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Film

Star Wars turns 40, but the Galactic Empire is far from over

"A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away...." On May 25, 1977, these words flashed onto the movie screen for the first time. And that was more than just the beginning of a space saga.

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The new spin-off: Solo: A Star Wars Story

The latest film tells the story of a young Han Solo. Actor Alen Ehrenreich plays the renegade space pilot with humor and respect for the original character, portrayed by Harrison Ford. Taking place before Episode IV, the film explains how Solo got to know his Wookie pal Chewbacca.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The dream team from the original trilogy

In 1977, the smuggler Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker appeared for the first time on the silver screen. The trio was central to episodes IV-VI, (Star Wars, 1977; The Empire Strikes Back, 1980; Return of the Jedi, 1983), and met again decades later in Episode VII - The Force Awakens, from 2015.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Traveling in time

Since 1977, Star Wars enthusiasts have been regularly celebrating the release of a new episode. They don't mind the jumps in the timeline. A real Star Wars fan knows exactly "when" each episode is set. The events in Rogue One take place between Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV - A New Hope, the new title for the original Star Wars movie.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Jedi Knights

In the Star Wars universe, members of the Jedi Order use their power to do good. The Force gives them superhuman abilities. For example, they can move objects using their mind. Their strongest weapon is the lightsaber. The most famous Jedi Knights are Luke and Anakin Skywalker (the latter is shown right in the picture), Obi-Wan Kenobi (left) and Master Yoda.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Grand master Yoda

Yoda is the most powerful Jedi Knight of all time; he knows how to use the Force like no other. For over 800 years, he has been training young disciples, known as Padawan learners, to become Jedi Knights. His language is strange; his words are wise. He is only 66 cm (26 inches) tall, but even his largest opponents know the Jedi Master should not be judged by his size.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

'Do or do not. There is no try.'

In Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda trains the young Luke Skywalker. Luke is very insecure and does not believe in his powers. Yoda teaches him the Jedi philosophy and new mental skills. He also warns him not to let negative feelings take over: "Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny."
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Sith

The Sith are an Order on the dark side of the Force. Sith are mostly former Jedi Knights who have left the light side hoping to obtain more power. Famous Siths include Darth Vader, Darth Maul and Darth Sidious. Pictured here is Darth Tyranus, who was known as Count Dooku when he was a Jedi.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

'Luke, I am your father'

Darth Vader used to be Jedi Anakin Skywalker. Wanting to save the life of his wife and unborn children, he was pulled into the dark force by the Galactic Emperor himself. Anakin then became Darth Vader, while his children Luke and Leia were rescued and hidden. Twenty years later, Luke and Vader met again in a climatic confrontation, where the son discovered that the grim figure was his father.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Emperor of the Galactic Empire

He is actually a charismatic member of the Senate governing a large planetary republic. But secretly, Sheev Palpatine is a Sith Lord named Darth Sidious. He calls for an uprising against the Republic. He rises to the position of Supreme Chancellor and then Emperor, aiming to rule on the entire universe. He is responsible for the worst of all weapons...
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Death Star

The Death Star is the Imperial super-weapon. It's the size of the moon and is devastatingly destructive. Princess Leia witnessed a cruel demonstration of its power, as a blast from its superlaser destroyed her home planet, Alderaan. The Death Star had a weak point, allowing the rebels to strike back and destroy it — but the next Death Star was already under construction.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The stormtroopers

Controlled by the dark side of the Force, hundreds of thousands of soldiers — the stormtroopers — are the main ground force of the Galactic Empire. They have always been loyal to the supreme commander, the Galactic Emperor, and follow their superiors — such as here, Kylo Ren — without questioning them. In Episode VII, stormtrooper Finn breaks with this tradition and joins the good guys.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Jabba the Hutt

Along with humanoids, the Star Wars universe features a few inhuman creatures, such as the powerful criminal Jabba the Hutt, a disgusting monster who has unfinished business with the ex-smuggler Han Solo. In order to reinforce his demands, he enslaves Princess Leia. The bikini worn by actress Carrie Fischer in that scene has become legendary.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

All Terrain Armored Transport (AT-AT)

