Star Wars and the Hero's Journey

<p> The original <I>Star Wars</I> trilogy famously follows Joseph Campbell's model for the hero's journey making Luke Skywalker's story the new hero quest for a modern age. With the nine-plus film saga complete however new story patterns have emerged as the hero's journey is imagined over and over for characters of different ages genders and backgrounds. The prequels offer the plot arc of the villain's journey through Anakin. Leia and Padme while damsels in the men's story break out to undergo their own ordeals. The heroine's journey is exemplified by Rey and Jyn. Obi-Wan Yoda and Vader must accept the loss of power and fade into spirit guardians perpetuating the lifecycle. By the sequel era the original trio become mentors to the younger generation and finally must do the same. Meanwhile the Mandalorian explores a different form of the quest as he transforms from immature warrior to patriarch. This book tracks the journeys of over 20 characters throughout the franchise. </p>