Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth

Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth is a six-part TV mini-series that premiered in 1988, based on the conversations between mythologist Joseph Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers. The series explores the concept of the hero's journey, as described by Campbell in his book "The Hero with a Thousand Faces." The series begins with an introduction to Campbell's groundbreaking work, explaining how he came to understand the common patterns and themes that appear in myths from cultures all around the world. Campbell describes the hero's journey as a universal story pattern that appears in myths, fairy tales, and legends from various cultures, including the ancient Greeks and Egyptians, as well as the Indigenous peoples of North America and Australia. The conversation then moves on to the first episode, titled "The Hero's Adventure." In this episode, Campbell explains how the hero's journey typically begins with a departure from the ordinary world, where the hero receives a call to embark on a journey or quest. Campbell draws examples from various cultures, including the story of Odysseus from ancient Greek mythology, who sets out on a journey to reclaim his throne after the Trojan War. Campbell also discusses how the hero's journey often involves a journey into the unknown, where the hero confronts challenges and obstacles that test their courage and resolve. In the second episode, titled "The First Storytellers," Campbell explores the origins of storytelling and how myths were used to explain the world and the forces of nature. Campbell argues that myths were used to convey important lessons and values, and to provide a framework for understanding the human experience. Campbell draws examples from various cultures, including ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, to illustrate how myths were used to explain the creation of the world and the role of gods and goddesses in human life. The third episode, titled "The Magic Flight," explores the themes of transformation and change in the hero's journey. Campbell discusses how the hero often undergoes a series of transformations, shedding old skin and emerging anew, as they journey deeper into the unknown. Campbell draws examples from various cultures, including the story of the great heron, Icarus, who flies too close to the sun and plunges back to earth. Campbell also discusses how the hero's journey often involves a return to the ordinary world, but with a newfound perspective and a deeper understanding of the world. In the fourth episode, titled "The First Love," Campbell explores the theme of love and the role of the feminine in the hero's journey. Campbell discusses how the hero often encounters a feminine figure, whether it be a goddess, a mother figure, or a lover, who represents the power of love and the unconscious. Campbell draws examples from various cultures, including the story of the goddess Isis in ancient Egyptian mythology, who embodies the qualities of motherhood and fertility. The fifth episode, titled "The Happy Prince," explores the themes of sacrifice and redemption in the hero's journey. Campbell discusses how the hero often must confront their own shadow or darker aspects of themselves, and to make a sacrifice in order to achieve their goal or complete their journey. Campbell draws examples from various cultures, including the story of the hero Orpheus, who journeys into the underworld to rescue his beloved wife, Eurydice. In the final episode, titled "Shadows and the Innocent Abroad," Campbell reflects on the themes that have been explored throughout the series, including the hero's journey, transformation, and the power of love. Campbell discusses how the hero's journey is a universal story pattern that appears in myths and legends from various cultures, and how it continues to be relevant to our lives today. Campbell also discusses how the hero's journey can be seen as a metaphor for the process of growth and self-discovery, and how it can inspire us to live more authentic and meaningful lives. Throughout the series, Campbell and Moyers engage in a series of conversations that explore the insights and wisdom that Campbell gained from his lifetime of study and research. The series is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, and how myths and legends continue to shape our understanding of the world and our place in it.