Recently New Jersey fell prey to more apocalyptic weather, Winter Storm Nemo. Though the Nor'easter received its name from a lost Pixar fish, we of the East Coast area were completely snowed in. A good friend of mine decided to drop by for a cozy night of wine drinking and stimulating conversation.
Three bottles of wine, two heaping bowls of pasta fagioli, and one giant pile of my Tolkien books splayed across the coffee table later we found ourselves in a "Da Vinci Code" conundrum: how similar is the epic franchise Star Wars to Tolkien's Middle Earth? Within a few hours the comparisons seemed to spill out of us, proving our initial thesis accurate by the night's end. Middle Earth really isn't too far far away from the Star Wars galaxy.
Middle Earth vs. The Galaxy Far Far Away
Both fictional places set the layout for The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. The world of Middle Earth harbors mythical creatures, great mountains, dangerous lands, magical cities, and unexpected journeys.
The galaxy of Star Wars features vast planets of desserts, lush terrain, and even one filled with the cuddly, cunning creatures (Ewoks). Unimaginable creatures and dangers await, but create a beautiful story.
The Ring vs. The Force
The Ring and the Force are the root of both myths. The Ring's existence is based solely upon evil. Those who seem well natured eventually fall under the seductive power of the ring. It cannot be used to produce good. Only the pure of heart have a greater resistance to its charms, like hobbits. Balance can be restored when the ring is destroyed
The Force drives the galaxy, but is more malleable in terms of switching from good to evil. The Jedi Knights use the good of the force to do exactly that... produce good. Sadly, the Force has a dark side proving extremely dangerous. The weak of mind and heart, like Anakin, fall victim wielding only evil deeds. Balance to the force can only be restored when Anakin's evil version, Darth Vader, is dead.
Sauron vs. The Emperor
These two villains struck me as the most obvious comparison. Sauron was the powerful dark lord of Middle Earth that ruled supreme for thousands of years. His evil ways were formed by Melkor who later was known to all as Morgoth. Sauron's lust of ultimate power drives him to create the most powerful of all magic rings. The fires of Mount Doom spat out "the one ring to rule them all". Sauron's physical demise happened in a battle against men and elves, but his spirit remained within the Ring which survived for thousands of years.
The Emperor in Star Wars proves to hold the same amount of malice. Masquerading as Sentor Palpatine for a brief period, his true persona, Darth Sidious emerges overthrowing the Jedi Knights and causing havoc within the galaxy through his Clone Wars. Although he does not wield a ring of power, he chooses to use Anakin Skywalker as his tool to rule.
Gollum (Smeagol) vs. Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker)
A creature very similar to that of Tolkien's hobbits, Smeagol belonged to the River Folk who unfortunately fell victim to the dark side. Upon discovering the Ring of power and murdering his friend of its possession, Smeagol retreats into the mountains forgetting his life, his family, and even his own name. He becomes known as Gollum for the awful choking sound produced when he coughs. The physical altercations of the Ring's power also leave him as a mangled, gangling version of his former self. Somehow, we cannot help but pity this poor creature, and Frodo Baggins feels the same. In an effort to subdue the evil of the Ring, Gollum agrees to help Frodo on his quest to destroy it and reclaim his former title as Smeagol. The battle within Gollum ultimately drives him to bite off Frodo's fingers right before he is tossed into the mountain's fires with the Ring, ending Sauron for good.
Anakin Skywalker appears to us in the beginning as a young, special boy. He has no known father and the force seems to be strong within. Unfortunately the anger he arbors for this mother's murderers and the extreme love he has for Padme drives him to the dark side, much like the Ring drove Smeagol. Anakin eventually goes on a killing spree, murdering young children and causing harm to those he loves. After a brutal destruction of his physical form and betrayal of his mentor, he takes on the persona of Darth Vader, joining up with the dark side. Later he tries to reclaim the good that still sits deeply within by defeating The Emperor, but winds up slicing off Luke's hand before he himself dies.
Frodo Baggins vs. Luke Skywalker
Both characters are considered the heroes of their respected stories. Frodo simply gets awarded the brave task of journeying to destroy the Ring of power. Luke Skywalker knows the only way to restore balance and peace to the galaxy is by taking down Darth Vader. With the aid of his friends, Frodo partakes on an arduous quest filled with terror, death, hopelessness, and uncertainty. Gandalf, Frodo's mentor, bestows and guides him on this journey. He loses a finger in a struggle to Gollum who dies caressing "the precious" thus bringing peace to Middle Earth.
