One may not think of epic poetry when they think of Star Wars, but the two storytelling phenomena have a lot more in common than one may initially realize.
That’s why Lucasfilm and Abrams books have partnered with Stanford-educated author Jack Mitchell to create The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem, a tribute to the works of classic poets like Homer via A Galaxy Far, Far Away. The title and cover for the book was revealed on this week’s episode of Lucasfilm’s official news webseries This Week in Star Wars. No joke!
Watch “This Week in Star Wars” for April 1, 2021:
What’s Happening:
- Lucasfilm Publishing and Abrams Books have announced The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem.
- In the book, author Jack Mitchell will use the ancient literary form of epic poetry to put an epic spin on the Star Wars saga. The story will begin with the Battle of Scarif from Rogue One: A Star Wars Story and run all the way through the Battle of Endor from Return of the Jedi.
- The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem is due out on September 28, 2021.
What They’re Saying:
- Author Jack Mitchell: “I was reading Homer and Vergil in the daytime, then Star Wars books to my kids at night. And I realized this was our modern mythology, which I was already passing on. What I like about poetry is it’s portable — a trilogy in your pocket. I think the movies turn us all into poets. We weave the stories together as we watch, we hear echoes and allusions: that’s why they’re always fresh. This long poem is just me putting into words the way I watch them. Myth and poetry are natural allies. Give a hero a sword and a monster to fight, and you’re half way to epic already. Or better yet a lightsaber and a wampa.”
- StarWars.com: “Like the tales of Odysseus and Beowulf that have come before it, the adventures of Luke Skywalker, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Darth Vader are larger-than life mythologies, filled with legendary battles, archetypal heroes and storied warriors, sleek ships and dangerous monsters lurking along the way. Alongside illustrations inspired by the terracotta art synonymous with Greek antiquity, Mitchell uses the ancient literary form of epic poetry to put a new spin on the Star Wars saga.”
The Odyssey of Star Wars: An Epic Poem will be released on September 28, and is available for pre-order now from Abrams Books.