Section 1:
L-R: Christopher Judge, Michael Shanks, Amanda Tapping, Richard Dean Anderson
From Stargate SG-1
STARGATE SG ∙ 1
Stargate is the story of a military based exploration of other worlds through wormholes. The wormholes are accessible by means of a Stargate, a ring that “dials” the other worlds to make a direct connection. These journeys lead Stargate teams on a variety of adventures. The original team, which the television series follows, is coined Stargate 1 or SG-1. Here is a rather good synopsis from tv.com:
“This sequel to the 1994 movie Stargate chronicles the further adventures of SGC (Stargate Command). It turned out that the Goa'uld Ra was only one of many alien System Lords who used the Stargates to conquer much of the universe. When Earth uncovers a working cartouche to decipher the coding system of Earth's stargate, they can now travel anywhere. Earth's military sends out SG teams to explore new planets, find technology, and oppose the Goa'uld. Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson from the movie are part of SG-1. They are joined by Sam Carter, a scientist, and Teal'c, a Jaffa who is convinced the Goa'uld are not gods. After Daniel Jackson was temporarily killed off in Season 6 (when actor Michael Shanks left the show for a year) they brought in Jonas Quinn, a scientist from another planet, to take Jackson's place. In Season 9, Jack O'Neill left the team and was replaced by Lt. Colonel Cameron Mitchell as team leader.”
The TV series began in 1997 and ran for 214 episodes, ending in 2007. Here is a trailer for the series:
Fans at a Stargate Convention
One common theme during most of the television series is a direct link to Egyptian Mythology. Egyptian Gods serve as characters who were truly “Ancient Aliens.” The original stargate was actually found in Egypt. Most of the cultures found on other worlds are recognizable. They vary between historic periods including 4th millennium B.C., the Elizabethan Era, the Cold War Era, and imagined future cultures that build off of previously offered sci-fi, including Star Trek.
The real world social impact of Stargate can be seen through the numerous websites dedicated to the shows including Gateworld, an omnipedia, fan sites, myspace groups (pictured above), and an official website. There is even one called Stargate Social, an online forum dedicated to “all things Stargate.” A Google search of “Stargate” returned 58,800,000 results. That’s around half of “Star Trek,” (125,000,000), but about the same as “Mickey Mouse,“ (60,900,000).
Stargate Currency
The amount of money that went into all of the movies and series is staggering. Not a “bank bail-out” mind blowing number, but still huge. During a recent interview, co-creator Brad Wright tallied the bill:
“All that science fiction work has played a leading role in Vancouver’s development as a production centre. Wright says Stargate alone (in its various forms) spent close to a billion dollars, employing thousands of people over the years.”
We’re not talking revenue, that is cost. When you begin to factor in the video games and merchandising, the number balloons. The franchise value is in question now that the series has been officially cancelled.
The Political Importance of Stargate
Senator Robert Kinsey played by Ronny Cox
Stargate dealt with interaction between rivalry worlds and peoples. This also included a working relationship between the United States and Russia. There is a lot of political maneuvering, but it’s difficult to cull out a consistent political theme. There are some who believe that several episodes were anti-Bush.
Another person equates making a change in our political system similar to going through the Stargate:
By design, our constitutional system of checks and balances puts up hurdles against change. The hurdles facing major changes are even higher. In the journey from idea to results, there is a moment at which the democratic process commits to an action, transforming the possible into the real. We call this moment of democratic commitment the “Stargate.”
While this analogy is digestible, there are also conspiracy theories surrounding Stargate. Here is an example of a confirmatory bias involving a “Stargate:”
How Does the Historic ET presence relate to US policy in Iraq?
An independent archaeologist that discusses a direct link between the ancient ET presence in Sumer (southern Iraq) and current US focus on the regime of Saddam Hussein, is William Henry. Henry's main thesis is that there existed in Sumerian times a technological device which he describes as a 'Stargate', that the Anunnaki/Nephilim used to travel back and forth from their homeworld and the Earth, and also how they travel around the galaxy.
The Religious Element
With the obvious connection between mythology and the Stargate series, there were also elements of spirituality. The idea of ascension is heavily explored. The ideas of good and evil are consistent themes. In the later part of the series, the Ori religion appears to be an anology of Christianity, based on the “Priors’ who appear like Jesuit priests, carrying priest staffs, as well as the architecture.
An Ori Prior
Another theme seems to be the demonizing of gods. The Goa'uld and the Ori were both false gods and forcing people to believe in them through torture and enslavement. Blind faith was really the best means of survival on some worlds. To doubt your god or think independently was blaspheme and punishable by ostracization or death.
Oddly enough, I couldn’t find anyone actually practicing one of these religions. I bet they’re out there.
