If you've spent much time reading about or discussing Star Wars, you've probably heard of something called the Journal of the Whills. But who are the Whills, and what exactly is this journal? It's certainly not mentioned in the films, and it's not described in any EU book, either.

There are many reasons why the Whills are interesting, not the least of which is the insight it gives us into George Lucas's mind, and Star Wars in general. There have also been a few Episode III rumors going around about the Journal - but these are all entirely false.

The Journal of the Whills was first mentioned by George Lucas himself, almost carelessly, in his novelization of the first Star Wars episode, A New Hope.

At the very end of the novelization's introduction, it says:

"In those first dark days it seemed certain the bright flame of resistance would be extinguished before it could cast the light of new truth across a galaxy of oppressed and beaten peoples...

From the First Saga
Journal of the Whills"

"Originally, I was trying to have the story be told by somebody else," explains Lucas; "There was somebody watching this whole story and recording it, somebody probably wiser than the mortal players in the actual events."

And who was that? Here's what The Making of Episode III has to say:

"Later in the day, R2-D2 makes his first appearance. Cast and crew react visibly to his arrival, for the little astromech droid provides a physical link to the overall saga, and he reminds many here of their childhood experiences watching Star Wars. George remarks to Rob Coleman that the story of Star Wars is actually recounted by R2-D2 to the Keeper of the Whills, one hundred years after Return of the Jedi."

According to George Lucas, R2-D2 is the only character in Star Wars who knows the entire story. Even C3-PO, who experienced it, has his memory wiped in Episode III.

A century later, the "Keeper of the Whills" writes down Artoo's account of the story, and the entire Star Wars saga, from Jar Jar Binks in The Phantom Menace to all the furry Ewoks in Return of the Jedi, is supposed to be taken from the resulting book.