Saturday, January 22, 2011

Roberts-Leia's Role in Return of the Jedi


Within Joseph Campbell's monomyth it is custom for the hero to come into contact with both a goddess and a temptress at some point in his journey. In Star Wars Return of the Jedi Princess Leia acts as both a goddess and a temptress to our hero Luke.
The goddess traditionally "gives purpose and meaning" to the hero's journey and shares a special bond with him as well. In Return of the Jedi Luke returns to Dagobah to visit the dying Yoda and is visited by Obi Wan's apparition who reveals that Leia is in fact Luke's sister. She, like Luke, is also able to use the force, however, the audience has not seen her do so. The two now share a familial bond which make their previous kiss in The Empire Strikes Back a little more uncomfortable but secures her a spot as Luke's goddess. He even acts out, in an un-Jedi like manner, when Vadar threatens to turn Leia to the dark side.
The scene on Endor where Luke tells Leia that she is her brother is the same scene in which she acts like Campbell's described temptress. The temptress tries to get the hero to stray from his journey. Luke decides that he needs to face Vadar once more but Leia tries to keep him from going. This meeting with Vadar would ultimately complete Luke's journey. Luckily, Luke chooses to go instead despite the warnings from Leia.

1 comment:

  1. Both your discussions of goddess and temptress are very thoughtful. I like the picture as well. Leia could be helping Luke on his journey, or she could be tempting him not to face Vader.

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