Luke Skywalker also is aided by his friends and band of loyal followers. Obi Wan Kenobi trains Luke in the ways of the force to become a Jedi Knight. Eventually a great battle takes place between Luke and Darth Vader which leaves Luke handless, but with restoration to the galaxy.
Gandalf vs. Obi Wan Kenobi
No two characters in literary history mesh so sweetly together. Gandalf simply is the wise wizard who holds a special place in his heart for the Shire folk. Upon learning about the One Ring residing in Frodo's home, Gandalf entrusts Frodo with the great task of taking it to Mount Doom. Gandalf's great guidance gives Frodo the strength to complete the task at hand. Along their journey through Moria, Gandalf sacrifices himself to the Balrog of Morgoth for the safety of the fellowship, only to return as Gandalf the White.
Obi Wan Kenobi tried to bring good to Anakin, but was betrayed by his evil. He then turns to Luke, training him in the ways of the force. In a battle with Darth Vader, Obi Wan sacrifices his life for Luke only to come back as a ghost, instructing Luke that his only option is to kill Vader.
Galadriel vs. Yoda
These are the oldest and most psychic of characters in their tales. Galadriel reigns as an elven queen whose age dates back to the time of the Simarils. Frodo seeks her knowledge at the start of his quest where she prophesies what will come to pass if he should fail. Her trust in the little hobbit also helps him to carry on. She eventually leaves this life behind and travels to the Undying Lands with the rest of the elves.
Yoda is considered the oldest and wisest creature within the galaxy. He predicts Anakin's demise to the dark side and retreats into seclusion when the Jedis fall. Obi Wan's ghost instructs Luke to seek out Yoda's guidance where he prophesies to Luke. Not long after, Yoda passes on, but his faith in Luke also gives him strength.
Aragorn vs. Han Solo
Probably my two favorite characters in both works. The mere human Aragorn shines as a symbol for what the race of men should be. He selflessly joins the fellowship, ultimately contributing to its long awaited win. At one point he is considered dead after a nasty tumble off a cliff during a bout with some Orcs. Not only does he assist in the fall of Sauron, but takes up his rightful place on the thrown of Gondor with the help of his friends Legolas the elf and Gimli the dwarf.
Han Solo proves the comedic relief of Star Wars. Also just a human, he agrees to join Luke in the ultimate battle for the galaxy. He too is considered a dead man when an unfortunate experience with carbonite leaves him defenseless. Eventually, with the help of his trusty side kick Chewbacca, he makes a triumphant return to Luke and the gang.
Eowyn vs. Princess Leia
Now, at first a put Arywen and Leia together, but I found them to be less of a fit. Eowyn simply is a woman trying to make a name for herself among men. She refuses to sit ideal and be a house wife while her brother and uncle fight for justice. Disguising herself as a male warrior, she joins her kin in battle and brings down one of the most feared creatures in all three stories: The Witch King. Although her love for Aragorn goes unrequited, she finds solace in the arms of Faramir and proves women can do anything men can.
Princess Leia too is just a woman who does not want to be a trophy. She and Han Solo do fall in love, but she is no damsel in distress. She can fly an air craft, shoot a gun, and seek alliance with a world full of "teddy bears" better than any man can. Leia not only frees Han Solo from his carbonite prisoner, but also helps Luke in his quest.
Merri and Pippin vs. R2D2 and C3PO
All four of these characters have one giant factor in common: they just want to help! Merri and Pippin unexpectedly run into Samwise and Frodo at the start of their journey and wind up sticking around. Merri aids in the defeat of Sauron with the help of the Tree Ents while Pippin goes to battle with the riders of Rohan on the borders of Minas Trith. Although trouble seems to find them, they know exactly how to handle it.
R2D2 and C3PO pair up to form a similar dynamic duo. These two robotic creatures just want to be of service to Luke and the galaxy. Although trouble tends to follow them, like almost being scorched in a vat of molten lava, they have a way of surviving.
I know I know... this was the ultimate geek out. But whether you are true to Tolkien, Star Wars, or neither the similarities are certainly undeniable. Both are truly amazing stories with authentic creatures, worlds, and languages. It is nice to know they reside in the same family. And hey, it was a brain stimulus on a cold, winter's night.
