A Long Time Ago... Why Star Wars Still Inspires Me!

I remember the first time I watched Star Wars as a kid back in the 1980s. The screen lit up with the words "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away..." and from that moment, I was transported. The sights, the sounds, the spectacle — it all left an indelible mark. As the saying goes, first impressions are everything, and Star Wars made a massive one on me.

As a child, it wasn’t necessarily the deeper meaning or storytelling that captivated me. It was the galaxy itself. It had starships, laser blasters, fantastical creatures, strange droids, and alien landscapes that felt like something out of a dream—or perhaps a nightmare. What stood out most was the balance of technology and mysticism: a high-tech world anchored by an invisible force that governed the cosmos. And of course, the most iconic weapon ever conceived: the lightsaber. That glowing energy blade, ignited with a snap-hiss and crashing with every swing, was the ultimate symbol of power, mystery, and honor.

Over the years, as I rewatched the original trilogy, I began to appreciate it on a deeper level. The layers of myth and meaning revealed themselves. George Lucas had taken the classic hero's journey and infused it with ancient archetypes, Eastern mysticism, Western spirituality, and modern cinematic magic. Through Luke Skywalker, we are drawn into a timeless story of destiny, sacrifice, and the eternal battle between good and evil.

Darth Vader, one of cinema’s most iconic villains, was introduced as a seemingly inhuman enforcer of tyranny. Leia Organa, a fierce and brave princess, gave purpose to the rebellion. And then there was Luke, a young farm boy from a backwater desert planet, destined to become the galaxy’s last hope. Initially mentored by the eccentric hermit Obi-Wan Kenobi (a clear parallel to mythic mentors like Merlin), Luke begins a path that transforms him into a symbol of hope. The moment Obi-Wan tells him, "You must learn the ways of the Force," a legacy is rekindled.

Luke's journey parallels deeply spiritual themes. Obi-Wan reminds me of John the Baptist preparing the way, guiding a chosen one into their divine mission. Like Jesus being baptized and led into his ministry, Luke is initiated into a greater calling. The Force serves as a beautiful metaphor for faith: it surrounds us, binds us, and is strongest when embraced through selflessness and belief.

When Obi-Wan sacrifices himself in A New Hope, Luke is forced to carry the torch alone. Yet the Force speaks to him. He begins to believe. And that belief fuels his triumph over impossible odds. The Death Star trench run isn’t just a battle scene; it's a spiritual test. Luke chooses faith over technology, listening to a still, small voice guiding him to victory.

As the trilogy unfolds, The Empire Strikes Back challenges our hero. Luke suffers a devastating loss—both physically and emotionally. The revelation that Vader is his father shatters his world and reframes the entire narrative. Here, Star Wars teaches us that evil can come from within our own bloodline. That the road to redemption is paved with truth, forgiveness, and inner strength.

In Return of the Jedi, Luke's arc reaches its crescendo. He risks everything to redeem Vader, believing there is still good in him. He resists the seductive power of the dark side, refusing the emperor’s offer of domination. Instead, Luke offers himself as a sacrifice. That act of selflessness becomes the catalyst for Vader’s redemption. In the end, the prophecy is fulfilled. The son saves the father, and in doing so, restores balance to the Force.

The lessons I took from the original trilogy are many, but a few stand out:

You don’t have to be born a hero to become one. Luke was just a moisture farmer, yet destiny had greater plans for him.

Faith often means choosing the unseen path. Luke's leap into the unknown was powered by trust in something greater.

Love and sacrifice are stronger than hate and control. True power isn’t found in domination but in selfless love.

Redemption is never out of reach. Even Darth Vader, who committed unspeakable acts, was not beyond saving.

These stories stirred my imagination and planted the seeds of my own creative vision. With The Astraveda Chronicles, I aim to recapture that same sense of wonder and purpose. Like Star Wars, my universe will be filled with vast galaxies, alien cultures, spiritual mysteries, and a war between light and darkness. I want to create advanced technologies, supernatural forces, and sacred weapons that feel mythic. But at its core, it must be a human story. A story about family, destiny, sacrifice, and hope. About flawed individuals who must choose between self and service, between vengeance and forgiveness.

Luke Skywalker showed us that even when the galaxy seems lost, a single spark of light can reignite a new hope in something better. That’s the kind of hero I hope to write.

Now, a brief word about Star Wars under Disney.

Let’s just say... I’ll write a full critique another day.

But I will leave you with a metaphor. Imagine a goose that lays golden eggs. The original caretaker nurtures it with love, vision, and care. Then it is sold to a new owner who only sees dollar signs. He paints fake gold over normal eggs and tries to pass them off as the real thing. At first, people buy it. But soon, they see the paint wearing thin. The magic is gone. Why? Because you cannot mass-produce heart and soul. You must earn it.

George Lucas knew that. And so, his trilogy—and yes, I include the prequels here—endures. Because they came from a storyteller who understood myth, meaning, and the soul of what makes a story eternal.

The prequels, in fact, deserve more praise than they often get. They expand the lore, explore the tragic fall of Anakin Skywalker, and show us how fear and pain can be twisted into anger and control. We watch a Jedi hero become consumed by loss, pride, and manipulation. We witness how democracy becomes empire through applause. And we see how even the Chosen One can fall.

Yet even in that fall, the seeds of redemption remain.

Will I become a great storyteller? Time will tell. But if I can give even one reader the same awe and inspiration that Star Wars gave me, then it will have been worth it.

Because this world still needs dreamers. Still needs heroes. Still needs stories.

Stay tuned for more in the Fandom category — and may the Force be with you.

Did Star Wars inspire you too? Share your favorite memory or character in the comments below. And don’t forget to subscribe to Echoes of the Forge for more nostalgic reflections and storytelling deep dives!