Mind Trick

The Force is described as an energy field created by all living things that interconnects all elements of the galaxy. These individuals access supernatural abilities such as telekinesis and clairvoyance. The Jedi, a peacekeeping group of warrior-monks, channel these powers toward selfless goals, matching their personal wills with the will of the Force. This distinction defines the light side versus the dark side, where villains like the Sith bend these additional abilities toward selfish and destructive desires.

Quick Facts

Force alignment: Light side (selfless) versus Dark side (selfish/destructive)
Target requirement: Must be Force-sensitive with a high enough midi-chlorian count to feel and use t
Primary effect: Access to supernatural abilities such as limited superhuman strength, telekinesi

Lore & Background

George Lucas created the Force concept in Star Wars (1977) to address character development and awaken spirituality without endorsing a specific religion. He distilled it from the essence of all religions, premised on good and evil. In early drafts, the power was called the "Force of Others," with light and dark sides known as Ashla and Bogan respectively. The second draft mentioned Ashla 10 times and Bogan 31 times, linking them to a Kyber Crystal that could intensify their powers. By the fourth draft (January 1, 1976), Lucas trimmed this to "the Force" with a single reference to its seductive "dark side." Qui-Gon Jinn later explained in The Phantom Menace (1999) that microscopic lifeforms called midi-chlorians exist inside all living cells, allowing characters to feel and use the Force. A high enough count is required for sensitivity.

Reader's Guide

Force-sensitive characters connect to the Force through rigorous self-discipline, training, and mindfulness. The Living Force is the energy generated by all living things, which is fed into the Cosmic Force via midi-chlorians. Jedi seek to "become one with the Force," while the Sith try to bend its abilities toward selfish desires. In 1981, Lucas compared using the Force to yoga, suggesting any character could use its power, though Dave Filoni later clarified in 2015 that all characters are "Force intuitive" to some degree. However, the most potent users have a high midi-chlorian count providing natural affinity and undertake intense training. The ability to wield powers like telekinesis or extrasensory perception depends on this sensitivity and discipline.

Did You Know?

George Lucas based the concept of midi-chlorians on symbiogenesis, calling them a "loose depiction" of mitochondria.
Lucas finished the fourth draft on January 1, 1976, reducing the explanation of the Force to just 28 words.
Producer Gary Kurtz told Lucas he was unhappy with drafts connecting the Force to the Kyber Crystal.