The Imperial weapons' massive size alone is already meant to frighten opponents. The four-legged AT-AT walkers are combat vehicles that can move quickly on any terrain while transporting troops. Their heads contain tons of the destructive projectiles. A similarly evil combat device is the two-legged All Terrain Scout Transport, or AT-ST.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Flying duels

While the Death Star was still being built, the ships of the Imperial fleet were holding the fort. Pictured here is a gigantic Star Destroyer, flanked by small and maneuverable starfighters that combat the Rebels in their own rapid ships, leading to fast-paced duels. In 1977, Star Wars creator George Lucas established new standards in special effects with these spectacular scenes.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The music

Composer John Williams wrote the soundtrack to all Star Wars films. The main theme and the dark march accompanying Darth Vader are world famous. The song "Cantina Song" from Episode IV also became instantly cult. It is played by the alien band Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes in the original 1977 film.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Han Solo's sidekick: Chewbacca

Smuggling belongs to Han Solo's past by Episode VII, and his relation with Princess Leia is also over — even though they are married. After many years, they meet again, and once again, their goal is to fight against the Empire. They're all older — except Han Solo's loyal friend, the Wookie Chewbacca, who accompanies Han until the end. His growl is legendary.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The droids

Already present in the first films, the golden know-it-all droid C3PO and his small beeping counterpart, R2D2, make up one of the most iconic twosome of film history. In Episode VII, another cute robot joined them: BB-8 (left). These three droids are loyal to the main characters and have already saved them from perilous situations.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

A new heroine

Introduced in Episode VII, Rey is a new heroine whose origin still hasn't been explained. Is she the daughter of Leia and Han Solo? Or Luke Skywalker's? No one knows what happened in the 30 years after Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. Rogue One invited audiences to go back in time to find out.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Rogue One

This stand-alone spin-off movie is set in the period between Episode III and IV. The Empire is building its first Death Star and wants to test its destructive power. As Star Wars fans know, it can destroy a whole planet with a single blast. The Rebels want to steal the design plans for the weapon. The whole story runs parallel to the original Star Wars narrative.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Rey's journey continues in Star Wars: The last Jedi

Just before Christmas 2017, the eighth part of the Star Wars saga was released. In Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, Rey tries to win over Jedi recluse Luke Skywalker and bring him back into the Resistance. Meanwhile, the "First Order" wants to completely annihilate the rebel army led by Leia Organa. Poe and Finn do their best to prevent this.

Author: Silke Wünsch (eg)

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The new spin-off: Solo: A Star Wars Story

The latest film tells the story of a young Han Solo. Actor Alen Ehrenreich plays the renegade space pilot with humor and respect for the original character, portrayed by Harrison Ford. Taking place before Episode IV, the film explains how Solo got to know his Wookie pal Chewbacca.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The dream team from the original trilogy

In 1977, the smuggler Han Solo, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker appeared for the first time on the silver screen. The trio was central to episodes IV-VI, (Star Wars, 1977; The Empire Strikes Back, 1980; Return of the Jedi, 1983), and met again decades later in Episode VII - The Force Awakens, from 2015.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Traveling in time

Since 1977, Star Wars enthusiasts have been regularly celebrating the release of a new episode. They don't mind the jumps in the timeline. A real Star Wars fan knows exactly "when" each episode is set. The events in Rogue One take place between Episode III - Revenge of the Sith and Episode IV - A New Hope, the new title for the original Star Wars movie.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Jedi Knights

In the Star Wars universe, members of the Jedi Order use their power to do good. The Force gives them superhuman abilities. For example, they can move objects using their mind. Their strongest weapon is the lightsaber. The most famous Jedi Knights are Luke and Anakin Skywalker (the latter is shown right in the picture), Obi-Wan Kenobi (left) and Master Yoda.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Grand master Yoda

Yoda is the most powerful Jedi Knight of all time; he knows how to use the Force like no other. For over 800 years, he has been training young disciples, known as Padawan learners, to become Jedi Knights. His language is strange; his words are wise. He is only 66 cm (26 inches) tall, but even his largest opponents know the Jedi Master should not be judged by his size.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

'Do or do not. There is no try.'

