matril

In the Star Wars universe, both technology and nature play an important role. The Rebels use both advanced vehicles and organic creatures like the tauntaun. The Empire, on the other hand, creates a terrifying vehicle that resembles an animal but has no sentience, warmth or gentleness.

It's a massive mechanical mammoth. An awesome sight, no question. But its only purpose is domination and destruction. Crush everything in its path. Notice the building dread in its first appearance. The Rebels spot something on the distant horizon, then spot a magnified image of one part of it. Bit by bit the image draws back till we see three monsters. Imperial walkers, they call them. They walk, all right. On legs as tall as buildings.

True, the practical reality might be questionable. Is this really the most efficient type of attack vehicle? Whatever. It's a perfect visual representation of the Empire's might, contrasted with the little Rebel snow cruisers flying around them like gnats. And yet, the symbolism of the small overcoming the powerful shows up yet again, with the pilots discovering ingenious methods of taking down the walkers. Not quite enough to save the base, but an effective delaying tactic to enable the evacuation. Never underestimate the little things.

Next, a battle of wills...