A long time ago...
About Star Wars
Star Wars is an American science fiction space opera from the creative mind of George Lucas, renowned producer and director of such hits as "American Graffiti" and the Indiana Jones series.
The first movie, called “Star Wars” (later renamed “Episode IV: A New Hope”), premiered on May 25, 1977, and captured the imaginations of audiences everywhere with its dazzling special effects and blend of myth and fairy tale. The Star Wars franchise (known as the Expanded Universe) now includes six movies, an animated movie, a cartoon series, comic books, books, toys, video games, and theme park attractions at Disneyland, Disneyworld, and Legoland. In 2005, the US Post Office commemorated Star Wars with a collection of 15 stamps and street mailboxes that looked like R2D2! In October 2012, Disney bought the rights to the Star Wars movies and the first movie of a planned third trilogy is scheduled to open in December 2015. A new animated series, Star Wars Rebels, is also in the works.
Themes
Throughout Star Wars, the themes of “The Force”, good vs evil, myths, fairy tales, feudalism, politics and philosophy/religion are featured. The “Force” is defined as “an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us, and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.” Many feel the concept of the Force is similar to eastern philosophical concepts of ki (Japan) and chi (or qi) (China).
“Force sensitives” are beings in harmony with the Force, and with training, can control its power to perform various supernatural feats (such as telekinesis, clairvoyance, precognition, and mind control) and can enhance certain physical traits, such as speed and reflexes.
Another major theme is good vs evil. On the side of good are the Jedi, who use the “Force” for good. Jedis lead lives of simplicity, self-sacrifice, diplomacy, peacefulness, in harmony with nature, with strong beliefs in democracy (The Republic). Their counterparts, the Sith, succumbed to the dark side of the Force, and lead lives of anger, hatred, greed, reliance on technology, and are defenders of tyranny and dictatorships (The Galactic Empire).
Archetypal myths include the concept of the prophecy of the “chosen one”, and the “hero’s quest”. An example of fairy tales is the aid and rescue of a princess. And, similar to the medieval ages, Jedi Knights take on apprentices known as “padawans” as they travel the galaxy in defense of The Republic. And, whether it’s an alliance of the Trade Federation with the Empire, the Gungans joining forces with the people of Naboo to defeat the Trade Federation, or endless Senate debates, politics plays a major role in the Star Wars series, as Chancellor Palpatine/Darth Sidious manipulates events to take over The Republic in order to form the Galactic Empire.
The Movies
Each movie of the first trilogy, A New Hope (Episode IV), The Empire Strikes Back (Episode V), and The Return of the Jedi (Episode VI), was released three years apart (1977, 1980, and 1983). After a 16 year break, the first “prequel” movie (and the first movie of the second trilogy), The Phantom Menace (Episode I), was released in 1999, to mixed reviews. It was soon followed by Attack of the Clones (Episode II) in 2002 and The Revenge of the Sith (Episode III) in 2005. All six of the main films in the series were also nominated for or won Academy Awards. Many fans and critics feel Episodes I and II were the weakest of all of the movies…
Star Wars Movie Timeline
- Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, released May 25, 1977
- Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, released May 21, 1980
- Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, released May 25, 1983
- Star Wars Episode I: Phantom Menace, released May 19, 1999
- Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones, released May 16, 2002
- Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, released May 19, 2005
The Books
Events in the Star Wars timeline are measured by their occurrence in relation to the Battle of Yavin, which took place during the first Star Wars movie (Episode IV). Along with the destruction of the Death Star by Luke Skywalker, this was a major victory for the Rebels. The timeline of the Star Wars books begins with Dawn of the Jedi: Into the Void by Timothy Lebbon from Before the Republic series (Before the Battle of Yavin (BBY) 25793) to Crucible (from the Legacy series), by Troy Denning, set in ABY45 (After the Battle of Yavin). Star Wars books have been published in various formats: young adult novels, adult novels, e-books, short collections and comic books.
The Merchandise
The Star Wars franchise includes toys, games, video games, theme park attractions and postage stamps. Legos includes a Star Wars line of building blocks. The Legos website, geared for kids of all ages, shows Lego movies, has online games, and allows kids to display special Lego projects. In 2005, the US Post Office commemorated Star Wars with a collection of 15 stamps and street mailboxes that looked like R2D2!
The Jedi Code
- There is no emotion, there is peace.
- There is no ignorance, there is knowledge.
- There is no passion, there is serenity.
- There is no chaos, there is harmony.
- There is no death, there is the Force.
The Jedi Oath
Jedi are the guardians of peace in the galaxy. Jedi use their powers to defend and protect, never to attack others. Jedi respect all life, in any form. Jedi serve others rather than ruling over them, for the good of the galaxy. Jedi seek to improve themselves through knowledge and training.
The Wisdom of the Jedi
- When the way before you is not clear, let your actions be guided by the Force. ―Luminara
- Remember, concentrate on the moment. Feel, don't think. Trust your instincts. ―Qui-gon Jinn
- Try not. Do… or do not. There is no try. ―Yoda
- A Jedi uses the Force for knowledge and defense. Never for attack.―Yoda
- Your eyes can deceive you; don't trust them. ―Obi-wan Kenobi
- A Jedi does not cling to sorrow...We accept it. Sorrow is a part of life as well as joy. There are gifts to be found, even in death and sorrow, strange gifts. We accept this, we learn, and we go on. ―Plo Koon
- Fear is the path of the Dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.―Yoda
Questions? Contact Jane Eichenberger