Star Wars was actually very consciously written as a Hero’s Journey. In fact George Lucas consulted Joseph Campbell often. Campbell, in later talks, even referenced Star Wars as a good example of a contemporary Hero’s Journey. Since all 6 films are now complete, one can see many manifestations of the Hero’s Journey throughout.
For today's posting I'll be looking more specificity at the hero's journey of the films protagonist Luke Skywalker. His story is one of an innocent small town boy destined for greater things. He takes up a quest to fight the evil empire oppressing the universe and become a Jedi knight. Along the way he meets and befriends a cast of characters who, together, help be defeat the evil empire. Luke's story is a perfect example of the classic Hero's Journey.
1) Ordinary world: Luke Skywalker is a small town boy living on his farm with his Uncle and Aunt. He knows little of the outside universe or of his own family history. However he has a longing to leave the this place and venture out in the universe.2) The Call to Adventure/ First Magical Guide: Thanks to the two Droids who shake up his quiet farm life, Luke meets the Jedi Knight Obi Wan. The old wizard opens Luke's eyes to the truth. He teaches him about the Force and gives Luke his father's lightsaber. This is symbolic as mentors in real life teach us about the world and give us the tools we need to succeed in life. Obi Wan also tells Luke his father really was and reveals what his true destiny is. Finally he calls Luke to join him on a new
adventure. “You must come with me to Alderaan if you are to learn the ways of the force and become a Jedi like your father.”3) Refusal of Call: When first confronted with the call the hero often sinks back and refuses it. It seems like too much for them to handle. They doubt their own skills and abilities to tackle such a task. Luke does this as well. “I can't get involved! I have work to do. Its not that I like the Empire. I hate it. But there's nothing I can do about it right now.”
4) Crossing the First Threshold: This is the Hero's first step on their adventure. The moment when the hero leaves his old life and enters a new and unfamiliar world. For Luke this is the Mos Eisely spaceport and the dangerous cantina. There Luke gets his first taste of the outside universe and is put in a dangerous situation.5) Belly of the Whale: This stage represents the Hero's final separation from his old
life. At this stage the Hero commits to the quest and their own growth as a character. Luke and Obi Wan enter the Millenium Falcon spaceship which takes them off Luke's home planet toward Alderaan. On the way Luke begins his training as a Jedi Knight.6) Road of Trails: Series of tests the hero must face to complete their quest and undergo their transformation. In the Films Luke has many tests from his first encounter in the Mos Eiseley Cantina to his final trials fighting the Emperor. They all help him grow as a Jedi and get closer to defeating the Empire.
7) Second Mentor: Hero's don't only have just one mentor but sometimes many who help guide them in their quest. For Luke, the Jedi Master Yoda takes up the task of training Luke where Obi Wan left off. He helps Luke fully realize his potential.8) Atonement with the Father: Luke's story also has a strong theme of father and son
relationships and the struggle between the two. In the first film Luke learned that his "dead" father wasn't a navigator on a freighter, but a Jedi Knight hero who fought valiantly in the Clone wars. Once Luke learns this, he takes on the task of becoming a Jedi like his father. It's his birthright. The legacy of the father being passed down to the son. However this heroic image of his father is tarnished when Luke discovers that his father is not only alive but the very evil he is fighting against. Seduced by the dark side, Luke's father is not just his opponent but also a shadow of what Luke may in fact become. For Luke too has the same rage 
and darkness within himself which threatens to jeopardize his quest and turn him to the dark side like it did his father. Another part of the Skywalker legacy passed down from father to son but in a negative light much like a 'Mark of Cain' from Biblical tradition. In the final film, Luke's new quest is not to defeat his father but to redeem him. To turn him back from darkness and repair their damaged relationship. In the end, Luke is successful in making amends with his father. In doing so, Luke is able to conquer his own darkness and realize his true identity. He is no longer a boy following his father's legacy but a fully realized man making his own.9) Temptation: Throughout the story the hero deals with temptations and distractions
which the hero must abandon in order to continues his or her quest. In Star Wars, Luke is tempted by his father. He offers Luke unlimited power and the chance to fully realize his Jedi powers. “Luke, you do not yet realize your importance. You have only begun to discover your power. Join me, and I will complete your training. With our combined strength, we can end this destructive conflict and bring order to the galaxy.” However Luke refuses and continues his journey.
10) Crucifixion/Dismemberment: Along the journey the Hero is oftentimes scared. These injuries represent the tole the journey takes on the hero. They cause him to grow as an adult, become stronger, but 
may also corrupt as the emotional scarring leads to rage. Luke is scared by his father when he loses a hand. He replaces it with a machine hand which comes to represent Luke's inner darkness. As his evil father is more machine than man, now Luke has started to become more like his father. 1
11) Apotheosis: The hero faces death either literally or figuratively. For Luke this is surrendering himself to the his father and meeting the Evil Emperor. In a way, he is allowing himself to be sacrificed in a gamble to redeem his father. He is determined not to turn to the Dark Side and so he will almost surely be killed by the Emperor. In order not to die, his father will have to step in to save Luke.. which he does.
12) Ultimate Boon: Here the hero achieves his quest. For Luke this is redeeming his father, destroying the evil empire, and becoming a Jedi Knight.
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