The Star Wars saga is a timeless tale of heroes, villains, and the eternal struggle between light and dark. But beyond the thrilling battles and epic space adventures, it’s also a masterful example of the Hero’s Journey—a narrative arc defined by mythologist Joseph Campbell that has shaped stories for centuries. In Star Wars, this journey is vividly illustrated through characters like Luke Skywalker, Rey, and Anakin Skywalker, each of whom follows a path of transformation that defines their place in the galaxy.
In this post, we’ll break down the Hero’s Journey in the Star Wars saga, exploring its key stages, iconic moments, and how it contributes to the enduring appeal of these beloved characters. Whether you’re a fan of the original trilogy, the prequels, or the sequels, the Hero’s Journey is at the heart of Star Wars storytelling.
What to expect
1. The Ordinary World
What It Means in Star Wars:
The Hero’s Journey begins in the Ordinary World—a place of comfort and normalcy where the hero first resides. For Luke Skywalker, it’s the desert world of Tatooine, where he lives a mundane life as a moisture farmer under the care of his aunt and uncle. This stage serves as a baseline, contrasting the life of the hero before they are called to adventure.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke’s life on Tatooine, yearning for adventure beyond the horizon.
- Rey scavenging on Jakku, searching for a purpose while awaiting the return of her family.
- Anakin as a slave on Tatooine, dreaming of becoming a Jedi and escaping his limitations.
2. The Call to Adventure
What It Means in Star Wars:
The Call to Adventure is the moment that disrupts the hero’s ordinary world, introducing them to the wider world of the adventure. In A New Hope, Luke receives his call when he discovers Princess Leia’s message hidden in R2-D2, leading him to Obi-Wan Kenobi and the start of his journey.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke discovering Leia’s message and meeting Obi-Wan, who introduces him to the Force.
- Rey’s encounter with BB-8 and Finn, setting her on the path to uncover her own powers.
- Anakin’s encounter with Qui-Gon Jinn, who recognises his Force potential and brings him to the Jedi Council.
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3. Refusal of the Call
What It Means in Star Wars:
Often, heroes are reluctant to leave their comfortable world behind, even after being called to action. This hesitation highlights their inner struggles and fear of the unknown. For Luke, this moment comes when he initially refuses Obi-Wan’s invitation to train as a Jedi, feeling bound by family obligations.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke’s reluctance to join Obi-Wan, until the Empire’s stormtroopers destroy his home.
- Rey’s resistance to accepting her destiny, unsure if she’s worthy of the responsibility.
- Anakin’s doubts about leaving his mother behind to become a Jedi, even though he longs to see the galaxy.
4. Meeting the Mentor
What It Means in Star Wars:
A mentor character helps guide the hero, imparting wisdom and skills necessary for the journey ahead. Obi-Wan Kenobi serves as Luke’s mentor, teaching him about the Force and introducing him to the Jedi way. This guidance is crucial as the hero prepares to face trials and challenges.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Obi-Wan training Luke in the ways of the Force.
- Han Solo’s mentorship role for Rey, introducing her to a galaxy of possibility and courage.
- Qui-Gon’s mentorship of Anakin, encouraging him to pursue his destiny despite the risks.
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5. Crossing the First Threshold
What It Means in Star Wars:
Crossing the threshold is the hero’s first step into the unknown, fully committing to their journey. For Luke, this moment occurs when he leaves Tatooine with Obi-Wan and travels to Alderaan. This point signifies the end of the ordinary world and the beginning of true adventure.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke leaving Tatooine with Obi-Wan.
- Rey’s departure from Jakku to help the Resistance and discover her powers.
- Anakin leaving Tatooine with Qui-Gon to train as a Jedi on Coruscant.
6. Tests, Allies, and Enemies
What It Means in Star Wars:
Along the journey, heroes face tests that strengthen them, form alliances with friends, and encounter new enemies. Luke’s trials include learning to use the Force, making allies with Han and Leia, and confronting Darth Vader’s forces. These challenges push the hero closer to their ultimate goal.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke, Han, and Leia’s adventures aboard the Death Star.
- Rey’s training with Luke and her encounters with Kylo Ren.
- Anakin’s missions during the Clone Wars, shaping his skills and testing his loyalties.
7. The Ordeal
What It Means in Star Wars:
The Ordeal is a critical turning point where the hero faces a major challenge that tests their limits. In The Empire Strikes Back, Luke’s ordeal takes place when he confronts Darth Vader and learns the truth about his lineage, a revelation that deeply shakes his understanding of himself and his journey.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke’s duel with Vader and the revelation of his parentage.
- Rey’s confrontation with Emperor Palpatine, where she learns the truth about her lineage.
- Anakin’s struggle with fear and attachment, which ultimately leads him to the dark side.
8. The Reward
What It Means in Star Wars:
After overcoming the ordeal, the hero gains a reward—whether it’s new knowledge, a special weapon, or a deeper understanding of themselves. For Luke, the reward comes as he fully embraces his role as a Jedi and gains the strength to confront the Emperor in Return of the Jedi.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke’s understanding of the power of the light side of the Force.
- Rey’s realisation of her strength and identity as a Jedi.
- Anakin’s rise in status as he gains the title of Jedi Knight (though this eventually leads to his fall).
9. The Road Back
What It Means in Star Wars:
The hero begins the journey home, often facing one final challenge that tests everything they’ve learned. In Star Wars, this stage often involves the hero returning to confront their greatest enemy, as Luke does when he returns to face the Emperor and Darth Vader.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke’s return to confront the Emperor on the second Death Star.
- Rey’s final battle against Palpatine, using her knowledge and connection to the Jedi.
- Anakin’s tragic fall and transformation into Darth Vader, which becomes Luke’s future challenge.
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10. Return with the Elixir
What It Means in Star Wars:
The hero returns to their world transformed, bearing knowledge or power that can benefit others. This final stage shows the hero’s growth and the impact of their journey. Luke’s return with the wisdom of the Jedi helps him bring balance to the Force, completing his journey.
Key Moments in Star Wars:
- Luke, as a Jedi Knight, bringing balance to the Force by redeeming Darth Vader.
- Rey, embracing her identity as a Skywalker and restoring hope to the galaxy.
- Anakin’s redemption through his son, Luke, ultimately bringing balance to the Force.
The Power of the Hero’s Journey in Star Wars
The Hero’s Journey in Star Wars has captivated audiences for generations, showing us the transformative power of courage, sacrifice, and self-discovery. Through the journeys of Luke, Rey, and Anakin, the Star Wars saga reveals the timeless appeal of this narrative arc and how it resonates with our own lives. Each hero’s journey reminds us of the importance of embracing change, seeking wisdom, and finding strength in ourselves.
Want to bring the hero’s journey to life in your own Star Wars collection? Click the links above to find action figures and collectibles of your favourite Star Wars heroes or read more about heroes and villains in our post The Top 10 Most Powerful Jedi and Sith in Star Wars History. May the Force be with you!
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