Saga The 'Saga Journal' Archive | An archive of the Star Wars fandom's first academic journal ('04-'10)

Hello everyone! Today I am very pleased to be able to bring you all the complete archive of Saga Journal, SW's first academic journal, run by fans from 2004-2010. Some of you here might remember it, as I believe several contributor were themselves members of the TFN community during its publication. I've spent a little while putting this archive together, because quite frankly, this work is of too much value to allow to be lost to the ashes of the internet. These essays on the six SW films range from literary analysis, to Jungian psychoanalysis, to historical parallels -- the whole lot, and always held to a standard, works cited and all. Many men and women, but particularly women, contributed great efforts to this Journal, and I am pleased to bring it here again to you all. Hopefully it will shine a light on this incredible work.

My little journey of discovery that led me to find this started with 'The Perils of Padme,' a great essay -- but one of many such great works in here. Lazypadawan (known as @MissPadme here), the author of that essay and one of the editorial staff on Saga Journal, herself would go on to play a larger role in fandom, running the popular site The Prequel Appreciation Society. Other contributors to the journal, such as Matril, are I think still active in the Star Wars fandom over on LiveJournal, as well as LadyAeryn (@Alderaan21) with her Anakin/Padme fanblog over at The Moons of Iego, while @Reihla is also a user here at TFN.

The Saga Journal was a big undertaking for its time and one can sense the labor of love it was to produce. So many of these essays are amazing and insightful to this day, and I encourage you all to peruse them and/or share them at your interest. Feel free to use this thread to discuss their content or Saga Journal in general. Enjoy!

Saga Journal
~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Volume 1

• Inaugural Issue -- December 2004
  • I Don't Think the System Works: The Politics of Anakin Skywalker by ami-padme
    • A look at the development of Anakin's political beliefs, and at how those beliefs impacted the character's journey throughout the saga.
  • But It's A Whole Nother Year! Star Wars as A Seasonal Nature Myth by FernWithy
    • Discussion of how the seasonal patterns of the saga reflect the condition of the galaxy and the characters at various points of the story.
  • The Journey As Applied To The Adventures of Luke Skywalker: Special Edition by lazypadawan
    • How the Campbellian hero's journey applies to Luke Skywalker throughout the original trilogy.
  • The Way of the Jedi: a Comparison of the Jedi Order to the Japanese Samurai by Reihla
    • Investigates the similarities and differences between the Jedi Order and the Samurai of the middle ages.

• Issue #1 -- January 2005
  • I Don't Want Things to Change: Anakin Skywalker as Trickster by Lady Aeryn
    • Examines the ways that Anakin fulfills the classic archetype of the Trickster.
  • The Two Sides of "I Killed Them" by Sarah
    • Studies the moral issues of Anakin's Tusken massacre in Attack of the Clones.
  • Midi-Chlorians and Mitochondria, a Comparison by Sgmsky
    • A look at the scientific parallels between these critical cell organelles.

• Issue #2 -- February 2005
  • Triumph Over Technology by ami-padme
    • An exploration of the Star Wars theme of humanity's struggle with technology.
  • Angels and Demons: Love and the Hero in Star Wars Episodes I & II and Spider-Man & Spider-Man 2 by Scott J. Epstein
    • Compares the approach to romance in the Star Wars prequels and the Spider-Man films.

• Issue #3 -- March 2005
  • Always Three There Are by Lady Aeryn
    • Compares the dynamics of the classic Arthurian triangle to those found within the prequel trilogy trio.
  • Counter-Insurgency and the Rise of the Empire by Sean Dineen
    • A discussion of counter-revolutionary tactics in the real world vs. the Galaxy Far, Far Away.

• Issue #4 -- April 2005
  • Princess Leia and the Woman Warrior by lazypadawan
    • An exploration of the original trilogy's archetypal heroine.
  • Mad, Bad and Dangerous to Know, The Case for Anakin Skywalker as a Byronic Hero by Reihla
    • Tracks the gradual development of Anakin Skywalker as a contemporary Byronic hero.

