The Hero’s Journey, conceptualized by Joseph Campbell in his seminal work The Hero with a Thousand Faces, is a narrative framework that outlines the typical adventure of the archetypal hero found in world mythologies. George Lucas’s Star Wars saga, particularly A New Hope, is one of the most renowned modern adaptations of this monomyth. Lucas himself has acknowledged Campbell’s influence, making Star Wars a textbook example for screenwriters. Below, we will break down the Hero’s Journey as it unfolds in A New Hope, with insights into how Lucas uses this structure to craft a compelling narrative.
1. The Ordinary World
Description: The hero’s normal world before the adventure begins.
Star Wars: Luke Skywalker is introduced on Tatooine, living with his aunt and uncle on a moisture farm. He dreams of adventure and joining the Rebel Alliance but feels trapped by his responsibilities.
Explanation: Starting in a relatable and mundane setting establishes Luke’s dissatisfaction and sets up his desire for something greater, making his journey compelling and relatable to the audience.
2. The Call to Adventure
Description: The hero is presented with a challenge or quest.
Star Wars: Luke discovers Princess Leia’s message hidden in R2-D2, pleading for help from Obi-Wan Kenobi. This message sets Luke on the path of adventure.
Explanation: The call to adventure disrupts the hero’s ordinary world, sparking their journey and setting the story in motion. Leia’s message symbolizes hope and purpose, compelling Luke to take action.
3. Refusal of the Call
Description: The hero hesitates to embark on the journey due to fear or obligation.
Star Wars: Luke initially refuses Obi-Wan’s call to join him in rescuing Leia and fighting the Empire, citing his obligations to his uncle and fear of leaving his familiar life behind.
Explanation: The refusal of the call highlights the hero’s internal conflict and reluctance to change. Luke’s initial hesitation makes his eventual commitment more significant and demonstrates his growth.
4. Meeting the Mentor
Description: The hero encounters a mentor who provides guidance or tools.
Star Wars: Obi-Wan Kenobi becomes Luke’s mentor, guiding him in the ways of the Force, providing him with his father’s lightsaber, and imparting wisdom.
Explanation: The mentor figure equips the hero with skills, knowledge, and courage needed for the journey ahead. Obi-Wan’s guidance connects Luke to a larger legacy and prepares him for the challenges to come.
5. Crossing the Threshold
Description: The hero commits to leaving the ordinary world and entering a new world or adventure.
Star Wars: Luke decides to leave Tatooine with Obi-Wan and join the fight against the Empire, especially after discovering his family killed by Imperial forces.
Explanation: Crossing the threshold represents the hero’s commitment to change and adventure. Luke’s departure from Tatooine signifies his readiness to embrace his destiny and face the unknown.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
Description: The hero faces challenges, makes allies, and confronts enemies.
Star Wars: Luke meets allies like Han Solo, Chewbacca, and Princess Leia. He faces tests such as escaping the Death Star and confronting Imperial forces like Darth Vader.
Explanation: This stage develops the hero’s skills, builds relationships, and sets up the antagonists. The diverse cast of characters enriches the narrative and provides support and challenges for Luke’s growth.
Related: Use Hero’s Journey and create custom templates for your screenplay
7. Approach to the Inmost Cave
Description: The hero approaches the most dangerous part of the journey, facing their greatest fear or challenge.
Star Wars: Luke and his allies infiltrate the Death Star to rescue Princess Leia and retrieve stolen plans crucial to the Rebellion.
Explanation: Approaching the inmost cave builds tension and sets up the climactic confrontation. The mission inside the Death Star represents a critical turning point for Luke, where he confronts his fears and tests his resolve.
8. The Ordeal
Description: The hero faces their greatest challenge or ordeal, often risking death or facing a symbolic death and rebirth.
Star Wars: Luke experiences the ordeal when Obi-Wan sacrifices himself to save the others during their escape from the Death Star.
