
Transformations of Myth Through Time
Legendary raconteur Joseph Campbell explores the myth and symbols that have shaped our world and given us what he has called "the experience of being alive."
Cast

Joseph Campbell
Himself
Seasons
E1The In the Beginning: Origins of Man and Myth
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E2Where People Lived Legends: American Indian Myths
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E3And We Washed Our Weapons in the Sea: Gods and Goddesses of the Neolithic Period
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E4Pharaoh's Rule: Egypt, the Exodus, and the Myth of Osiris
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E5The Sacred Source: The Perennial Philosophy of the East
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E6The Way to Enlightenment: Buddhism
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E7From Psychology to Spirituality: Kundalini Yoga, Part I
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E8From Psychology to Spirituality: Kundalini Yoga, Part II
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E9From Descent to Heaven: The Tibetan Book of the Dead
Jan 1, 1989
In this program, Campbell reveals how the art, philosophy and mysticism of the Eastern Way reach a noble expression in the Buddhism of Tibet.
E10From Darkness to Light: The Mystery Religions of Ancient Greece
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E11Where There Was No Path: Arthurian Legends and the Western Way
Jan 1, 1989
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.
E12A Noble Heart: The Courtly Love of Tristan and Isolde
Nov 1, 1984
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.
E13In Search of the Holy Grail: The Parzival Legend
Dec 1, 1984
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.
Storyline
Legendary raconteur Joseph Campbell explores the myth and symbols that have shaped our world and given us what he has called "the experience of being alive."
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