• Issue #5 -- May 2005
  • What if Dreams Came True? by rhonderoo
    • A look at the importance of dreams in Star Wars, particularly to the character of Anakin Skywalker.
  • New Hopes: Mothers in the Star Wars Saga by Sarah
    • Discusses the place that mothers hold in the Star Wars story.

• Issue #6 -- June 2005
  • Not Another Pathetic Life Form: Jar Jar as the Holy Fool by ami-padme
    • A character study of Jar Jar Binks' role in The Phantom Menace.
  • Chosen One: the Hero Myth of Anakin Skywalker by Lady Kenobi
    • Explores how Anakin Skywalker fulfills the Hero's Journey, as described by Joseph Campbell.

• Issue #7 -- July 2005
  • Brothers and Sons: Lack of Communication in the Relationship Between Anakin Skwalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi by FernWithy
    • An in-depth look at traditional familial miscommunication between these two primary figures in the prequel trilogy.

• Issue #8 -- August 2005
  • The Perils of Padmé: The Short Life and Fast Times of a Tragic Heroine by lazypadawan
    • A study of Padmé's important and symbolic place in the prequel trilogy.
  • Perinatal Imagery in the Star Wars Trilogy by Ron Newbold
    • Explores how the original trilogy evokes the psychology of birth.

• Issue #9 -- September 2005
  • The Making of a Galactic Prince: Palpatine as a student of Machiavelli by Reihla
    • A discussion of Emperor Palpatine's rise to power, comparing and contrasting it with various aspects of Machiavelli's works and philosophies.

• Issue #10 -- October 2005
  • The Return of a Jedi: Christian Themes in Anakin Skywalker's Redemption by ami-padme
    • Examines parallels between Christian teachings on forgiveness/salvation and Anakin's return to the Light in the last chapter of the Star Wars saga.
  • The Names of Star Wars by Sarah
    • A look at the meanings behind the characters' appellations.

• Issue #11 -- November 2005
  • Star Wars: A Myth for Our Time by Andrew Gordon
    • A study of the Campbellian Hero's Journey myth, as presented in A New Hope.
  • Anakin and the Sin of Despair by Krista M. Sprecher (jedi-scholar)
    • Examines Anakin's melancholy nature and how his disbelief in his own salvation impacted him.

• Issue #12 -- December 2005
  • Birth, Death, and Rebirth in Revenge of the Sith by lazypadawan
    • A look at the cycles of life and death in the third chapter of the saga.
  • Tall, Dark and Ruthless: the Allure of Darth Vader by Reihla
    • Studies the unusual romantic appeal of the Dark Lord of the Sith.

PDF digital publication of the entire first volume of Saga Journal.

Volume 2

• Issue #1 -- January 2006
  • The Empire Strikes Back: Monsters from the Id by Andrew Gordon
    • Studies the darker nature of the hero myth found in the fifth episode of the saga.
  • Costumes in the Star Wars Saga by Sarah
    • An examination of the way Star Wars costumes, particularly in the prequels, reflect the characters and settings of the films.

• Issue #2 -- February 2006
  • The Romance of Anakin and Padmé by Krista M. Sprecher (jedi-scholar)
    • Explores the connections between medieval romance and the relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padmé Amidala.

• Issue #3 -- March 2006
  • The Queen of Naboo and The Lion of Judah: An Historical Parallel by lazypadawan
    • A comparison between Queen Amidala's tactics in The Phantom Menace and Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie's actions during the 1930s and 1940s.

• Issue #4 -- April 2006
  • “For what shall it profit a man?” -- The Conflict between the Physical and the Spiritual in Star Wars by Matril
    • Studies the tension between the physical and spiritual life as it pertains to Anakin and Luke Skywalker.

