Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth (1988)

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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth (1988)

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“Are myths just foolish old stories believed by the gullible and the superstitious? Or do they still exert a powerful pull on our minds and in our lives? In this classic PBS series, renowned teacher and storyteller Joseph Campbell joins Bill Moyers in exploring the meaning myths have in our daily lives. Each of the six episodes focuses on a character or theme found in mythologies of various cultures and religions. In his lively discussions with Moyers, Campell argues eloquently that these timeless archetypes continue to exert a powerful pull on our unconscious. Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth is essential viewing for anyone old enough to appreciate its vital teachings.
One of the greatest interviews ever recorded, this six-part, six-hour encounter between teacher- mythologist Campbell and student-journalist Bill Moyers (recorded in the two years preceding Campbell’s death in 1988) covers a galaxy of topics related to Campbell’s central themes: Mythology is humanity’s universal method of seeking the transcendental, and “follow your bliss” is the timeless formula for spiritual satisfaction. Campbell himself is the embodiment of these themes, an erudite scholar and quintessential storyteller, recalling a wide spectrum of myths from throughout history (Japanese, Native American, Egyptian, Mayan, and many more) to illustrate humankind’s eternal quest to grasp the mysteries of creation. Historical artifacts and illustrations bring these timeless stories to life.
Campbell’s seemingly endless well of knowledge reaches a simple conclusion: we need myths to survive like we need oxygen to breathe, as a life force with which to understand our existence–past, present, and future. ” –Jeff Shannon.

Part 1: The Heroes Adventure – Long before medieval knights charged off to slay dragons, tales of heroic adventures were an integral part of the world cultures. Campbell challenges everyone to see the presence of a heroic journey in his or her own life.

Part 2: Message of the Myth – Campbell compares the creation story in Genesis with creation stories from around the world. Because the world changes, religion has to be transformed and new mythologies created. People today are stuck with old metaphors and myths that don’t fit their needs.

Part 3: The First Storytellers – Campbell discusses the importance of accepting death as rebirth as in the myth of the buffalo and the story of Christ, the rite of passage in primitive societies, the role of mystical Shamans and the decline of ritual in today’s society.

Part 4: Sacrifice & Bliss – Campbell discusses the role of sacrifice in myth, which symbolizes the necessity for rebirth. He also talks about the significance of sacrifice…in particular, a mother’s sacrifice for her child, and the sacrifice to the relationship in marriage…and stresses the need for every one of us to find our sacred place in the midst of today’s fast-paced, technological world.

Part 5: Love & The Goddess – Campbell talks about romantic love, beginning with the 12th century troubadours, and addresses questions about the image of woman…as goddess, virgin, Mother Earth.

Part 6: Masks Of Eternity – Campbell provides challenging insights into the concepts of God, religion and eternity, as revealed in Christian teachings and the beliefs of Buddhists, Navajo Indians, Schopenhauer, Jung and others.

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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth (1988)

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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth (1988)

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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth (1988)

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Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth (1988)

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