Masters & Apprentices

Masters and apprentices are as integral to the Star Wars mythos as starships and lightsabers. Given the franchise’s roots in Joseph Campbell’s work and the importance of a mentor in the Hero’s Journey, the master-apprentice relationship is foundational to the universe George Lucas created and that we have enjoyed for so long. In following the framework that Campbell illustrated, Star Wars follows a nearly universal pattern in human storytelling that transcends time and culture. In that sense, the crucial role of a mentor—a Master—in Star Wars storytelling is arguably one of the elements that have helped the franchise endure for generations.

“Meeting the mentor” is a critical step in the Hero’s Journey. Without the mentor, the would-be hero is reluctant to leave their everyday life—it might be late, and they might need to go home. But the mentors’ skills and knowledge give the hero what they need to leave their comfort zone. The hero is only ready to embark on the adventure after meeting the mentor. 

In the Star Wars universe, encountering and training under a master is also crucial in our favorite characters’ arcs. In the life of a Jedi, the relationship between master and apprentice often becomes the most important relationship many of our antagonists have.  Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan; Obi-Wan and Anakin; Anakin and Ahsoka. 

The dynamics we see on screen between Jedi Masters and their Padawans find parallels in Star Wars literature and a mirror in the ways of the Sith. We explore on-screen master-apprentice relationships even further. We meet new pairings, like Loden and Bell or Cohmac and Reath. We read about what Jedi apprenticeship looked like hundreds or even thousands of years earlier and Luke’s own efforts to train a new generation of apprentices. We also find out what happened between Darth Plagueis and his apprentice and precisely why “always two there, no more, no less.”

Whether you want more adventures from duos you’ve already seen on screen or meet new mentors, you’ll find plenty to enjoy in these books.