Written by When Star Wars first graced theaters in 1977, audiences were captivated by its rich mythos, cosmic battles, and, above all, the mystical power known as the Force. While creator George Lucas famously drew from various world mythologies, one religion stands out as a potential influence: Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest recorded faiths, rooted in ancient Persia. Central to Zoroastrianism is the Faravahar, a symbol representing humanity’s inner spirit and higher purpose. Many of its teachings — moral dualism, spiritual discipline, and the quest for balance — this all seems to resonate with the core philosophy of Star Wars. Here’s how the Faravahar and Zoroastrian beliefs shaped Lucas’s vision of the Force, the Jedi, and the ongoing battle between light and darkness.
1. The Cosmic Duality of Good and Evil
In Zoroastrianism, the world is defined by a cosmic struggle between two opposing forces: Asha (truth, order) and Druj (falsehood, chaos). This duality is echoed in the Star Wars universe through the Light Side and the Dark Side of the Force. The Jedi, as followers of the Light Side, embody the values of Asha, seeking peace, justice, and harmony. In contrast, the Sith embrace Druj, using the Force for power, control, and personal ambition. This moral dichotomy emphasizes a central Zoroastrian belief: each person has the agency to choose their path, creating either order or chaos.
Much like Ahura Mazda’s divine guidance toward Asha, the Light Side encourages Jedi to align with compassion, humility, and a sense of duty. Lucas’s portrayal of this duality, combined with each character’s freedom to choose, is remarkably similar to Zoroastrian teachings, where every action contributes to the universal balance of good and evil.
2. The Faravahar: Symbol of Purpose and the Jedi’s Spiritual Quest
The Faravahar is Zoroastrianism’s most recognized symbol, often interpreted as representing the inner spirit reaching for wisdom and righteousness. It depicts a human figure with wings, hands raised toward the heavens, symbolizing spiritual progress and striving for truth. This powerful imagery aligns closely with the Jedi’s journey to master the Force, an essence that binds and unites all life in the galaxy.
Just as the Faravahar represents humanity’s purpose and connection to divine order, the Jedi Code provides a spiritual framework guiding individuals toward self-discipline, compassion, and wisdom. For Zoroastrians, the figure within the Faravahar symbolizes the soul’s journey toward enlightenment and alignment with Asha. Jedi apprentices, too, undergo rigorous training to align with the Light Side, a journey marked by trials, discipline, and internal struggle.
3. Ahura Mazda and the Force as a Binding Energy
In Zoroastrianism, Ahura Mazda is not just a god figure but a representation of divine wisdom, truth, and goodness that pervades the universe. This concept resonates with the Force, which is portrayed as an omnipresent, guiding essence that exists within all life. Just as Zoroastrians seek to attune themselves to Ahura Mazda’s will, Jedi strive to align with the Force, cultivating awareness, balance, and insight.
Lucas’s Star Wars presents the Force as a universal energy, neither strictly good nor evil, but shaped by the intentions of those who wield it. This portrayal aligns closely with Ahura Mazda as an omnipresent source of order and truth, where humans are free to choose alignment with either Asha or Druj. This echoes Zoroastrianism’s emphasis on free will and the moral responsibility to act for the good of all.
4. The Role of the Magi and the Jedi as Spiritual Guides
In ancient Persia, the Magi were spiritual leaders and interpreters of Zoroastrian wisdom. Their role bears a striking resemblance to the Jedi, who serve not only as guardians of peace but as keepers of ancient wisdom. The Jedi’s emphasis on meditation, understanding, and the pursuit of inner harmony mirrors the teachings of the Magi, who sought enlightenment and spiritual balance.
The Magi and Jedi share the duty of protecting cosmic order. In Zoroastrianism, Magi strive to uphold Asha and defend against Druj, while in Star Wars, Jedi act as defenders of peace, safeguarding the galaxy from the corruption of the Dark Side. Lucas’s choice to portray the Jedi as monk-like warriors may well have drawn inspiration from the ancient Persian Magi, blending spiritual and martial aspects into one guiding philosophy.
5. The Path of Choice: Zoroastrian Moral Agency and the Jedi Code
Zoroastrianism places great emphasis on Vohu Manah (Good Mind) and personal agency, teaching that each person is responsible for choosing the path of good or evil. This theme is echoed in the journeys of Star Wars characters like Anakin Skywalker, who faces the allure of power and ultimately succumbs to the Dark Side, as well as Luke, who confronts his inner darkness but chooses the path of light.
The Jedi Code reflects this Zoroastrian emphasis on choice and responsibility, reinforcing the idea that every decision contributes to the balance of the Force. Luke’s rejection of the Dark Side at the end of Return of the Jedi symbolizes the triumph of Asha over Druj, a moral victory that aligns with the Zoroastrian belief in the power of righteous choice.
6. George Lucas’s Possible Influences: Zoroastrianism and the Hero’s Journey
While George Lucas has credited Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” as a major influence, Campbell’s work itself was deeply rooted in comparative mythology, including Zoroastrianism. The Zoroastrian hero’s journey, focusing on the pursuit of truth, the fight against evil, and the journey toward enlightenment, likely informed Campbell’s framework and, by extension, Lucas’s Star Wars narrative.
Campbell’s philosophy of confronting one’s darkness and returning transformed resonates with Zoroastrian values. Lucas’s portrayal of the Jedi as heroes who seek to overcome personal flaws and cultivate inner balance reflects this heroic ideal, a path inspired by Zoroaster’s teachings and embraced by many spiritual traditions.
7. Legacy and Cultural Impact: Zoroastrian Principles in Modern Sci-Fi
Zoroastrianism’s influence on Western culture, particularly on concepts of cosmic duality and moral responsibility, laid a foundation for sci-fi and fantasy genres. Star Wars, through its depiction of the Force, the Jedi, and the battle between light and darkness, serves as a modern allegory echoing ancient Zoroastrian principles. For Zoroastrians, the legacy of Asha and the journey toward inner enlightenment remain as timeless as the story of the Jedi seeking balance in the Force.
Conclusion
By weaving Zoroastrian principles into Star Wars, George Lucas created a saga that transcends simple good-versus-evil storytelling. The themes of moral choice, cosmic balance, and the journey of the soul resonate with Zoroastrian teachings, particularly the Faravahar’s message of spiritual alignment. In drawing upon ancient wisdom, Star Wars reminds us that the struggle for righteousness is as universal and timeless as the stars themselves. Whether consciously or not, Lucas’s creation reflects the enduring appeal of Zoroastrianism, offering fans a galaxy far, far away that mirrors humanity’s quest for truth, purpose, and harmony.