The Power of Myth

The Power of Myth

1988
The Power of Myth
The Power of Myth

The Power of Myth

8.8 | en | Documentary

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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Seasons & Episodes

1
EP6  Masks of Eternity
Jun. 26,1988
Masks of Eternity

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.

EP5  Love and the Goddess
Jun. 25,1988
Love and the Goddess

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).

EP4  Sacrifice and Bliss
Jun. 24,1988
Sacrifice and Bliss

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.

EP3  The First Storytellers
Jun. 23,1988
The First Storytellers

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.

EP2  The Message of the Myth
Jun. 22,1988
The Message of the Myth

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.

EP1  The Hero's Adventure
Jun. 21,1988
The Hero's Adventure

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.

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8.8 | en | Documentary | More Info
Released: 1988-06-21 | Released Producted By: , Country: United States of America Budget: 0 Revenue: 0 Official Website:
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

jellopuke Fascinating and all encompassing conversation about mythology, religion, and our place in the world and universe. You may find answers, you may find comfort, or you may just learn something. Well worth watching.
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.