What the Force Was... and What It Will Be... Under Leslye and Dave

The Force is a central element of the Star Wars universe. Despite what Disney might call it next week, it was always previously seen as a metaphysical and ubiquitous power that is fundamental to the franchise’s lore. The concept was created by George Lucas, the mastermind behind a galaxy far, far away in terms of canon (you all know his ex-wife deserves a ton of credit for the execution of the film quality).

Lucas drew inspiration from various mythological, religious, and philosophical sources when creating the Force. He wanted to provide a unifying element that connected all living things in the Star Wars galaxy. The Force is often described in the films as an energy field created by all living beings that binds the galaxy together. This idea was said to have been influenced by Eastern religions such as Taoism and Buddhism, which emphasize the interconnectedness of all life and the existence of a universal life force. There is some evidence that Lucas originally drew more on Judeo-Christian concepts for Star Wars but would later seek other religious concepts.

Additionally, Lucas was inspired by the work of mythologist Joseph Campbell, particularly his concept of the "monomyth" or "hero's journey." The Force serves as a narrative device to explore themes of good versus evil, the hero's inner conflict, and the struggle between light and darkness. It allows characters to have extraordinary abilities and provides a spiritual dimension to the Star Wars saga.

In the original trilogy, the Force is introduced as a mystical energy that grants Jedi and Sith their powers. Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi describes it as "an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us; it binds the galaxy together." The Force is divided into the light side, associated with the Jedi and attributes such as selflessness, compassion, and harmony, and the dark side, associated with the Sith and attributes such as anger, hatred, and aggression.

Key elements of the Force, such as Force sensitivity, Force training, and the moral dilemmas associated with its use, are explored through characters like Luke Skywalker, Darth Vader, and Yoda. The Force provides a framework for their growth and development, as well as the epic battles between good and evil.

The prequel trilogy, starting with "Episode I - The Phantom Menace" in 1999, expands on the lore of the Force. It introduces the concept of midi-chlorians, microscopic life forms that reside within the cells of living beings and facilitate their connection to the Force. This controversial addition aimed to provide a scientific explanation for Force sensitivity, but it received mixed reactions from fans and critics.

The prequels also delve into the history of the Jedi Order and the Sith, exploring how the balance of the Force is disrupted by the rise of Darth Sidious (Emperor Palpatine) and the fall of Anakin Skywalker to the dark side. Themes of prophecy, destiny, and the corrupting influence of power are central to this trilogy.

Before Disney acquired Lucasfilm in 2012, the Star Wars Expanded Universe (EU) consisted of numerous novels, comics, and other media that expanded the lore of the Force. These works, now rebranded as "Legends," offered a rich tapestry of stories set in the Star Wars universe.

In the EU, the Force was explored in greater detail, with new abilities, Force-sensitive species, and philosophical perspectives. Notable works include Timothy Zahn's "Thrawn Trilogy," which introduced the character of Grand Admiral Thrawn and delved into the complexities of the Force in the post-Imperial era. And no, the Thrawn of Zahn is not the Thrawn of Filoni's latest yawns. The "New Jedi Order" series, starting with "Vector Prime" by R.A. Salvatore, introduced the Yuuzhan Vong, a species immune to the Force, challenging the Jedi in unprecedented ways.

The EU also explored the ancient history of the Jedi and Sith, such as in the "Tales of the Jedi" comics and the "Darth Bane" trilogy by Drew Karpyshyn. These stories provided a deeper understanding of the Force's origins and the perpetual struggle between light and dark.

After Disney purchased Lucasfilm, the Expanded Universe was reclassified as Legends, and a new canon was established. Under this new canon controlled by Dave Filoni, the Force seems headed for a major shift next week. The Force as described by Obi-Wan may be changing to a matriarchal thread that is pulled by a coven of lesbian witches. If you think that's a departure from the original concept, you're right. It's bizarre. It's propagandistic.

But just like the rest of Star Wars... it was only a matter of time until they came after the thing that binds all living things.

Special thanks to a couple of helpers who helped me fill in the blanks for this one with a gap (or two) in my Star Wars remembrance.

Your pal,
Pro