How Star Wars was the First Harry Potter
I’ve often talked about how Stars Wars was the first Harry Potter. It took the world by storm, a surprising success that was rejected by many in the industry. It spawned a global fan base and an endless universe.
But only recently have I realized how right I was. In the entirety of its make-up, Star Wars was the first Harry Potter.
I make no claims that J.K Rowling copied Star Wars. I’m sure that isn’t the case. But when you look at all the similarities… well it might tickle the fancy of few conspiracy theorists like the first time Molly Weasley / Luke Skywalker saw Gilderoy Lockhart / Princess Leia.
Synopsis:
An orphaned boy is left in the care of his aunt and uncle where he dreams of a better life. But his aunt and uncle don’t give him the freedom to explore, too afraid that he might turn out like his father. One day, a strange man with mystical powers shows up and tells the orphan that he belongs to a larger world and that great power lies within him. All he needs to do is learn to use it.
The boy runs off with the magical stranger and makes a friend with a distracted boy and his furry companion as well as a courageous and capable girl. Together, they decide to take on a great man who wields his power for evil. This man also happened to kill our hero’s parents. As the boy begins to master his powers under the tutelage of an old, but wise, teacher, he gains the skills necessary to defeat his greatest nemesis. And proceeds to kick his butt.
Okay, that synopsis was vague enough to be either story, but lets get into details.
(Disclaimer–Some characters in Star Wars fulfill the role of multiple characters from Harry Potter.)
Harry and Luke are both left with their aunt and uncle. Aunt Petunia tries her best to keep Harry from her sisters world, speaking of her with derision. Uncle Ben does the same when speaking to Luke about Obi-Wan, saying “That wizard is just a crazy old man.”
When Luke finally meets “Ben” Kenobi (who is an exile like Hagrid), he lets him know that when he tried to give Luke his father’s Lightsaber (Wand), Uncle Owen wouldn’t let him, afraid that Luke would run off to become part of the world of the Jedi order (The lightsaber plays the part of the Hogwarts Letter too). Ben also informs Luke that Darth Vader (Voldemort) is the one that killed Luke’s father.
Luke eventually decides to go with Obi-Wan (as Obi-Wan, a respected and powerful Jedi, Kenobi is more like Dumbledore) who promises to teach Luke to use his innate power.
Luke goes on to meet a distracted and uncommitted man named Han-Solo (Ron) with a furry companion, Chewbacca (it’s a stretch, but Scabbers). In their journey they meet an independent, smart, and capable young woman (Hermione) and become a team, determined to strike down the evil Darth Vader (Voldemort, again.)
Meanwhile, Darth Vader’s own lieutenants refer to his use of the force as his “sorcerous ways.” So… Star Wars is full of wizard lingo…
Anyway, turns out Darth Vader was hanging out on the back of Professor Quirrell’s head–
I’m just kidding. But isn’t it a little crazy how closely the formulas match? After Episode IV, things start to split. But the basis is there. I haven’t done a deep analysis after the first in each series, but I’d be interested to see what other similarities you notice. If you make any correlations (or more accurate ones) leave a comment.
