8 Surprising Inspirations Behind 'Star Wars'

When George Lucas decided to create a galaxy far, far away, he didn't just rely on the Force. He tapped into a treasure trove of influences, pulling from literature, history, mythology, and film to craft the epic saga we know and love today. So, buckle up, young Padawans, and let's take a lightspeed tour through the inspirations that shaped "Star Wars."

1. The Hero's Journey – A New Hope for Every Hero

Before Luke ever picked up a lightsaber, Joseph Campbell was busy mapping out his destiny in his work of comparative mythology, "The Hero with a Thousand Faces" (1949). Luke's journey from farm boy to galactic hero acts as a perfect example of a classic monomyth (hero's journey). He first receives the call to adventure when he finds Princess Leia's message, then he meets his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi, then he goes through trials and challenges, and finally he returns a hero.

2. World War II – The Dark Side's Real-Life Roots

The Empire's got a bad vibe for a reason. Those stormtroopers and Imperial officers? They're not just cosplaying; they're channeling the dark side of history — Nazi Germany, to be exact. Even Darth Vader's helmet design gives a nod to World War II combat wear. And let's not forget Palpatine's rise to power — it's got more than a few parallels with some real-world villains. The dark side is indeed strong here.

3. 'Flash Gordon' Serials — A Galaxy of Adventure

George Lucas originally wanted to make a "Flash Gordon" movie, but when that didn't pan out, he made something even better — "Star Wars." The opening crawl, the epic space battles, and that old-school sense of adventure? That's pure "Flash Gordon" magic, reimagined for a new generation of space nerds.

4. The Vietnam War – Ewoks vs. Empire

Ever wonder how the Ewoks managed to defeat the Empire with nothing more than rocks and sticks? Look no further than the Vietnam War. Lucas took inspiration from the guerrilla tactics of the Viet Cong, proving that even the mightiest Empire can be brought down by a plucky band of rebels with a good knowledge of the terrain — and some serious underestimation from their foes. In fact, Lucas has said that he produced "Star Wars" as a reaction to Richard Nixon's presidency and the Vietnam War.

5. Ancient Rome – The Rise of the Galactic Empire

The Galactic Empire's political drama has all the twists and turns of a Roman epic poem. As the Republic crumbles and the Empire rises, we can't help but see shades of ancient Rome in the story. Palpatine's power grab? It's got Julius Caesar written all over it.

6. Akira Kurosawa's Films – A Samurai's Spirit

If you thought the Jedi were just space monks with cool swords, think again. Lucas found heavy inspiration in Japanese filmmaker Akira Kurosawa's samurai films, especially "The Hidden Fortress." You can see the obvious parallels of the samurai ethos throughout the Jedi Order. And even smaller details — such as the way R2-D2 and C-3PO argue and the "wipe" style scene transitions — draw inspiration from Kurosawa's films.

7. Cold War – The Death Star's Real-Life Parallels

The Death Star represents the ultimate weapon of mass destruction, and its real-world inspiration comes from the Cold War. Just as Earth feared the threat of nuclear annihilation, the galaxy trembled at the Death Star's power. Alderaan never stood a chance, much like our planet that came close to facing a similar fate in real life.

8. Knights Templar – The Original Jedi Order

Long before the Jedi wielded lightsabers, the Knights Templar were busy acting as medieval warriors with a strict code of conduct. Lucas took a page from their book when creating the Jedi Order. Both groups were considered elite, both fought for a higher cause, and both met a tragic end. The Great Jedi Purge? It's got echoes of real history — and not the good kind.

May the Force Be With You

So, the next time you watch "Star Wars," remember you're not just watching a movie — you're experiencing an epic saga built on the legacy of history, myth, and a whole lot of imagination. And as always, may the Force be with you.

References: The Real History That Inspired 'Star Wars' | Star Wars: 16 Art and Myth Influences That Inspired the Movies | How a Real-Life War Inspired George Lucas' Star Wars Vision