The Hero Myth in Star Wars

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.