The Future of Stargate
Now that the show is cancelled and there are no plans to revive it or follow up with a film, as was hoped, the future of Stargate is questionable. Co-creator Brad Wright had this to say:
“My feeling is that … the concept of Stargate is too big to just let go. Somebody at MGM is going to say ‘hey we’ve got this show; let’s do something with it,’” he says. “I don’t think it’ll happen really quickly, but I think somebody is going to bring the show back.”
The Big Question:
If you had the opportunity would you travel to an unknown world, knowing you might face some of the risks encountered on the show?
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Section 2:
A Hero’s Journey Through the Stargate
One of the main themes I have been personally returning to has been Joseph Campbell’s explanation of “The Hero’s Journey.” In part, because I reread The Power of Myth at the beginning of this class, but also because I have been able to thread so much of it into the discussions we’ve had. I believe this could even be tied into, Hooked, by Matt Richtel. It is vital in so many aspects of understanding ourselves, our fears and inhibitions, and our triumphs. It really comes alive in our storytelling. There is an underlying theme that runs through them all. It is a mono-myth that transcends cultures and time. It neatly ties into our spiritual views. Joseph Campbell’s examination has been so extensive that I noticed several websites referring to The Hero’s Journey as “Campbellian.”
Joseph Campbell on Bill Moyer’s The Power of Myth
So, what is The Hero’s Journey? Well, it’s the specific stages the hero must pass in order to become enlightened, if you will. Here is a simple chart that shows the path:
Christopher Vogler is has done an excellent job of breaking down The Hero’s Journey in the chart above, but he has gone much further in researching the impact of this journey in film. Here is a brief video of Vogel explaining the development:
I have selected the character of Daniel Jackson, as I believe he best embodies The Hero’s Journey.
James Spader as Daniel Jackson in the Original Movie
Originally, Daniel Jackson was the main character and was played by James Spader in the 1994 film, Stargate:
When the movie was adapted for television, Jackson was played by Micheal Shanks.
Micheal Shanks as Daniel Jackson in the TV Series
Meet Daniel Jackson:
Here is Daniel Jackson’s explanation of the Stargate:
Daniel Jackson’s Journey
It wasn’t too hard to find other peoples interpretations of the Hero’s Journey in Science Fiction. Borrowing a form from the Star Wars Fan-site, Moongadget, I have applied Campbell’s Hero Journey against the outline of Christopher Vogler. I have essentially tested the story of my subject, Daniel Jackson, to see how it compares. I am focusing on the television series for the purpose of this essay. Below is a view of what I believe are the major or primary elements in Jackson journey. It’s worth noting these themes get repeated and there are several variations.
Campbell | Stargate |
I: Departure |
|
The call to adventure | Begins when the SG-1 team returns to the planet where Jackson had decided to live. (Season 1, Episode 1) |
Refusal of the call | He wants to stay with at his new home but is forced to leave when his wife is abducted. (Season 1, Episode 1) |
Supernatural aid | The Tokra are essentially good renegade Goa'uld who hep Jackson and SG-1. (Season 2, Episodes 11 & 12). More importantly, the team is helped by the Alterrans who have ascended from their physical beings. (Season 5, Episode 3) |
Crossing the first threshold | This would probably be when Daniel becomes a team member of SG-1 |
The belly of the whale | Going into the Stargate for the sole purpose of exploration. |
II: Initiation |
|
The road of trials | Jackson must study the cultures and languages of the differnt worlds to help the team accomplish their missions. |
The meeting with the goddess | It could be the ascended being, Oma Desala. |
Temptation away from the true path1 | This could be when Hathor seduces all of the men of Stargate command. She carris the baby of Daniel Jackson. (Season 1, Episode 13) |
Atonement with the Father | This could be when Jackson tries to stop Anubis while he is ascended. It could also be when Jackson confronts Morgan Le Fay about not helping save the human race and themselves. (Season 10, Episode 3). |
Apotheosis (becoming god-like) | Ascension. Daniel ascends after dying from radiation poisoning. (Season 5, Episode 21) |
The ultimate boon | This would be when SG-1 defeats the Goa'uld and the Ori. |
Again, these themes takes on different shapes, has different conclusions, and is reborn in new storylines within the television series. This is due to the constraints of television and the limited time frame they must work within. Some stories continue intermittently throughout the show and others are captured in the 44 minutes allotted. I have selected the highlights which best illustrate my thesis.
The Hero’s Journey is deeply embedded in many science fiction stories. George Lucas discusses the importance of Joseph Campbell’s work in the evolution and writing of Star Wars:
(If you’re interested in the mytholgy of Star Wars, there is a Bill Moyer interview with George Lucas).
This formula will be repeated over and over as long as stories are told. The importance of Campbell’s work continues to be recognized. Here is a trailer from an upcoming film based on Campbell’s mono-myth of the The Hero’s Journey:
Finding Joe - Trailer V.7 from pat solomon on Vimeo.
The Hero’s Journey is never really over.
Fascinating presentation! You did an excellent job of including required components as well as adding your own special touch!
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