• Issue #5 -- May 2006
  • Hamlet=Star Wars: Exploring the Amalgam-Protagonist by Frank Clarke
    • An examination of the different interpretations Shakespeare's play and the Star Wars saga offer on the Campbellian hero.
  • "Handbook? What Handbook?": Mentoring the Chosen One in Star Wars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Lady Aeryn
    • A discussion and comparison of the relationships between mentors and their students in Star Wars and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

• Issue #6 -- June 2006
  • Following the Will of the Force: Qui-Gon Jinn as Maverick by ami-padme
    • Examines Qui-Gon's role as a unique Jedi from the prequel era.
  • “Help me take this mask off” -- Power and Redemption through Unmasking by Matril
    • A look at the symbolism of masks as it applies to different characters throughout the saga.

• Issue #7 -- July 2006
  • The Women in Anakin's Life by lazypadawan
    • Examines the role that Anakin's mother and wife play in his journey.
  • "That Boy Is Our Last Hope": Andrew, Star Wars and the Figure of the Jedi in Buffy the Vampire Slayer by Sophia van Gameren
    • Explores how falls and redemptions affect Star Wars and the Buffy television series.

• Issue #8 -- August 2006
  • “The Chosen One”: Prophecy, Destiny and Free Will in Star Wars and Harry Potter by Matril
    • A study of the meaning of prophecies in both fantasy series, and how they affect Anakin Skywalker and Harry Potter.
  • “Sins of the Father": the Slaughter of Innocents theme in Star Wars by Reihla
    • An analytical look at the slaughter of the Jedi children from a mythological and historical perspective.

• Issue #9 -- September 2006
  • The Tragedy of Star Wars by Christine Anderson
    • The prequel trilogy is analyzed as a modern example of classical Greek Tragedy. Anakin Skywalker's role as a Tragic Hero is discussed.

• Issue #10 -- October 2006
  • Sidious the Serpent by ami-padme
    • Palpatine's character as the devil figure in the Star Wars saga.
  • Thwarted by the Dark Side: Poor Leadership and Vader’s Legacy by Michelle Drumm
    • A critique of Darth Vader's managerial and leadership styles, based on the original trilogy films.

• Issue #11 -- November 2006
  • Distressing Damsel: Padmé Amidala as Fairy Tale Heroine by Lady Aeryn
    • Explores Padmé's character as an interpretation of the classic fairy tale heroine.
  • Star Wars is a Fantasy: A Critical Review by Matthew Recker
    • A look at the genre the saga falls under.

• Issue #12 -- December 2006
  • Obi-Wan Kenobi: The Crazy Old Wizard by lazypadawan
    • Explores how Obi-Wan fills the archetype of wizard during Episodes IV-VI.
  • Buddhism and Star Wars by Eli Williamson-Jones
    • Examines the connections between Star Wars and the tenets of Buddhist belief.

Volume 3

• Issue #1 -- January 2007
  • You'll Never Get Out of Bedford Falls: The Inescapable Family in American Science Fiction and Fantasy Films by Andrew Gordon
    • A comparison of how home and family stay with the protagonists of The Wizard of Oz, It's a Wonderful Life, the Star Wars trilogy, and the Back to the Future trilogy.
  • Dark Father: Masculinity and the Violent Cycle of Father-Son Abuse by Matril
    • Explores the inheritance of masculinity through examining the duels between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader.

• Issue #2 -- February 2007
  • Saving a Scoundrel: Han Solo and the Anti-hero's Journey by Reihla
    • Discusses the way Han Solo fits the role of the anti-hero and the path he takes to redemption in the original trilogy.
  • The Role of the Idealized Image in Anakin Skywalker’s Transition to the Dark Side by Scott Miller
    • Explores the way Anakin Skywalker seeks to fulfill his own intense need for security and how this contributes to his gradual evolution into Darth Vader.

• Issue #3 -- March 2007
  • Star Wars, Lensman, and Superheroes by Keith Palmer
    • A comparison of Star Wars with the "Lensman" series of E.E. "Doc" Smith, science fiction novels suggested as an inspiration for the saga.

