Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth
1988 · PBS America · 60 min · 1 season
S01E06 · Masks of Eternity
Sun, 26 June, 9:00 pm
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.
About
Mythologist Joseph Campbell presents his ideas about comparative mythology and the ongoing role of myth in human society.
In this beloved 1988 PBS series, mythologist and storyteller Joseph Campbell joins journalist Bill Moyers to explore what enduring myths can tell us about our lives. In each of six episodes, Moyers and Campbell focus on a character or theme found in cultural and religious mythologies. Campbell argues that these timeless archetypes continue to have a powerful influence on the choices we make and the ways we live.
Released shortly after Campbell's death on October 30, 1987, The Power of Myth was one of the most popular TV series in the history of public television and continues to inspire new audiences.
Episodes
- E01
The Hero's Adventure
Tue, 21 June· 60 minAbout 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.
- E02
The Message of the Myth
Wed, 22 June· 60 minCreation 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.
- E03
The First Storytellers
Thu, 23 June· 60 minAnimal 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.
- E04
Sacrifice and Bliss
Fri, 24 June· 60 minChief 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.
- E05
Love and the Goddess
Sat, 25 June· 60 minThe 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).
- E06
Masks of Eternity
Sun, 26 June· 60 minIdentifying 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.
Cast
Bill Moyers
Journalist
Joseph Campbell
Mythologist