[Gayalondiel]

Lucas based SW around ideas drawn from multi-cultural sources (including the Seven Samurai guy) and the "hero's journey". Its a basic structure derived from myth and legends all over the world, which are found to have common plot structure: heroes, loss of innocence, mentors, sacrifice, etc. Obi-Wan and Gandalf are both terrific examples of the "Mentor" model: strong, wise characters who have to be lost so the "hero" can achieve a sense of independance and be pushed on to further action. but they have to come back and achieve peace and fulfilment. I'm not saying either writer has plagarised anyone; this model is found the world over and is one of the most natural to us, as every fairy-tale has one. Obi-Wan and Gandalf are two spectacular examples of a simple template given a great depth and individuality.