Classical Heroes in Star Wars

Paper Summary:

This paper examines how the journeys and triumphs of Luke and Anakin Skywalker, the main protagonists of Dean Foster's "Star Wars", can easily be depicted and compared to the heroic events of the mythological Greek hero. The paper maintains that the six episodes of "Star Wars" can be directly correlated to stories of Greek myth. In particular, the paper posits that Luke and Anakin are clearly analogous to the heroes Perseus and Heracles. It also adds that, as Jung identifies specific archetypes that are prevalent in a heroic journey, Anakin and Luke easily fit each pattern of the classic hero in the modern movie series. To conclude, the paper draws a parallel between the sci-fi and classical heroes in that each hero, being half-human, half-god, has the ultimate burden of confronting their own mortality.

From the Paper:

"The journeys of Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker), and even their associates repeat the heroic pattern and archetypal events and heroes of Greek Mythology. Just like Perseus, Anakin shares similar the heroic traits. Both have the distinction of an unusual birth from virgin mothers though Perseus was born from parthenogenesis involving Zeus. Attempts were made to kill each of them at a young age. Similar to the way Perseus was raised by the fisherman Dictys, Anakin was spirited away to be an apprentice to Obi-Wan. As he began to grow strong with the force, Obi-Wan and the Jedi knights became skeptical of his strengths. Similar to the way the Gods did not believe Perseus was powerful enough because he is half human, Obi-Wan is concerned Anakin is not fully prepared in being a Jedi because he is too arrogant."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Campbell, Joseph. A Hero With A Thousand Faces. New York City: Princeton University Press, 1948.
• Harris, Stephen L. and Gloria Platzner. Classical Mythology Images & Insights. Sacramento: Lisa Moore, 2008.
• Storr, Anthony. The Essential Jung. Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1983.
• Vogler, Christopher. The Writer's Journey. New York: Michael Wiese Productions, 1998.
• Voytilla, Stuart. Myth and Movies. Chicago: Michael Wiese Productions, 1999.

More papers on Classical Heroes in Star Wars:

• Analytical Essay # 131730 : "Star Wars Trilogy"
• Analytical Essay # 67750 : "Freud and "Star Wars"
• Film Review # 3666 : "Star Wars": The Movie"

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