Tim White
May 04, 2024 - 05:05

May the 4th be with you: How World War II influenced Star Wars

Tolkien's WWII allegories in "The Lord of the Rings" paved the way for Lucas's WWII-inspired "Star Wars" universe. May the Fourth be with you!

In a groundbreaking review of J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" in 1949, Maj. Warren Lewis suggested that the story could be read topically, with The Shire representing England, Rohan symbolizing France, Gondor embodying the Germany of the future, and Sauron mirroring Stalin. Despite Tolkien's later denial of any allegorical intent, historian Alan Allport argued in his 2020 book "Britain at Bay" that Lewis had tapped into something significant.

Tolkien's Middle Earth was not just a mythopoeic fantasy world but a reflection of events in the real world, according to Allport. The parallels between Middle Earth and the contemporary world were evident to Tolkien's audience, who saw connections between the two.

Inspiration from World War II is not unique to Tolkien, as evidenced by George Lucas's "Star Wars." Lucas immersed himself in over 25 hours of WWII footage to research for his films, drawing parallels between the Galactic Empire and Nazi Germany. The aerial tactics in "Star Wars" were influenced by WWII dogfights, with iconic scenes resembling maneuvers from the 1940s aircraft.

Lucas's attention to detail extended to the sounds of his spaceships, with inspiration drawn from the noise of P-51 Mustangs recorded at the Reno Air Races. The design of the Millennium Falcon's cockpit was inspired by the B-29 bomber, and even Darth Vader's helmet bore similarities to those worn by the Wehrmacht during WWII.

The Death Star attack in "Star Wars" mirrors the audacious raid on Germany's dams in 1943, with both narratives showcasing combat in the face of desperate odds. The pivotal moment when the Millennium Falcon emerges from the sun to save the day is a nod to classic military aviation tactics.

Overall, the influence of WWII on "Star Wars" is undeniable, with Lucas's meticulous attention to detail and historical references adding depth to the galaxy far, far away. The parallels between the fictional universe and real-world events make for a rich tapestry of storytelling that continues to captivate audiences on May the Fourth and beyond.