bonniegrrl | Merlin: A Magical Hero's Journey (Reply)

Merlin: A Magical Hero's Journey
Words: Bonnie Burton

What if Yoda was a wise dragon, Obi-Wan was an elderly wizard, and Darth Vader was a prejudiced king blinded by his hatred for all those who oppose him? Jedi Knights are not so far off from the Knights of the Round Table. Some fans might be tempted to draw parallels between the hero's journey in Star Wars and that of another legendary tale of Merlin and King Arthur, thanks to the BBC show Merlin, currently airing on NBC.

Merlin explores the story of the young wizard Merlin, as well as Prince Arthur, Morgana, Guinevere, Nimueh, Mordred, Uther Pendragon, Lancelot and other well-known Arthurian characters.

I chat with Merlin producer, writer and co-creator Johnny Capps about this new twist on the tale of Merlin, why the Great Dragon and Yoda make excellent teachers, and why the master/apprentice relationship is crucial during a hero's journey.

EXCERPT:

In Star Wars, it's been somewhat of an uneasy revelation that Luke and Leia are brother and sister, especially since Luke harbored romantic feelings for her early on without that knowledge.

In Arthurian legend, Prince Arthur and Morgana are supposedly half-brother and sister, yet in the show it seems they are not related in the slightest. Was this to facilitate a romance between the two, or should viewers stay tuned for a bigger plot twist?

There's a long way to go in the story of Arthur and Morgana. That's all I'm saying!

Why is do you think the hero's journey is so compelling to both Merlin and Star Wars fans?

People like to see the best human characteristics (bravery, kindness, strength and nobility) triumph over the worst ones (cowardice and evil). It makes us all feel like there's a hero in all of us.

The Great Dragon almost has a Yoda-like quality to him. Why are all the great teachers so cryptic in their lessons?

Otherwise it would be too easy! If the hero was told what to do and how to do it, he wouldn't have any obstacles to overcome -- and he wouldn't have achieved his triumphs on his own merits. A good teacher makes the pupil work hard!