Star Wars vs. Willow

-A Comparison-

Critics have often commented that Willow borrows many elements from George Lucas' earlier success, Star Wars. Let's take a look at some of the similarities:

Star Wars Willow Description

Luke Skywalker Willow Ufgood The Main Character; a farmer in a remote area who is swept up in a quest to bring about the downfall of a Tyrannical Ruler.

The Force Magic Mystical Power that the main character learns to master during his quest.

The Emporer/Darth Vader Queen Bavmorda The Tyrannical Ruler, master of the Mystical Power; plans to enslave the universe.

Alderaan Tir Asleen The Main Character's Initial Destination; a peace-loving kingdom where he will supposedly be safe. When he gets there, he finds out it has been destroyed by the Tyrannical Ruler.

Obi-Wan Kenobi The High Aldwin The Main Character's older peer who has experience with the Mystical Power; he lets the Main Character know that he too has potential to master the Mystical Power and sends him on his quest.

Han Solo Madmartigan The Rogue-Hero; he starts out as a criminal who reluctantly follows the Main Character on his quest and ends up believing in the cause.

Lando Calrissian Airk Thaughbaer The Rogue-Hero's old friend; starts out actually betraying the Rogue-Hero, but eventually redeems himself by joining the quest.

Princess Leia Princess Sorsha The Princess; daughter of the Tyrannical Ruler, whom she ends up fighting against. She falls in love with the Rogue-Hero.

Yoda Fin Raziel The Main Character's Mentor; trains the hero in the mystical power; has a humble appearance that teaches "you can't judge a book by its cover."

C3P0 and R2D2 Franjean and Rool Bumbling sidekicks of the Main Character; their chemistry provides much comic relief.

Other parallels can be drawn as well.

Both Darth Vader and Sorsha start out second-in-command on the bad guys' team and end up working for the good guys.
Obi-Wan and Cherlindrea both serve as exposition; both send the main character to the Initial Destination; both hook the main character up with his Mentor.
Darth Vader wears a scary mask and is the Emporer's right-hand man; General Kael wears a scary mask and is Queen Bavmorda's right-hand man.

Really, Willow is just as original a movie as Star Wars, because all of these elements originate from early mythology, as scholar Joseph Campbell, a heavy influence on Lucas, would be apt to point out. As far as modern retellings of myths go, both are great movies.

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Star Wars	Willow	Description
Luke Skywalker	Willow Ufgood	The Main Character; a farmer in a remote area who is swept up in a quest to bring about the downfall of a Tyrannical Ruler.
The Force	Magic	Mystical Power that the main character learns to master during his quest.
The Emporer/Darth Vader	Queen Bavmorda	The Tyrannical Ruler, master of the Mystical Power; plans to enslave the universe.
Alderaan	Tir Asleen	The Main Character's Initial Destination; a peace-loving kingdom where he will supposedly be safe. When he gets there, he finds out it has been destroyed by the Tyrannical Ruler.
Obi-Wan Kenobi	The High Aldwin	The Main Character's older peer who has experience with the Mystical Power; he lets the Main Character know that he too has potential to master the Mystical Power and sends him on his quest.
Han Solo	Madmartigan	The Rogue-Hero; he starts out as a criminal who reluctantly follows the Main Character on his quest and ends up believing in the cause.
Lando Calrissian	Airk Thaughbaer	The Rogue-Hero's old friend; starts out actually betraying the Rogue-Hero, but eventually redeems himself by joining the quest.
Princess Leia	Princess Sorsha	The Princess; daughter of the Tyrannical Ruler, whom she ends up fighting against. She falls in love with the Rogue-Hero.
Yoda	Fin Raziel	The Main Character's Mentor; trains the hero in the mystical power; has a humble appearance that teaches "you can't judge a book by its cover."
C3P0 and R2D2	Franjean and Rool	Bumbling sidekicks of the Main Character; their chemistry provides much comic relief.