In Episode V - The Empire Strikes Back, Yoda trains the young Luke Skywalker. Luke is very insecure and does not believe in his powers. Yoda teaches him the Jedi philosophy and new mental skills. He also warns him not to let negative feelings take over: "Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny."
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Sith

The Sith are an Order on the dark side of the Force. Sith are mostly former Jedi Knights who have left the light side hoping to obtain more power. Famous Siths include Darth Vader, Darth Maul and Darth Sidious. Pictured here is Darth Tyranus, who was known as Count Dooku when he was a Jedi.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

'Luke, I am your father'

Darth Vader used to be Jedi Anakin Skywalker. Wanting to save the life of his wife and unborn children, he was pulled into the dark force by the Galactic Emperor himself. Anakin then became Darth Vader, while his children Luke and Leia were rescued and hidden. Twenty years later, Luke and Vader met again in a climatic confrontation, where the son discovered that the grim figure was his father.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Emperor of the Galactic Empire

He is actually a charismatic member of the Senate governing a large planetary republic. But secretly, Sheev Palpatine is a Sith Lord named Darth Sidious. He calls for an uprising against the Republic. He rises to the position of Supreme Chancellor and then Emperor, aiming to rule on the entire universe. He is responsible for the worst of all weapons...
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Death Star

The Death Star is the Imperial super-weapon. It's the size of the moon and is devastatingly destructive. Princess Leia witnessed a cruel demonstration of its power, as a blast from its superlaser destroyed her home planet, Alderaan. The Death Star had a weak point, allowing the rebels to strike back and destroy it — but the next Death Star was already under construction.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The stormtroopers

Controlled by the dark side of the Force, hundreds of thousands of soldiers — the stormtroopers — are the main ground force of the Galactic Empire. They have always been loyal to the supreme commander, the Galactic Emperor, and follow their superiors — such as here, Kylo Ren — without questioning them. In Episode VII, stormtrooper Finn breaks with this tradition and joins the good guys.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Jabba the Hutt

Along with humanoids, the Star Wars universe features a few inhuman creatures, such as the powerful criminal Jabba the Hutt, a disgusting monster who has unfinished business with the ex-smuggler Han Solo. In order to reinforce his demands, he enslaves Princess Leia. The bikini worn by actress Carrie Fischer in that scene has become legendary.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

All Terrain Armored Transport (AT-AT)

The Imperial weapons' massive size alone is already meant to frighten opponents. The four-legged AT-AT walkers are combat vehicles that can move quickly on any terrain while transporting troops. Their heads contain tons of the destructive projectiles. A similarly evil combat device is the two-legged All Terrain Scout Transport, or AT-ST.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Flying duels

While the Death Star was still being built, the ships of the Imperial fleet were holding the fort. Pictured here is a gigantic Star Destroyer, flanked by small and maneuverable starfighters that combat the Rebels in their own rapid ships, leading to fast-paced duels. In 1977, Star Wars creator George Lucas established new standards in special effects with these spectacular scenes.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The music

Composer John Williams wrote the soundtrack to all Star Wars films. The main theme and the dark march accompanying Darth Vader are world famous. The song "Cantina Song" from Episode IV also became instantly cult. It is played by the alien band Figrin D'an and the Modal Nodes in the original 1977 film.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Han Solo's sidekick: Chewbacca

Smuggling belongs to Han Solo's past by Episode VII, and his relation with Princess Leia is also over — even though they are married. After many years, they meet again, and once again, their goal is to fight against the Empire. They're all older — except Han Solo's loyal friend, the Wookie Chewbacca, who accompanies Han until the end. His growl is legendary.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The droids

Already present in the first films, the golden know-it-all droid C3PO and his small beeping counterpart, R2D2, make up one of the most iconic twosome of film history. In Episode VII, another cute robot joined them: BB-8 (left). These three droids are loyal to the main characters and have already saved them from perilous situations.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

A new heroine

Introduced in Episode VII, Rey is a new heroine whose origin still hasn't been explained. Is she the daughter of Leia and Han Solo? Or Luke Skywalker's? No one knows what happened in the 30 years after Episode VI - Return of the Jedi. Rogue One invited audiences to go back in time to find out.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Rogue One

