Transformations of Myth Through Time - Joseph Campbell

This biographical film profiles Campbell's life's journey in the study of myth. The program forms a foundation for Campbell's thoughts and helps to explain his unique approach to mythology. 'The Hero's Journey' portrays the development of Campbell's though and how it was influenced by the events of his life. Drawing on rare footage never before seen on video, this multimedia extravaganza gives viewers an opportunity to identify their own creative forces with the remarkably fertile and creative processes of Joseph Campbell.

Campbell explores the dawn of mankind's mythic consciousness with a study of temple caves from the Paleolithic period. Campbell also introduces the basic concepts in the study of mythology: the role of the shaman, the stages of initiation, and the significance of lunar and solar symbolism. Birth. Growing up. Rites of passage. The myths of early peoples dealt with inevitable aspects of being human, and they still speak to us today. Campbell delves into our evolutionary development and how we confront the existence of forces greater than ourselves.

Campbell's telling of the Navaho legend of "Where the Two Came to Their Father" illustrates an American Indian version of the hero's journey and illustrates the relationship of man and nature, a constant theme through time in American Indian cultures. Campbell has pointed out that "when mythology is alive, you don't have to tell anyone what it means." A myth that is alive works like a picture. In telling an archetypal Navaho Indian myth, Campbell brings to life the landscape in which all aspects of the land and the life force are infused with scared meaning.

This title phrase signaled the beginning of the conquests and invasions of the warrior cultures. Through the artifacts from the Neolithic Period, Campbell traces the ascendance of the warrior cultures of the Gods over the agricultural based Goddesses societies. A cornerstone of modern life was the establishment of god-centered religions. Campbell traces this phenomenon from the Neolithic period, when the goddess was the primary mythic figure, to the emergence of wars of conquest and differing social roles, which heralded the dominance of god-centered religions.

Campbell's discussion of the burial rituals and Egyptian art of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms reveals the emerging mythological themes of the Near East. This engaging presents the myths of Iris and Osiris and explores the mythological and historical roots of the Exodus. Through these myths, Campbell unveils the base of Western civilization.

Through a presentation of beautiful and compelling works of art, Campbell illustrates the myths of ancient Greece. In particular, he tells the story of Persephone and Demeter as the basis for the mystery religions. The Eleusinian mysteries encapsulate ancient Greek religion. Mystical elements of Christianity contrast with the historical flow of the Bible. This mystical way reemerges as the foundation for the lustrous Renaissance.

In this lecture, Campbell introduces the Perennial Philosophy of the East and focuses on the Indian tradition from its origins to the end of the Vedic period. The idea of spiritual emancipation presented in the Vedas and the Upanishads provides a basis for understanding Hinduism. Campbell explores Indian religious history and its rites of sacrifice in the Vedic period (1500 B.C. to 500 B.C.) of early Indus Valley civilization.

Campbell introduces stories of Buddha's life and enlightenment to reflect the essence of the Buddhist religion. The different sects of Buddhism are contrasted in their conception of transcendence. Campbell compares Buddhism with Taoism and Confucius and also discusses Buddhism's impact on the ancient West. Campbell probes how mysticism and identification with the ultimate reality characterize the Buddhist way to enlightenment. The two principal types Buddhism, commonly call Theravada (or Hinayana) and Mahayana, inspired new intellectual and religious developments in the East and the West.

Campbell discusses the purpose and extent of the Tantra system against the background of the Raja theory of Pantanjali. He also presents other types of Yoga.

Through the study of elaborate artwork, Campbell portrays the full Chakra system of Kundalini Yoga and compares it with modem Western psychology and Christian concepts.

In this program, Campbell reveals how the art, philosophy and mysticism of the Eastern Way reach a noble expression in the Buddhism of Tibet.

Campbell traces the wide ranging influence of the Arthurian legends and ties them to the emergence of the warrior-based society. He also illustrates the break with tradition in the tension between honor and love in these legends.

Campbell tells many tales of the troubadours and courtly love. In his presentation of these tales, he explores the meaning and symbology of the many tests and trials of courtly love.

Campbell reveals the changing orientation of Western culture in his discussion of The Grail. In particular, Campbell contrasts the symbology of The Grail as an individual quest versus a holy quest.