Teaching “Star Wars” and Classical Mythology - PowerPoint Presentation

Teaching “Star Wars” and Classical Mythology Tom Sienkewicz Monmouth College tjsienkewicz@monmouthcollege.edu http:// department.monm.edu/classics/swpaca.starwars.pptx

http://department.monm.edu.classics/courses/CLAS230/StarWars

http:// department.monm.edu/classics/Courses/Clas230/StarWars/myththeme.htm

Required Text ISBN:  0553378104 Format: Paperback, 200ppPub. Date: November 1997Publisher: Bantam Doubleday Dell Publishing Group Henderson, Mary Star Wars. The Magic of Myth

https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/star-wars/online/

https://airandspace.si.edu/exhibitions/star-wars/online/guide.htm

http://department.monm.edu/classics/Courses/Clas230/StarWars/myth2015Schedule.htm

Course Introductions: What is Myth? Star Wars Scene: IV.1 OpeningPowerpoint: What is Myth? American Heritage Dictionary definitionCullen's "Yet Do I Marvel" Sisyphus: Odyssey 11.593; Apollodorus Note 147; Pausanias 2.5.1; Diodorus Siculus 6.6.3; Hyginus:#60; Apollodorus 1.9.3 On Myths and Sisyphean Tasks Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, 1-7Star Wars V.31 "There is No Try";"Always with you it can't be done."

Greek Myths and Star Wars in Popular Culture  Greek Mythology TodayGreek Mythology in Popular Culture Sisyphus in the Modern WorldSisyphus in Popular Culture (Powerpoint)Cultural Impact of Star WarsPowerpoint: Star Wars and Popular CultureBeckman and Star WarsStar Wars Gangsta RapStar Wars Propaganda PostersStar Wars A CapellaStar Wars According to a Three-Year-Old

The Intersection of Star Wars and Classical Mythology in Popular Culture http://empirestripsback.deviantart.com/art/The-Laocoon-Group-325986849

http://travisdurden.com/index.php/oeuvres

http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/planet1051.com/files/2015/02/Sacred-Drunken-Wookiee-Original2.jpg http://ep.yimg.com/ay/wizardworld/intergalactic-krewe-of-chewbacchus-2.jpg The Intergalactic Krewe of Chewbacchus is a parade organization for the most revelrous of Star Wars Freaks, Trekkies, Whovians, Mega-Geeks, Circuit Benders, Cryptozooligists, UFO Conspiracy Theorists, and all the rest of Super Nerdom.http://wac.450f.edgecastcdn.net/80450F/planet1051.com/files/2015/02/Sacred-Drunken-Wookiee-Original2.jpg

http://panoplyclassicsandanimation.blogspot.com/2015/12/the-force-awakens-new-greek-vase-scenes.html

What is a Hero? Achilles, Anakin and Luke Some Definitions of "Hero"  / The Hero PacketTrojan Cycle Summary of Events Apollodorus Note 111 (Achilles)Hyginus: #92, 96 and 107 (Achilles)AnakinPadme in Revenge of the Sith: “There's good in him“ Script 230; chapter 46https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lbjru5CQIW4  “I am your father” script Chapter 46Luke in Return of the Jedi:"I sense the good in you” Script 78, chapter 39Star Wars IV.48 A Hero's Welcomehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhdk0YOrVCgStar Wars Scene: IV.10 Lars Family Dinner (start at 4:30)Torched Homestead IV.17Powerpoint: Achilles and Luke Skywalker

Folktale Themes  in  Greek Myths and Star Wars Powerpoint: Perseus Hyginus : 63 (Danae)Apollodorus 2.4.1-2.4.5“Labyrinth and Rescue of the Princess” in Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, pp. 47-56Star Wars Scenes: IV, 32-34 Rescuing the Princess, Into the Garbage Chute, The Trash Compactor

Folktale Themes The process of METAMORPHOSIS The Unwanted Child who SurvivesThe Wicked Step-mother/Step-envyThe Wicked UncleThe Rival Brothers The Curse on a FamilyThe Curse and the VendettaThe Son's Responsibilities to his FatherThe Son's Search for his FatherThe Acquisition of MaturityThe Offense against a God or Goddess and its ConsequencesThe Unavoidable Truth of the OracleThe recognition Sign or the Test of IdentityThe Gift of the Culture HeroThe Hero's QuestThe Test of the Hero through Perils or Temptation (of irresponsibility, sensuality, violence)The Search for Immortality/the Conquest of Death/ the Descent to the Underworld/ the Harrowing of HellFinding what is lostFreeing the OppressedThe Man who ReturnsThe Hero's Betrayal of the PrincessRescue of the PrincessRescue by the Heroine (Women to the Rescue)A Woman's WebA Woman's WitThe Revenge of the Woman ScornedThe Danger of the FeminineCivilization versus Chaos--Justice vs. Injustice--Love vs. HateThe Suitor ContestThe Theft of the BrideThe Deathly Wedding or the Fatal Marriage The Foundation LegendThe Symbol upon which a Life Depends (Life Token)The Symbol upon which a City's Safety DependsThe Unwanted or Unlucky GiftThe Magical garment The Fatal Choice The Never-ending Punishment The Impossible Task The "Happily-ever-after" Ending Divine hostility/ Divine favor The Magic Spell or Charm The Hero's Loss of favor with his People and/or the Gods Mysterious Death of the Hero Apotheosis of the Hero (Deification) Ingenious Device or Trick Disobedient Child or Spouse Harmful Curiosity The Solution of a riddle The breaking of a taboo/disobedience to divine instructions The skilled craftsman or possessor of a special talent Intelligence versus Brute Strength The Accidental Murder of a near relative