This stand-alone spin-off movie is set in the period between Episode III and IV. The Empire is building its first Death Star and wants to test its destructive power. As Star Wars fans know, it can destroy a whole planet with a single blast. The Rebels want to steal the design plans for the weapon. The whole story runs parallel to the original Star Wars narrative.
Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Rey's journey continues in Star Wars: The last Jedi

Just before Christmas 2017, the eighth part of the Star Wars saga was released. In Episode VIII - The Last Jedi, Rey tries to win over Jedi recluse Luke Skywalker and bring him back into the Resistance. Meanwhile, the "First Order" wants to completely annihilate the rebel army led by Leia Organa. Poe and Finn do their best to prevent this.

Author: Silke Wünsch (eg)

There is a war in outer space. The über-evil Emperor is spreading fear throughout the galaxy with a super weapon. But a Rebel Alliance has formed to fight back.

We can all sing along with John Williams' film music and imitate Darth Vader's raspy voice or Chewbacca's wordless grunt - even those of us who may never have seen a single Star Wars film. When George Lucas began work on the Star Wars screenplays in 1973, he never could have dreamed of having such a huge impact on popular culture - although he certainly was out to revolutionize Hollywood.

Off to a rough start

George Lucas has continued to see his vision through

But it was a long, hard path until the first film was finally finished. The production company was concerned about the millions of dollars it had put into the project. Most of the actors were young and relatively unknown. Bigger names like Alex Guinness and Peter Cushing just had small parts.

The filming conditions were - in part - catastrophic and involved burning heat in the deserts of Tunisia, sweating actors, and an increasingly irritated Lucas about to have a nervous breakdown. What's more, the visual effects team was light years behind schedule - even though Lucas had founded a new company just to handle that task.

The planned release date for December 1976 was postponed until the following May. For the production company, 20th Century Fox, this was the worst possible time to release a film - and no one thought it would be a success.

The beginning of a revolution

Darth Vader is a tragic figure (and a popular Halloween costume)

But all those worries were quickly forgotten on the day after May 25, 1977. The world premiere was celebrated by viewers, critics and the entire film team alike. The $11 million in production costs suddenly seemed like peanuts; the box office hit brought in a whopping $503 million, making it the most financially successful film of all time.

The next Star Wars episodes followed in 1980 ("The Empire Strikes Back") and in 1983 ("Return of the Jedi"). The three films told the story of Darth Vader, Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia and Han Solo. That was all, we thought at least.

But George Lucas simply couldn't let go. In 1999, he launched a new Star Wars trilogy that told the story of what had happened prior to his first three films. There had been peace in the galaxy until the evil Supreme Chancellor Valorum took power and the young Jedi knight Anakin Skywalker became Darth Vader. Audiences were mesmerized by the installation of prequel movies.

A never-ending story

Star Wars Lego Falcon (picture alliance/dpa/D. Karmann)

The Star War universe also exist in Lego form

Even that was not enough. In 2012, Disney bought the rights to the Star Wars saga for $4 billion and released the seventh film at the end of 2015. The story picks up where the original trilogy left off, proving to be a recipe of success: Old Star Wars fans joined back in and young new fans were equally won over.

All seven Star War films have raked in more than $6 billion, but that's nothing compared to the merchandise revenue. More than $20 billion in Legos, t-shirts and other fan paraphernalia have been sold over the years - and there is no end in sight.

This year, part eight - "Star Wars: The Last Jedi" - is scheduled to hit cinemas on December 15. "Star Wars: Episode IX," is slated for May 24, 2019.

Whatever happens after that is written in the stars.

10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'What a piece of junk!'

Smuggler and contractor Han Solo, played by Harrison Ford - who returns in "Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens" - is one of the leading players in the Rebel Alliance in the fight against the Galactic Empire. He won the space vehicle Millennium Falcon in a game and fixed it up, but Luke Skywalker wasn't impressed when he first saw it.
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'When I left you, I was the learner; now I am the master.'