• Issue #4 -- April 2007
  • Palpatine on Parliament Square: Francis Urquhart and the Star Wars Saga by Sean Dineen
    • A comparison of the political skills of Palpatine and Francis Urquhart, a fictional British Prime Minister in Michael Dobbs' House of Cards novel trilogy.

• Issue #5 -- May 2007
  • Where Loyalties Lie by ami-padme
    • Explores the nature of Anakin Skywalker's loyalty and how it affects his fall and redemption.

• Issue #6 -- June 2007
  • It Takes Two: Luke, Leia and the Mythology of Twins by ami-padme
    • A study of the significance of twins in ancient stories, and how that history is reflected in the Skywalker children.

• Issue #7 -- July 2007
  • Kind Enough To Offer Us Shelter: Hospitality In The Star Wars Saga by lazypadawan
    • An exploration of the symbolic significance of the various hospitality/meal-sharing scenes throughout the saga.

• Issue #8 -- August 2007
  • "A Failure to Listen:" Lucas's Fable of the Fall of Democracy by Matril
    • This essay analyzes how a lack of communication in government can be destructive by discussing the ways in which it contributed to the downfall of the Galactic Republic.

• Issue #9 -- September 2007
  • Star Wars: A Cinematic Phenomenon by Rebecca Thomas
    • The author explores many of the factors surrounding the production of Star Wars, from mythology to effects to music, that led to its transformation from a dark horse project into one of the most influential movies and memorable fairy tales of all-time.

• Issue #10 -- October 2007
  • The Orphan Strikes Back: The Significance Of Luke Skywalker’s Origins by Reihla
    • This paper offers a look at the mythological hero who begins life as an orphan and explores possible reasons for George Lucas's use of that plot device in relationship to Star Wars hero Luke Skywalker.

• Issue #11 -- November 2007
  • From Traveler to Journeying Hero by Keith Palmer
    • Some comparisons between the Campbellian hero's journey and travelling in the Star Wars saga.

• Issue #12 -- December 2007
  • The Heart of the Matter: Padmé, Luke, and the Role of Compassion in Star Wars by ami-padme
    • Looks at the role Padmé and Luke's compassion for Anakin (and for others) plays in the films.

Volume 4

• Issue #1 -- January 2008
  • "I Can't Live Without Her": The destruction and re-emergence of the sacred feminine in the Star Wars saga by Lady Aeryn
    • Examines the symbolism of the feminine within the Star Wars saga, charting the imagery of its destruction and rebirth.

• Issue #2 -- February 2008
  • Fire and Water: Anakin and Padmé by lazypadawan
    • A look at the archetypes Anakin and Padmé fulfill as individuals and as a couple.

• Issue #3 -- March 2008
  • Caring Too Much: the Hero's Conundrum by Matril
    • The author explores the challenge of what a hero should do when faced with the choice between saving people he loves or serving the greater good.

• Issue #4 -- April 2008
  • The Shame of a Galaxy: One Perspective on Slavery in the Star Wars Saga by Reihla
    • Examines slavery in the Star Wars universe, considering its purpose as a plot device and explores its crucial role in the rise and fall of Anakin Skywalker.
  • Between Reality and Mythos by Sean Dineen
    • Compares many aspects of the Star Wars saga to the autobiographical journey of a disabled girl in The Broken Hoof.

• Issue #5 -- May 2008
  • THX 1138: The First Draft of Star Wars by Keith Palmer
    • Explores the elements of Lucas' first film in terms of its similarities with, and influence upon, the Star Wars saga.

Volume 5

• Issue #1 -- January 2010
  • Once Upon a Galaxy Far, Far Away: Star Wars as Fairy Tale by Matril (no link)
    • A look at the fairy tale elements of the saga.

Other Features

The Star Wars Saga | Discovering Star Wars: Fan Stories | Other Academic Star Wars Essays

Reviews (documentaries, books, & more) | Links of Note

Editorial Team | Submission Guidelines/Call for Papers | About Saga Journal