Mythology and Epic: Homer and Star Wars Homer and Epic (Genre Section)Also useful:  Iliad (Malhanas) / Chronology / Trojan War /  Chronology of Ancient Sources / Odyssey /  Peter Struck's CLAS200 Webpage at UpennPowerpoint: Epic: Iliad and Star Wars"Funeral of Hector" Hyginus: 106  Iliad 24 :692-804 (You can also read this electonically in Johnston’s 2006 translation  or in  Samuel Butler’s 19th-century translation ) Star Wars Scene: VI. 48-49 (Funeral Pyre and Celebration)

Comparing Star Wars and the Iliad In what ways are the two similar? How are they different? Iliad Summary / Structure of the  Iliad  Star Wars: Lists of Scenes Star Wars Scripts:IV. A New Hope / V. Empire Strikes Back / VI. Return of the Jedi / I. Phantom Menace / II. Attack of the Clones / III. Revenge of the SithStar Wars Personality Chart / Myers-Briggs Personality IndicatorIliad comparison book by book with Star Wars

Iliad comparison book by book with Star Wars http :// department.monm.edu/classics/Courses/Clas230/StarWars/IliadandStarWars.pdf

Contests in Mythology and Star Wars Funeral Games of Patroclus in Homer's  Iliad 23  (or Johnston  or Butler)Summary of Funeral Games of PatroclusStar Wars Scene: I.17 Pod RaceBen-Hur Chariot RacePowerpoints: Athletic contests in HomerRoman Circus and AmphitheatreStar Wars and Ben Hur

Katabasis in Star Wars? Vergil's Georgics IV.453-528Homer's Odyssey 11 Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, pp. 106-113Star Wars Scenes: III.43-47  "Immolation", "The Emperor Arrives", "Secret Delivery", "Birth and Rebirth" and "Darth Vader Awakes“; V.25 “Failure in the Cave”The Hero's Return and Homecomings in Myth and Star WarsStar Wars, 91-95Powerpoint: Katabasis and Star Wars

Divine Machinery in Homer and Star Wars Greek Pantheon  /  The Pantheon  / The Major Gods /Genealogical TablesApollodorus 1.1.1-1.4.1 (the gods)Athena Restrains Achilles (Iliad 1. 187-222)Athena Mentors Telemachus (Odyssey 1)Size Matters NotHe's Quite Crafty For a HumanThey Think I am a GodPowerpoint: Divine Machinery in Greek Myth and Star Wars

Gods and Humans in Mythology GODS: Extraordinary Immortals HEROES: Extraordinary Mortals HUMANS: Ordinary Mortals

Why is C-3PO an Ewok god? C-3PO : I do believe they think I am some kind of god. Han Solo: Well, why don't you use your divine influence and get us out of this? C-3PO: I beg your pardon General Solo, but that just wouldn't be proper. Han Solo: Proper? C-3PO: It's against my programming to impersonate a deity. Return of the Jedi (VI.24)

“ He’s quite clever, you know, for a human being.”3CPO’s opinion of Luke in “Empire Strikes Back” V.6 (Closing the Doors)   3CPO’s statement about Luke juxtaposes humans with droids (machines) in a significant way which suggests important things about the Force and about Nature, especially when seen in conjunction with the Ewoks’ role in the fall of the Empire in “Return of the Jedi.” EWOKS HUMANS DROIDS FORCE DARK SIDE

EWOKS HUMANS DROIDS simple complex   nature technology   FORCE DARK SIDE  Nature Technology

Star Wars and The Hero Pattern Lord Raglan's Hero Pattern Other Hero Patterns Apollodorus  2.4.8 (Birth of Heracles) Livy 1  (Birth of Romulus and Remus) Birth of Luke Skywalker Powerpoint :  Hero Pattern Powerpoint

How Many Points Does Luke Skywalker Fit? Hero's mother is a royal virgin; His father is a king, and Often a near relative of his mother, but The circumstances of his conception are unusual, and He is also reputed to be the son of a god. At birth an attempt is made, usually by his father or his maternal grand father to kill him, but he is spirited away, and Reared by foster -parents in a far country. We are told nothing of his childhood, but On reaching manhood he returns or goes to his future Kingdom. After a victory over the king and/or a giant, dragon, or wild beast, He marries a princess, often the daughter of his predecessor and And becomes king. For a time he reigns uneventfully and Prescribes laws, but later he loses favor with the gods and/or his subjects, and Is driven from the throne and city, after which He meets with a mysterious death, Often at the top of a hill, His children, if any do not succeed him. His body is not buried, but nevertheless He has one or more holy sepulchres.

