Episode 135: This Is the Way | The Mandalorian, Westerns & Ancient History

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, some wars were fought, a Jedi rose, and grand destinies were revealed. But what was happening just outside of that orbit? How did the many races and species of the galaxy fare when all was said and done? Disney Plus’s new Star Wars show The Mandalorian asks these questions, and gives us a few answers. We follow a lone bounty hunter from an ancient culture through worlds familiar and new on his unexpected quest. In this episode of the Midnight Myth, we explore the influence of the Western film genre—in particular the Spaghetti Western—on The Mandalorian, and discuss the similarities and differences of the mysterious Mandalorian culture to that of Ancient Sparta. This is the way.

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Episode 131: A Certain Point of View | Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Mythology & History

Is C-3PO a god? Did Obi Wan tell the truth from a certain point of view? Can the worst of the worst, like Darth Vader, really be redeemed? In the final installment of our podcast series on the Star Wars Original Trilogy, we’re hopping on our speeder bikes for a joy ride through the Forest Moon of Endor. We’ll compare the teachings of the Jedi to the contradictory nature of real-world knighthood, discuss the basis of Ewok society, and track the formation and formalization of ritual in Episode VI: Return of the Jedi.

Episode 130: Old Man Yoda | Star Wars Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back, Mythology & Eastern Philosophy

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away… In the second installment of our series on Star Wars and mythology, we’re unpacking the most powerful symbols in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back. Considered by most to be the best of the Star Wars movies, Empire has no shortage of philosophy and mythic symbolism to mine. We’ll explore the sacred space of darkness and light that Yoda inhabits on Dagobah, and compare his understanding of the Force—which draws deeply on Buddhist philosophy—to what we learned about it in Episode IV. We’ll meditate on the revelation of Luke Skywalker’s parentage—arguably one of the most important moments in cinema history—and its significance to the hero’s journey.

Episode 128: Maclunkey | Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, Mythology & Psychoanalysis | ***Giveaway***

In just over a month’s time, we’ll gather, along with millions across the globe, to partake in an ancient ritual: the viewing of Star Wars. The Rise of Skywalker, the conclusion to the epic Skywalker Saga, is just around the corner, so we’re going back to the source. In this discussion of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope, we’ll work to decode the symbolic language in this myth for our time. Drawing on the work of Joseph Campbell, Sigmund Freud, C.G. Jung, and others, we’ll attempt to understand the true power and legacy of this beloved story.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Subscribe to our friends at the Pop Venture Family on YouTube, and listen to THIS EPISODE for details on how to enter our joint ***Star Wars Funko Pop giveaway!*** Here is the video you’re looking for.

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Midnight Myth Time Machine | Episode 6: Rebel Rebel

It’s the Midnight Myth Time Machine! This is Episode 6: Rebel Rebel, which originally aired in March of 2017. Derek and Laurel discuss rebellion, resistance, and revolution in stories. From the Hunger Games to Star Wars in the realms of sci-fi and fantasy and dramatizations of historical events like Les Miserables and Hamilton. So hop in the time machine with us and enjoy Episode 6: Rebel Rebel.

Midnight Myth Time Machine | Episode 2: Hey Princess | Star Wars, Fairy Tales & Princess Leia

It’s the Midnight Myth Time Machine y’all! We’re publishing our back catalog week by week to make it available on all platforms. This is Episode 2: Hey Princess, which aired in February of 2017. We discuss our hero, Princess Leia/General Organa from the Star Wars franchise and her legacy for the princess archetype in Hollywood. With an exploration of Central European fairy tales and Disney’s iconic princesses, we try to learn how to better craft women characters.

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Sources

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The Boomerangerang: Star Wars Edition

It’s good to be back in the studio with a new Boomerangerang—an all-game, all-debate, all-awesome back and forth starring your favorite Star Wars heroes, villains, and unexpected side characters. Join us as we explore the merits of Jar Jar Binks as a web developer, Admiral Holdo as an international diplomat, or Darth Vader as a travel agent. Pick a side, make an argument, and enjoy.

Episode 60B: Reach out with your Feelings

Last week, we talked about the Force awakening in Rey, our hero. This week, Derek & Laurel explore the continuation of Rey’s character journey through the Last Jedi. As a mentor-less orphan wandering the galaxy in search of guidance, Rey’s coming-of-age is unique in the Star Wars universe. Where the heroes who came before her were aided by the likes of Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi, Rey must find her way more or less alone—with the fate of the galaxy quite literally hanging in the balance. Join us for part two of a deconstruction of Rey, a new kind of Star Wars hero.