Darth Vader said this to Obi-Wan in "A New Hope," the first in the original trilogy of Star Wars films. Originally trained as a Jedi, Darth Vader turned to the dark side, though we later find out that he was also the father of Luke Skywalker and Princess Leia. Complicated family relations, a spooky mask, and an unforgettable raspy voice are the perfect ingredients for a blockbuster.
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'No, I'm your father'

This is probably the most famous Star Wars quote, but the way it is always repeated is not quite correct. Most people say: "Luke, I am your father" - but the original lines are slightly different. Luke Skywalker is fighting Darth Vader in Cloud City and discovers the identity of his progenitor by declaring: "You killed my father!" "No Luke. I am your father."
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'May the force be with you'

If "No Luke. I am your father" isn't the most famous quote from the Star Wars universe, this one is. The phrase is even connected to the official Star Wars day, May 4th, as in "May the fourth be with you." It's a greeting that Star Wars characters use all the time. Star Wars without the force wouldn't be Star Wars, after all.
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'Help me Obi-Wan Kenobi. You're my only hope'

Princess Leia often gets the short end of the stick in the trilogy, since she spends a significant amount of time in captivity. But she also gets to do something we all dream of: Be a hologram. She request Obi-Wan's help in the name of her father, who was a rebel fighter. It's cute little R2-D2 who presents her desperate message.
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'That's no moon, it's a space station.'

Foreshadowing doom is a recurring theme in the futuristic films. After all, Luke, Han, Leia and the gang are in constant danger of being blown up, sliced by lightsabers, frozen forever, and dying other horrific deaths. It's Luke's Jedi mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi who sets the facts straight and teaches the young warrior a bit about astronomy. That 'moon' is actually the Imperial Death Star.
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'These are not the droids you are looking for'

Trained Jedis, such as Obi-Wan, had the power to influence people's minds, rather than utilizing physical aggression, and Obi-Wan Kenobi was a master. When imperial stormtroopers are looking for C-3PO and R2-D2, Obi-Wan calls on the Force and simply tells the stormtrooper to keep looking. Now, if only that would work in real life, too…
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'Aren't you a little short for a stormtrooper?'

Princess Leia clearly wasn't afraid when Luke Skywalker showed up to rescue her from the Death Star - dressed in that uncomfortable uniform. Mark Hamill, who played Skywalker, is approximately 5' 9" or 175 cm tall, while stormtroopers average 183 cm according to starwars.com. Leia was familiar with the soldiers of the Galactic Empire and quickly recognized that Luke's suit didn't sit quite right.
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'Judge me by size, do you?'

Luke had already been picked on by Leia for his size (back on the Death Star, in a stormtrooper costume) and apparently still hadn't recovered his self-confidence. The young Jedi still had much to learn and Yoda was quick to remind him that even a 66-centimeter alien can do anything - with the help of the Force.
10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

'The force is strong in my family. My father has it, I have it, my sister has it.'

Luke Skywalker said this iconic phrase in "Return of the Jedi" (1983) to his sister Leia, and now it was repeated in the second teaser of Star Wars VII. The producers even used the same recording from 1983. Those two scenes are more than 30 years apart: True fans got goosebumps from the flashback quote. Get ready for more when you see the actual film.

Author: Aaron Skiba / Kate Müser

DW recommends

'May the 4th be with you:' Fans celebrate 'Star Wars' Day

In the original 1977 "Star Wars" film, Jedi leader Obi-Wan Kenobi utters the famous sentence: "May the force be with you." Thanks to this play on words, May 4 has been celebrated as Star Wars Day for over 20 years. (04.05.2017)

Next 'Star Wars' movie named 'The Last Jedi'

Movie studio Disney has announced the next installment of its relaunch will be called "Star Wars: The Last Jedi." The film is scheduled for release on December 15. (23.01.2017)

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Star Wars spin-off "Rogue One" hits theaters. The story is set in the famous science fiction universe, but is a stand-alone film which is not part of the sequels. Need more explanations? Here's your guide. (15.12.2016)

10 cult 'Star Wars' quotes

Star Wars characters have said the most meaningful things on the Force, fatherhood and size: Get ready for the next film with these classic quotes. (14.12.2015)

Date 25.05.2017
Author Silke Wünsch (kbm)
Related Subjects George Lucas, Star Wars
Keywords Star Wars, film, cinema, George Lucas, Luke Skywalker
Feedback: Send us your feedback.
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Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/2dWCC

Star Wars Episode IX: Is it really over? 18.12.2019

"The Rise of Skywalker" is the final episode in the latest Star Wars trilogy, and perhaps the Star Wars finale. But although the 40-odd year sci-fi marathon will likely continue, could franchise fatigue set in?

