, The Hero with a Thousand Faces. This structure is a classic storytelling pattern that predates Hollywood films.
