"Why are the Lord of the Rings and Star Wars franchises so popular?" Very true. From interviews I've read, Lucas is very aware of what he is trying to tap into. It's a powerful tool in the hands of the artist or even the modern political spin doctor. Hitler certainly used the ancient Teutonic mythos very effectively. But Hitler and demagoguing politicians are too depressing. I'd rather contemplate the deep symbolic meaning of tits 'n dragons mythology - with illustrations, of course.

"Democracy is a pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance." - H. L. Mencken