Werner Herzog: The extreme is his normal 10.01.2020

The German movie director will will be honored by the American Society of Cinematographers. Herzog told DW why he thinks film schools are a waste of time and when he has faced his own limits.

'Star Wars' Chewbacca actor Peter Mayhew dies at 74 03.05.2019

Most famous for portraying the beloved 200-year-old Wookie, Peter Mayhew was also an author and philanthropist. Legions of fans have expressed their affection for the man behind the beloved character on social media.

Date 25.05.2017
Author Silke Wünsch (kbm)
All galleries in Media Center
Related Subjects George Lucas, Star Wars
Keywords Star Wars, film, cinema, George Lucas, Luke Skywalker
Send us your feedback.
Print Print this page
Permalink https://p.dw.com/p/2dWCC

Film

Patrick Stewart as captain Picard (picture-alliance/Everett Collection/Paramount)

Star Trek: Captain Picard is back on board the Enterprise

The producers of Star Trek have not run out of ideas: Amazon Prime has sent Sir Patrick Stewart into space again in the role of Jean-Luc Picard. He and Captain Kirk are the most famous of all Starfleet captains.

Arts.21

Naomi Klein, author & climate activist (Getty Images/C. Koall)

Naomi Klein’s Plan to Save the World

Globalization critic and environmental activist Naomi Klein is convinced that only a radical Green New Deal can save the climate and humanity.

Arts.21

Billie Eilish (picture-alliance/AP Images/Invision/R. Grabowski )

Musicians fight Climate Change

Streaming uses a lot of energy, & drawn-out tours and live events are bad for the environment. More and more musicians are trying to be more eco-friendly.

Arts.21

Gideon Mendel’s Flood Photos

Photographer Gideon Mendel’s work begins when water rises. He takes pictures in high water and flooded areas to raise awareness about climate change.

Digital Culture

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Getty Images/B. Stansall)

#Megxit: Twitter reacts to Meghan and Harry's announcement

The surprise news that Meghan Markle and Prince Harry plan to retire from royalty has triggered a series of humorous reactions on Twitter — as well as harsher comments reflecting polarization on the topic.

Lifestyle

Two kids hugging on a beach (Imago/Westend61)

Have you hugged today?

January 21 is World Hugging Day, which celebrates cuddly affection between people — but always with consent. Hugs don't just feel good, they're also healthy — for body and mind.

SPECIAL

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German XXL

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Film

Star Wars turns 40, but the Galactic Empire is far from over

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The new spin-off: Solo: A Star Wars Story

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The dream team from the original trilogy

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Traveling in time

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Jedi Knights

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Grand master Yoda

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

'Do or do not. There is no try.'

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Sith

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

'Luke, I am your father'

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Emperor of the Galactic Empire

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Death Star

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The stormtroopers

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Jabba the Hutt

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

All Terrain Armored Transport (AT-AT)

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Flying duels

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The music

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Han Solo's sidekick: Chewbacca

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The droids

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

A new heroine

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Rogue One

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Rey's journey continues in Star Wars: The last Jedi

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The new spin-off: Solo: A Star Wars Story

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The dream team from the original trilogy

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Traveling in time

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Jedi Knights

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Grand master Yoda

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

'Do or do not. There is no try.'

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Sith

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

'Luke, I am your father'

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Emperor of the Galactic Empire

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The Death Star

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The stormtroopers

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Jabba the Hutt

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

All Terrain Armored Transport (AT-AT)

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Flying duels

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

The music

Brief guide to the Star Wars universe

Han Solo's sidekick: Chewbacca