Explanation: The ordeal tests the hero’s courage and commitment, marking a transformative moment in their journey. Obi-Wan’s death propels Luke to take on greater responsibility and solidifies his dedication to the Rebellion.
9. The Reward
Description: After facing the ordeal, the hero seizes the reward or achieves the goal of the quest.
Star Wars: Luke successfully rescues Princess Leia and obtains the Death Star plans, crucial to the Rebellion’s fight against the Empire.
Explanation: The reward stage highlights the hero’s progress and success. Luke’s achievement boosts morale and strengthens the Rebel Alliance, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
10. The Road Back
Description: The hero begins the journey back to their ordinary world, but the adventure is not over.
Star Wars: Luke and the Rebel forces prepare for the climactic assault on the Death Star, facing one final, crucial challenge.
Explanation: The road back often involves a chase or a final push towards the climax. For Luke, this stage emphasizes the imminent danger and the high stakes, keeping the audience on the edge of their seats.
11. The Resurrection
Description: The hero faces a final test, using everything they’ve learned.
Star Wars: The resurrection moment is the attack on the Death Star. Luke must trust the Force and his newfound skills to make the critical shot that destroys the station, overcoming his doubts and fears.
Explanation: The resurrection symbolizes the hero’s ultimate transformation and triumph. Luke’s reliance on the Force, rather than technology, signifies his full acceptance of his role as a Jedi and a hero.
12. Return with the Elixir
Description: The hero returns to the ordinary world, transformed and bearing the elixir of their journey.
Star Wars: Luke returns as a celebrated hero of the Rebel Alliance. The “elixir” he brings back is both the literal victory over the Death Star and the inspiration he provides to others.
Explanation: The return with the elixir concludes the journey, showcasing the hero’s growth and the impact of their adventure. Luke’s transformation from a farm boy to a hero symbolizes hope and renewal for the galaxy, underscoring the narrative’s emotional and thematic resolution.
Analysis of How Star Wars Uses the Hero’s Journey
Emphasis on Relatability and Transformation
George Lucas’s genius lies in his ability to make Luke Skywalker’s journey deeply relatable. By
starting with Luke in a humble, relatable setting, Lucas ensures that audiences can see themselves in Luke’s shoes. This relatability is crucial for the audience to invest emotionally in Luke’s transformation.
External and Internal Catalysts
Lucas uses both external (Leia’s message) and internal (Luke’s desire for adventure) catalysts to propel the story forward. This duality ensures that the audience understands both the stakes of the external world (the battle against the Empire) and the internal struggles of the hero (Luke’s growth and self-discovery).
Complex Character Relationships
The tests, allies, and enemies stage is rich with complex relationships. Luke’s interactions with Han Solo, Leia, and Obi-Wan Kenobi not only build his character but also enrich the narrative. These relationships are dynamic and evolve throughout the story, adding depth and layers to the plot.
Symbolic and Literal Ordeals
The ordeal stage in A New Hope is both literal and symbolic. Obi-Wan’s death is a literal loss for Luke but also symbolizes the passing of the old guard and the emergence of a new hope. This dual-layered approach to storytelling adds depth and resonance to the narrative.
Thematic Consistency
Throughout A New Hope, Lucas maintains thematic consistency. Themes of hope, transformation, and the struggle between good and evil are woven seamlessly into each stage of the Hero’s Journey. This consistency reinforces the story’s impact and makes it more memorable.
Masterful Climax and Resolution
The climax (resurrection) and resolution (return with the elixir) are masterfully executed. The destruction of the Death Star is a high-stakes, thrilling climax that serves as the ultimate test for Luke. His return as a hero, bearing the elixir of victory and hope, provides a satisfying conclusion that leaves the audience inspired.
Conclusion
George Lucas’s use of the Hero’s Journey in Star Wars: A New Hope is a masterclass in storytelling. By faithfully adhering to this timeless structure, Lucas crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Each stage of the Hero’s Journey is carefully developed, contributing to a story that is emotionally resonant, thematically rich, and universally compelling.