Star Wars and Mythology
Posted by drpezz on January 13, 2008
On Monday and Tuesday we’re going to watch Star Wars and Mythology produced by The History Channel. I think the kids will be excited to see how the patterns, structures, and archetypes used in Greek/Roman and Norse mythology are still being used in modern storytelling.
George Lucas specifically mentions Joseph Campbell’s work with mythology as a contributing factor in his modern classic. Since we have used the work of Joseph Campbell as part of our analyses of mythology, my hope is that the kids will truly see how modern myths and legends can be created today by looking at the past, essentially placing value on the tales of yesteryear.
trinak said
I think the kids will be excited to see how the patterns, structures, and archetypes used in Greek/Roman and Norse mythology are still being used in modern storytelling.
I find it fascinating that the basic story structure taught in every screenwriting workshop I’ve ever attended starts with the Hero’s Journey. The basics of storytelling haven’t changed much since the human race started writing stories.
Trina
wetlandstom said
Another series of programs that use the mythology themes, this time from Egypt, is the Stargate series, Stargate SG1 and Stargate Atlantis. These programs don’t have the popularity of the Star Wars stories, but build off mythology in interesting ways.
Tom
drpezz said
Trinak- You’re absolutely correct about the heroic cycle; it’s so common, yet so effective simultaneously. One example I use is The Wizard of Oz because you can see that first step (initiation) so clearly on screen. It’s great!
Wetlandstom – I love the Stargate series, and one of my students created a final project (about how mythological allusions are used in today’s world) using Stargate. It was fantastic. Guess I should have included Stargate in my “Embracing my Inner Geek” post. LOL
mrschili said
I love pointing stuff like this out to students. A bunch of my kids were surprised to see that Forrest Gump follows a lot of the conventions of the epic, for example.
Let us know how that lesson goes!
drpezz said
Maybe it was the use of a video or the lesson itself, but everything went beautifully. I don’t know if the students have ever been more attentive and willing to participate.