Series
Transformations of Myth Through Time
Documentary
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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Seasons & episodes
- 1The In the Beginning: Origins of Man and Myth1 Jan 1989Campbell 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.
- 2Where People Lived Legends: American Indian Myths1 Jan 1989Campbell'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.
- 3And We Washed Our Weapons in the Sea: Gods and Goddesses of the Neolithic Period1 Jan 1989This 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.
- 4Pharaoh's Rule: Egypt, the Exodus, and the Myth of Osiris1 Jan 1989Campbell's discussion of the burial rituals and Egyptian art of the Upper and Lower Kingdoms reveals the emerging mythological themes of the Near East.
- 5The Sacred Source: The Perennial Philosophy of the East1 Jan 1989In 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.
- 6The Way to Enlightenment: Buddhism1 Jan 1989Campbell 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.
- 7From Psychology to Spirituality: Kundalini Yoga, Part I1 Jan 1989Campbell 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.
- 8From Psychology to Spirituality: Kundalini Yoga, Part II1 Jan 1989Through the study of elaborate artwork, Campbell portrays the full Chakra system of Kundalini Yoga and compares it with modem Western psychology and Christian concepts.
- 9From Descent to Heaven: The Tibetan Book of the Dead1 Jan 1989In this program, Campbell reveals how the art, philosophy and mysticism of the Eastern Way reach a noble expression in the Buddhism of Tibet.
- 10From Darkness to Light: The Mystery Religions of Ancient Greece1 Jan 1989Through 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.
- 11Where There Was No Path: Arthurian Legends and the Western Way1 Jan 1989Campbell 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.
- 12A Noble Heart: The Courtly Love of Tristan and Isolde1 Nov 1984Campbell 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.
- 13In Search of the Holy Grail: The Parzival Legend1 Dec 1984Campbell 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.
Details
- First aired
- 1 Jan 1989
- Last aired
- 1 Jan 1989
- Status
- Ended
- Language
- English
- Network
- PBS
- Episodes
- 13
Cast
Joseph CampbellHimself
