Wednesday, December 7, 2016
"Star Wars" And Greek Mythology?
Is there a mythology to Star Wars? If anything, what patterns do you see regarding Greek Mythology and Star Wars? What will you take with you to other subjects regarding
Greek Mythology? Final observant thoughts to ponder about Greek
Mythology? Please complete blog by 2:30p.m. on Tues., Dec. 13th.
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There is various mythology in Star Wars. A lot of what isn't shown directly on screen is myth and backstory to what you do see. Lucas said he used the classic mythology motifs with issues to carry the series. The series is based on real world problems and concerns.
There is a lot of mythology seen in Star Wars. George Lucas uses past experiences and other cultures to influence his own story, which, in a sense, is the building blocks of mythology. There is also this unknown force that people use to justify their actions, and that force helps people, and is the main influence in many things and people, just like Gods in not only Greek mythology, but mythology as a whole.
There are many themes from greek mythology that also carry on into the Star Wars series. George Lucas had thought of Greek Mythology and integrated it often into his story, although it isn't always obvious that it is there. An example of this of this would be Darth Maul. Lucas said himself that he took descriptions from all religions and myths to create a horrendous monster that evokes fear in many. Lucas also touches on the idea of the romanticism of power and how it is so much more appealing to many to have power rather than to be good. Lucas also shows the hero's journey aspect of Greek Mythology throughout his story lines. This is shown while following Luke through the first movies and Anakin in the later ones.
The director of Star Wars explained that this movie is supposed to show the importance of the time period just as much as mythology shows you the influence of the time it was written. He tries to make issues of the time into an easier concept that people can grasp and understand. He challenges beliefs and stability in his movies, just as many of the myths we have read do. He also describes how his movies represent mentors. In a lot of the myths we have read, the people and stories live on forever because people look up to mythological heroes and gods and whatnot. Think of Hercules, he continues to be referenced in modern times because he was so important in mythology.
There is a kind of mythos to Star Wars as there is in any (well done at least) world building. George Lucas has been working on this universe for so long and in so many capacities, from the original movies to comic books, novels, and animated spin offs, that there is a staggering amount of lore. Additionally, he heavily based in on religion in our world which imbues the stories with the same tropes. He even mentioned it directly while talking about his design of Darth Vader but villains in general, saying he noticed a lot of villains had horns. of these tropes, there is particularly the heroes journey, which is hard to have a fantasy or an epic (because at this point, SW qualifies as an epic) without it. If you don't like/relate to the hero or in the case of a broken or subverted heroes' journey, the villain than there's no desire to watch the films. In terms of final thoughts on Greek myth, many epics like the Iliad, since we've focused on it in class, is basically fan fiction that got super famous. Homer wrote fan fiction of real people. Dante took it a step further wrote fan fiction of the bible and wrote himself hanging out with Virgil, his favorite poet, and essentially damned people he didn't like (cough any Greek ever). And now they're considered classics. We study people's fan fiction in school. Amazing.
According to George Lucas, he is telling an old myth in a new way. Star Wars is the kind of fictional, "mythical" story that relates to actual mythology. There are the characters like the hero and enemy, a conflict in which the hero has to go on a challenging journey, and the story portrays heroic and unheroic characteristics. In the movies, the Jedi masters resemble mentors or "intergalactic negotiators," as Lucas mentions. Similarly in mythology, the gods and goddesses acted as mentors to the heroic travelers. Both Star Wars and mythology reflect religious, biblical stories as well. Overall, after hearing Lucas’ commentary on his Star Wars movies, I can discover hidden themes and motifs in the movies that are similar to the themes and motifs of mythology.
Throughout all the Star Wars films there are elements of Greek mythology whether it be your typical hero's journey to defeat the bad guy and concur evil or some of the creatures that call the world of Star Wars home such as the evil Darth Maul who represents Hades in a way by displaying his evil with his red skin and horns.
It both shows themes and ideas from greek mythology as well as having it's own mythology. It shows ideas like the hero's journey, as well as having some direct thematic threads from mythology, but also has it's own mythos in all the different characters and aliens and everything that encompasses the greater story
There are many elements of mythology in Star Wars, you can see a vague sense of religion in the movies and you can see the hero's journey throughout the films. Anakin Skywalker could be traced to Odysseus or other heroes seen in Greek Mythology.
George Lucas is telling the Star Wars stories in his own way but he is including mythology elements. The Force and Jedi stories have been passed down orally or written down from generation to generation. The definition of mythology includes this element of telling family members or friends so that they might pass it down later. There is also a constant struggle between good and evil. For example, Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader, The Sith and Obi Won Kenobi, etc... George Lucas also uses symbolism to tell his story. He uses color, clothing, etc... He also tells a heroic story (Luke Skywalker) and uses the heroic code to tell the story.
Mythology is the base of which Star Wars was created. Lucas utilized past stories and experiences to craft the ultimate mythos. And there are many similarities and motifs between Star Wars and greek mythology like the Hero's Journey and the parallels between the two are numerous.
There is mythology in Star Wars. In Star Wars, the color red is used to express anger, which relates to the color red is used in Greek vases and artwork. The movies also have prophecies, which could relate to a Greek oracle. There tends to be one ruler who is more powerful than others. The characters go on a journey to find/achieve something. Star Wars also relates to the Greek divinities because they were recognized as a ‘powerful force’.
Star Wars represents a lot of things in our society. One of the most prevalent thing in the Star Wars movies is religion. For example the force could be seen as God. There are also a lot of human issues like leaving home, love, family, courage and fear.
As George Lucas explains, there is mythology throughout the Star Wars saga. Major themes like the heroes journey are seen in many modern films, especially Star Wars. I think we will always see Greek mythological themes in modern culture. Patterns in Greek myths, like the struggle for power, arrogance and sacrifice are themes that we all experience as humans.
It is interesting to see that Star Wars is a mix of many mythologies and takes symbolism and stories from each one in order to develop something entirely almost it's own. And applying the hero's journey towards it and seeing redemption for acts that are almost inhuman.
Star Wars seems to have taken myths and beliefs from all over the world. I think this is why and how George Lucas was able to create such a diverse and unique world, and I think we like Star Wars as a culture because that is what we are. A combination of many different cultures and heritages. I also think that Star Wars is the epitome of the hero's journey. It uses all key points of the journey, even though Luke might now be the perfect hero.
Throughout all of the Star Wars movies it has developed a mythology of it's own. This is in large part however to taking bits and pieces of our mythology and merging it into the star wars universe. For example the look of Darth Maul from Episode One is similar to the devils. George Lucas also said the force is something someone must have faith in. Have faith/believe and it will help you. This borrowing of myths however only strengthens the star wars universe by making it more relate able and enjoyable to the average viewer.
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