Lazo - Return of the Jedi

Princess Leia serves two different roles for the two different heroes of the original Star Wars trilogy. Joseph Campbell writes that the hero will have an encounter with a temptress and a goddess. For Luke and Han, Leia fulfills these roles.

According to Campbell, the temptress attempts to lure the hero away from his quest. Luke's quest throughout the trilogy has been to learn the ways of the force, become a Jedi Knight, and defeat Darth Vader, his father. While on the forest moon of Endor, Leia tells Luke that he should run away and not face Vader. She's trying to protect Luke, but he knows what he must do. Luke knows that he cannot become a Jedi without facing his father. Leia tempts Luke not just to run from Vader, but in doing so, he would also be running from the Force and his quest to become a Jedi.

Meanwhile, Star Wars has another hero in Han Solo. For Han, Leia plays the role of the goddess. According to Campbell, the goddess represents a powerful bond of love. This is best seen in The Empire Strikes Back when Leia tells Han she loves him, and he says, "I know." However, this love is also seen throughout Return of the Jedi from when Leia rescues Han through the Battle of Endor. Han and Leia's love for each other is probably the most important reason for Han's transition from money-loving rogue to a hero fighting for good. Leia gives Han a purpose throughout their struggles against the Empire.