The Power of Myth

1988
The Power of Myth

Seasons & Episodes

  • 1

EP1 The Hero's Adventure Jun 21, 1988

About Campbell, hero types, hero deeds, Jesus Christ, the Buddha, Krishna, movie heroes, Star Wars as a metaphor, an Iroquois story: the refusal of suitors, dragons, dreams and Jungian psychology, “follow your bliss,” consciousness in plants, Gaia, Chartres cathedral, spirituality vs. economics, emerging myths, “Earthrise” as a symbol.

EP2 The Message of the Myth Jun 22, 1988

Creation myths, transcending duality, pairs of opposites, God vs. Nature, sin, morality, participation in sorrow, the Gospel of Thomas, Old Time Religion, computers, religion as “software,” the story of Indra: “What a great boy am I!,” participation in society.

EP3 The First Storytellers Jun 23, 1988

Animal memories, harmonization with body and life-cycle, consciousness vs. its vehicle, killing for food, story: “The Buffalo's Wife,” buffalo massacre, initiation ritual, rituals diminishing, crime increasing, artists, the Shaman, the center of the world.

EP4 Sacrifice and Bliss Jun 24, 1988

Chief Seattle, the sacred Earth, agricultural renewal, human sacrifice, sacrifice of the Mass, transcendence of death, story: “The Green Knight,” societal dictates vs. following bliss, “hidden hands” guiding life's work.

EP5 Love and the Goddess Jun 25, 1988

The Troubadours, Eros, romantic love, Tristan, libido vs. credo, separation from love, Satan, loving your enemy, the Crucifixion as atonement, virgin birth, the story of Isis, Osiris and Horus, the Madonna, the Big Bang, the correlation between the earth or mother Goddess and images of fertility (the sacred feminine).

EP6 Masks of Eternity Jun 26, 1988

Identifying with the infinite, the circle as a symbol, clowns and masks, epiphanies and James Joyce, artistic arrest, the monstrous as sublime, the dance of Shiva, that which is beyond words.
8.8| 0h30m| en| More Info
Released: 21 June 1988 Ended
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Country: United States of America
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Synopsis

The Power of Myth is a book and six-part television documentary originally broadcast on PBS in 1988 as Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth. The documentary comprises six one-hour conversations between mythologist Joseph Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers.

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Reviews

bettycjung 6/5/18. I was really looking forward to this mini-series because I heard so much about Campbell. However, I barely finished the first episode because it was so dry. I just couldn't see myself sitting through 5 more episodes. Too bad since I love reading about culture.
steveswell I had never heard of Joseph Campbell before stumbling across this series on PBS one afternoon. I was immediately absorbed in this penetrating (as deep as Bill Moyers goes) look at the power of myth and it's part in explaining our existence. He has an amazing ability to relate stories to just about any subject or experience, basically off the top of his head.Imagery, symbolism, psychology, theological philosophy- it's all here in living color from one man in an extended interview that seems to touch on most if not all of the majors man has pondered over the ages. A must see for anyone seriously considering our place under the heavens, amongst the gods.
Gerkins8 This series opened my eyes to the possibilities of the human life journey. Now, all that I had been taught on Sundays found integration with the rest of the week. Seeing metaphorically changes everything. This is a long series, but need not be viewed in a single sitting. Even though "The Power of Myth" still runs occasionally on PBS, for those whose lives have been irrevocably touched by Joseph Campbell will want to add this ground breaker to their collection.
RoboSlater Bill Moyers was given "carte blanche" to interview the brightest person in the world. Other interviewees -- over Moyers long history of interviewing the best and brightest -- directed him to Joseph Campbell, who had never been interviewed as such, was legendary in his scholarship in history and as a teacher. These two DVD discs represent just six hours of Moyers' interviews with Mr. Campbell shortly before Joseph Campbell died. Now preserved for all of us to enjoy.The episodes are:1. The Hero's Adventure: Examines our relationship with heroism; heroism as an integral part of all world cultures. Campbell challenges us to see the heroic journey on our lives.2. The Message of the Myth: Campbell compares creation stories (Genesis, other religions). And how we are stuck with myths that may not meet our needs.3. The First Storytellers: Discusses the importance of accepting death as rebirth as in the story of Christ or the myth of the buffalo, the rite of passage in primitive societies, the role of mystical Shamans, and the decline of ritual in today's society.4. Sacrifice and Bliss: Examines the role of sacrifice in myth, which symbolizes the necessity for rebirth. Stresses the need for everyone of us to find our sacred place in the midst of today's fast-paced, technological world.5. Love and the Goddess: Campbell talks about romantic love, beginning with the 12th century troubadours, and addresses questions about the image of women -- as goddess, virgin, Mother Earth.6. Masks of Eternity: Campbell provides 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.Contains a bonus interview with George "Star Wars" Lucas on mythology.I own over 3,500 DVDs and videos. This may be the most essential as it most directly impacts one's perceptions about life and afterlife, is easy to listen to, and leaves one more empowered than any Rocky-type movie. A score of 10, easily.