star wars and the hero myth - memorial university of ...jporter/15_starwarsmyth_2013.pdf · lucas...
TRANSCRIPT
Star Wars and the Hero Myth Luke and Anakin as Mythic Heroes
Joseph Campbell • Author, Hero with a
Thousand Faces. • Mythographer • Comparative analysis
of world’s myths • Psychologist -
interested in psychological dimensions of myth.
Lucas and Campbell • Joseph Campbell noted that while mythic
structure is universal, myth itself must be kept fresh through reinterpretation.
• Every generation must recontextualize myth to suit their times, to create their own road map for how to fit best into the world.
• After the release of Star Wars , Campbell and Lucas became friends.
• Campbell credited Lucas with reinvigorating the mythic force in the modern world.
• Lucas reignited worldwide interest in Campbell's ideas, which have had noticeable repercussions on Hollywood.
• Lucas once called Campbell "my Yoda."
The Hero Myth: Simple Beginnings
• Anonymous beginnings.
• Raised by simple folk.
• True “royal” parentage.
• Ordinary life.
The Call to Adventure
• Ordinary life interrupted by unexpected event.
• Hero is called to set out on a journey to solve problem.
• Problem involves saving world, life, princess, etc.
Reluctance of the Hero
• Hero is at first reluctant to leave on the quest - fear of unknown, fear of leaving safe, anonymous life.
• Often, external event precipitates leaving
The Wise Guide
• The Hero meets a wise guide who recognizes their hero potential.
• The guide is a mentor, who teaches him/her the skills needed to succeed on the quest.
• The Mentor teaches, but then leaves so hero free to pursue quest alone.
Passing the First Threshold
• The Hero accepts his/her task, departs on the journey.
• From this point forward, the quest is underway.
Finding Allies (sidekicks)
• The Hero is never entirely alone on his/her journey - there are always others who help along the way.
• Allies assist, but cannot replace, the hero on his/her quest.
Tests, challenges along the way
• The Journey is not easy - the hero must confront challenges, pass tests along the way.
Confronting the Shadow
• Every hero has a darker side - the Shadow - that is an integral part of his/her psychological makeup.
• The hero must confront the shadow, and come to terms with its power.
• Overcoming obstacles, temptation, inner conflict.
The Belly of the Whale
• Confronting death
• Near Death Experiences
• Attaining magical, mysterious power after confrontation with death.
Finding the Treasure • The goal of the quest is
attained - the princess rescued, the holy grail discovered, the solution to the problem is found.
The Return
• The Hero must make his way home again, often overcoming more obstacles along the way.
• The Hero brings new knowledge, to help the community with what he/she has learned.
Transformation
• The hero is transformed by their quest, and has become reintegrated into their community.
The Lived Dimension of Myth
• True Myth has a “lived” dimension - it impacts the lives of believers, and effects their worldview and spiritual paths.
• “Jediism” has over .5 million adherents worldwide… (officially, anyway)