How Many Points Does Anakin Fit? Hero's mother is a royal virgin; His father is a king, and Often a near relative of his mother, but The circumstances of his conception are unusual, and He is also reputed to be the son of a god. At birth an attempt is made, usually by his father or his maternal grand father to kill him, but he is spirited away, and Reared by foster -parents in a far country. We are told nothing of his childhood, but On reaching manhood he returns or goes to his future Kingdom. After a victory over the king and/or a giant, dragon, or wild beast, He marries a princess, often the daughter of his predecessor and And becomes king. For a time he reigns uneventfully and Prescribes laws, but later he loses favor with the gods and/or his subjects, and Is driven from the throne and city, after which He meets with a mysterious death, Often at the top of a hill, His children, if any do not succeed him. His body is not buried, but nevertheles s He has one or more holy sepulchres.

Heroines in Greek Mythology and Star Wars

Heroines and the Hero Pattern The Hero Pattern applied to Women in Myth, History, and Literature  Hero Cycle of Marie de MediciLeia and Lord Raglan Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, pp. 65-67; 158-159"Penelope to Ulysses" in Ovid's Heroides Star Wars Scenes: VI, 11-12 On the Sail Barge and The Sarlacc PitPowerpoint: Heroines in Greek Myth and Star Wars

The Hero Quest in Classical Mythology and Star Wars  The Hero Quest Stages in the Heroic Quest  Variations on the Theme of the Heroic QuestStar Wars: Magic of MythStar Wars: The Magic of Myth, pp. 15-46Star War Scenes: IV/17-18 Torched Homestead and Luke's DecisionPowerpoint: Hero Quest and Star Wars

Five Stages of the Hero Quest Call to AdventureStruggle or Crossing the Threshold Tests of Will, Endurance and AbilityThe Ordeal and Its RewardThe Return

Joseph Campbell and Star Wars "The Power of Myth" (video) "Joseph Campbell--A Scholar's Life""Joseph Campbell's Mythic Journey" by Jonathan Young

George Lucas and Star Wars Mythology of Star Wars Star Wars: The Magic of Myth, pp. 7-14"George Lucas on Joseph Campbell""George Lucas Interview" "How did George Lucas Create Star Wars?George Lucas bio"George Lucas in Love"Mythic Map of Lucas' LifeGeorge Lucas and Frank CoppolaHeinrich Zimmer

The Feel of the Past in Greek Mythology and Star Wars Cultural and Historical Influences on  Star Wars and Greek MythologyStar Wars: The Magic of Myth, pp. 160-202PowerPointStar Wars Pp. 123-157Myths: 1.) Plutarch on Theseus; 2.) Herodotus on Europa ; 3. Thucydides on and the Trojan War; 4.)Vergil on Anchises and Aeneas; 5.) Vergil on Aeneas and RomeDid Theseus Slay the Minotaur?Hyginus: 40-43Theseus and MinotaurMyth and History

Feel of the Past in Homer Boar Tooth HelmetHomeric Shields Nestor’s Cup

The Feel of the Past in Star Wars Military Costumes, Weapons and AviationTouches of Art Deco Hitler’s GermanyFar Eastern InfluencesLuke’s Transformations Mythic SettingsFemale robot from Fritz Lang’s film “Metropolis” (1927)Restoration Trailer Japanese Kabuko Helmet

The Feel of the Past Tamtel Skreej was the alias taken by Lando Calrissian during his stay a tJabba's Palace, as he attempted to rescue his friend Han Solo, who had been frozen in carbonite. An essential part of the resulting disguise was a mask of gondar tusks to hide his face. ...while on his head He put a helmet made of hide, stiffened With numerous taut leather thongs inside And faced outside with gleaming white teeth Of a tusker boar set thick in alternate rows Cunningly and well. It was lined with felt. ( Iliad 10.261-65, Stanly Lombardo trans.)

Writing Assignments Compare the use of Greek Mythology and Star Wars in Popular Culture .Compare and contrast the use of folktales themes in Greek Mythology and Star Wars.Explain the epic features of Star Wars Compare and contrast a scene from Star Wars and a scene from the Iliad.Compare and contrast chariot races in the Iliad and in Star Wars.Compare and contrast divine machinery in the Iliad and in Star Wars.Compare and Contrast how Anakin or Luke Skywalker and a Greek hero of your choice, fit Raglan's and one other hero pattern.Compare and Contrast how Leia or Padme and a Greek heroine of your choice, fit Raglan's and one other hero pattern.Respond to Joseph Campbell's interpretation of Star Wars. Do you agree or disagree?

The Force Awakens Rey vs. Leia: heroinesFin vs. Luke: I am no hero Kylo Ren vs. Han Solo: father-son conflictKylo Ren vs. Darth Vader Rey: heroine Finn: I am no heroKylo Ren vs. Han Solo: father-son conflict

Teaching “Star Wars” and Classical Mythology Tom Sienkewicz Monmouth College tjsienkewicz@monmouthcollege.edu http://department.monm.edu/classics/swpaca.starwars.pptx