The Reluctant Rebel: How Star Wars' Cassian Andor Embodies Biblical Virtues
Exploring the Intersection of Star Wars and Scripture through Cassian Andor's Journey
George Lucas introduced the world to Star Wars with his “A New Hope” in May of 1977. Since then dozens of movies, animated features, comics, shorts, television shows, and other media have been released. In “A New Hope,” Luke Skywalker—on his Hero’s Journey, along with Princess Leia Organa, Han Solo, and Chewbacca join the rebellion against Emperor Palpatine and Darth Vader. They meet on Yavin 4, a moon of the gaseous planet Yavin. Mon Mothma, a senator who mourns the loss of the Republic, is one of the main leaders of the rebellion. This small band of rebels destroys the mighty, well-fortified Death Star. The Andor series, now on Disney Plus, follows the story of the emerging rebellion against the once mild-mannered Chancellor who hid well his dark side and is now an evil Emperor. Cassian Andor, the reluctant hero of the early rebellion, who retrieves the technical readout of the Death Star and hands it off to others, embodies characteristics reminiscent of several biblical figures.
Samson was a mighty warrior-judge whose long hair was a sign of his promise to God, as a Nazerite—one who takes a vow of abstinence from alcohol and not cut his hair nor contact with dead bodies. His story may be found in Judges 16. Delilah tries to seduce him to give away the secret of his strength, his long hair. Cassian also wields significant influence in his community, that is, those who are in the rebellion, by shaping the course of the war. Although, at times, he is conflicted about how much risk he is willing to take. Both Samson and Cassian struggle with their moral ambiguities, walking a fine line between right and wrong. Both were called to duty, honor, and heroism. Each was captured and enslaved for a time. Samson could have stayed with Delilah and led a life of pleasure and indulgence, as well as dishonoring his Jewish religion and heritage. Cassian could have left the rebellion to be with Bix, thus escaping the harshness of war and the doom hanging over the galaxy. However, they ultimately chose the path of righteousness, duty, and honor. Their heroic deaths led to the destruction of the enemy stronghold, specifically the Temple of Dagon and the Death Star.
However, Cassian's initial reluctance to embrace his role in the Rebellion draws stronger parallels with Jonah, the prophet who fled from God's call. Both Cassian and Jonah attempt to escape their destinies, only to be drawn back in by circumstance. As Cassian becomes more deeply embroiled in the rebellion, he begins to grasp the gravity of his mission, much like Jonah came to understand the importance of his prophecy. Several times, after a successful, albeit dangerous mission, Cassian would express that he was done with missions and rebellions; he wanted his freedom from responsibility. Although Cassian was gifted with leadership abilities, charisma, and critical thinking skills, his desire to be with Bix was ever-present as well as a fading reality. Jonah fled from his responsibility because he resented the Ninevites—the sworn enemy of the Israelites. He had to learn compassion for them, just as Cassian had to learn compassion for someone other than his own interest. Eventually, Jonah was swallowed by a whale and spit back on land where he traveled to Nineveh to spread God’s plan of judgment and redemption. Cassian was also reluctant at every turn, wanting instead to continue a relationship with Bix Caleen and later Jyn Erso. Cassian and Samson’s bravery, selflessness, and denial of their own life goals, ultimately lead them to sacrifice everything for the greater good.
This aspect of his character resonates deeply with Esther, the biblical queen who risked her life to save her people. Esther was deep in the trust of King Xerxes and had to bravely and coyly confront him at the risk of her own life, to rescue her fellow Jews from certain destruction. Haman did not like the Jews because he felt they were subversive and appealed to a higher authority than the king. Dedra Meero, an imperial leader, disdained the rebels because she saw them as a threat to the Empire’s order and stability. Both Dedra and Haman saw their adversaries as obstacles to their own political and career aspirations. Like Esther, Cassian finds himself in a position to make a profound impact, and he seizes the opportunity, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Both Esther and Cassian risked their lives by confronting their fears and people in power. Esther inspired generations of Jews and others to stand up for others; the holiday of Purim is a time when Jews celebrate Esther’s story. Cassian, through his actions, enkindled hope for a rebellion bent on defeating a powerful enemy.
Through Cassian's character, we see the value of redemption and personal growth. As he navigates the complexities of war and rebellion, he evolves from a selfish individual to a selfless hero. This transformation echoes the biblical theme of sanctification, where believers are continually refined and perfected through their experiences. Cassian's story serves as a powerful reminder that our choices and actions have consequences and that we always can change and grow.
How often do each of us face a difficulty and prefer to comfort ourselves rather than take action? Like Samson, we can be lured in by carnal desires and selfish ambition, lured by a life of luxury by an alluring rich woman. Sometimes we may want to escape responsibilities, like Jonah, out of disdain for others due to bigotry. We forget that we are called to love our enemies, pray for our persecutors, and spread God’s message of redemption. Then there is Esther who had a life of luxury and ease and could have simply stayed quiet about the evils of Haman. Each of us needs to make decisions that deny our ambition, desires, and life goals to serve the greater good.
In conclusion, Cassian Andor's journey reflects the stories of several biblical heroes, including Samson, Jonah, and Esther. Through his character, we see the importance of bravery, selflessness, and redemption. As we reflect on his story, we are reminded of the enduring power of sacrifice and the impact one person can have on the world around them. You may never know the lasting impact one person can have through a single act of kindness, bravery, or love.