The Original Star Wars Movie (1977)

The archetypal role of Luke Skywalker in the movie Star Wars is that of the romantic, naive 'chosen one', of special powers, who is on his journey to becoming a hero and saving the world. He is a typical main character of a mythical adventure movie, encompassing hope, innocence and following his heart in all of his actions.

Skywalker demonstrates these qualities in many ways, and this is often emphasised in contrast to other characters, particularly Hans Solo. His naivety is highlighted when he calls Solo's spaceship a 'piece of junk', and is informed it can make light speed at 0.5. His youthful hopes and dreams are demonstrated in his comment 'I wish I could fly a ship!', in comparison to the more experienced Solo, who already can. Perhaps the main difference between the two characters is in the decision making throughout the movie - Skywalker thinks with his heart, as opposed to Solo, who thinks with his head. Until the end, money is his incentive for joining the adventure whereas Skywalker is there to save the princess and the world from the start. Often, when they make small triumphs and Skywalker is elated, Solo brings him back to earth, so to speak, and he jolts him out of misery and self doubt in times he needs to act fast, for example to fly the ship. Solo supports Skywalker and adds a sexy, rebellious, rougher element - he is the character with the love interest. In action sequences he often leads the way or stays behind to hold off pursuers, protecting Skywalker. In this way, he could be compared to Aragon in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy, if Skywalker were Frodo Baggins.

From the beginning on the movie, the viewer is aware that Skywalker is a dreamer. He stares into the picturesque sky, yearning for bigger possibilities. He is part of a greater energy, the force. To feel the force flowing through him, he needs to tap into his unconscious, let go of his conscious self, and act on instinct. Obe Wan even tells him to close his eyes, as they are deceiving, and turn off his targeting computer when firing the missile to destroy the Death Star. When they are trapped in the garbage shoot, Leia and Solo attempt to find a practical solution, by physically pushing against the walls, but Skywalker lives in hope until the last minute, when his belief in C3P0 saves them. He makes his way through the movie through a series of lucky occurances such as these, adding to his character of the chosen one.

Skywalker wants to see himself as a typical Prince Charming in a fairytale, however, this is not necessarily the case. This notion is summed up in his line "I'm Luke Skywalker! I'm here to rescue you!" when he rescues Princes Leia from her captive state. However, it is not a fairytale ending as he does not seduce the princess.

There are obvious comparisons between Skywalker and Frodo. Both play the unlikely hero from a simple background who posess the inner power to stand against the force of evil, plucked out of their small town life, and taken on a whilwind adventure against the odds, supported by a brade team of comrades collected along the way. Their fathers have both had epic adventures.

By the 1960's, Lord of the Rings was one of the most influential fantasy stories in the Western World, and George Lucas has often cited Lord of the Rings as a great influence on Star Wars. Tolkien wrote that myth and fairytale seem to be the best way to communicate morality, and in fact that may be their primary purpose.

There are many links between Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Obe Wan Kenobe is a clear comparison to Gandalf, the old, wise, mentor to the hero. Both work on the premise that there is a greater force at work. The jedis can feel each others' presence through this, and the evil force in Lord of the Rings can feel Frodo's presence whenever he wears the ring. Both narratives involve a dangerous journey against all odds to the only place where they can save the world.

One is able to compare the archetypes to those in many other stories. R2D2 reminded me of Toto from The Wizard of Oz movie - the loyal friend who is always in the background and does not speak, but is vital within the plot. Dorothy lands in Oz as a result of chasing Toto, and Skywalker is searching for R2D2 when he finds Obe Wan. Both movies, and Lord of the Rings also, involve the transportation of precious cargo - the ruby slippers, the ring and the information about the Death Star. The Tin Man in Wizard of Oz is very similar to C3PO, and Chewbacca is similar to the cowardly lion, the supposedly intimidating looking character who lacks courage and comes across as rather cute and lovable.

One could compare this movie also to the Transformers movies. Princess Leia, in particular, reminded me of Mikaela - the sexy, female role who surprises the audience with her power, intelligence and ability to defend herself. Bumblebee cannot speak and is the sidekick to the main character, Sam, much like R2D2 to Skywalker, Chewbacca to Solo, and Toto to Dorothy.

These are some of the many archetypes evident within Star Wars, although the list of possible comparisons is endless.