About
Mythos is a three-part documentary that consists of a series of lectures given by Joseph Campbell. Campbell conceived of the original lectures, filmed over the last six years of his life, as a summation of what he had learned about the human mythic impulse, in terms of psychology, ethnology and comparative mythology—what he called "the one great story of mankind."
Cast
Joseph Campbell
as
Susan Sarandon
as
Seasons
The Shaping of Our Mythic Tradition
Joseph Campbell: Mythos I – The Shaping of Our Mythic Tradition is an all-encompassing primer on the idea of myth and its emergence in ancient societies. In this fascinating lecture series, Campbell connects the core ideas necessary for understanding myth to the psychological insights of Carl Jung, exploring broad topics such as the formation of religion, gender roles, and societal evolution. Presented across five compelling segments, this volume lays the foundation for understanding myth's enduring role in our lives and introduces Western mythos through history, psychology, and biology, all through Campbell’s engaging and accessible style.
The Shaping of the Eastern Tradition
In Mythos II – The Shaping of the Eastern Tradition, Joseph Campbell explores the spiritual realms of the East, focusing on Hinduism and Buddhism. Through a series of engaging lectures, Campbell examines how myths evolve to reflect changing beliefs about nature, God, and life, delving into the core myths of the great Asian religions, the Buddha and enlightenment, the connections between East and West, Yoga and transcendence, and Kundalini yoga with the seven chakras. Presented in the final years of Campbell's life, this collection illuminates how Eastern traditions shape consciousness and spiritual understanding.
The Shaping of the Western Tradition
Mythos III: The Shaping of the Western Tradition presents Joseph Campbell's recorded talks from the final years of his life, in which he reflects on the great themes of Western myth, love, and the path of the heart. Hosted by Susan Sarandon, this features key lectures where Campbell shares insights on how myth shapes our understanding of life, explores the journey "beyond space and time," and delves into the interplay between pairs of opposites. Part of his legendary final speaking tour, Mythos III offers a culminating perspective on Campbell’s lifelong study of the Western imagination and spiritual tradition.
Episodes
The Shaping of Our Mythic Tradition
Psyche & Symbol: The psychological impulse for and response to myth
Campbell begins "Psyche and Symbol" by explaining how a functioning mythology serves both the individual and the society. Then he explains that psychology provides insights into how we live our lives. The more we know about our common psychological roots, the more we feel connected to those roots. He continues to talk about the self, the relationship between man and woman, as well as how the universal themes are accessible to all through art.
The Spirit Land: How myths awakened American Indians to the mystery of life
"The Spirit Land" initiates us in to the world of the American Indian. He begins by looking at modern society and the cycle of life that we all travel through. Campbell asks us difficult questions such as "Are you the vehicle of consciousness or are you the consciousness?" These themes are especially evident through the letter of Chief Seattle to the President. The psyche of the American Indian is completely different to that of the European Americans. It is from here that one can understand better the concept of what myth means to a culture.
On Being Human: The emergence of myth in early hunter-gatherer societies
"On Being Human" moves from the psychological origins of myths to the origins of human beings in prehistoric times. By tracing the development of mythic symbols from our earliest ancestors forward, we begin to see the themes that link all of us together into what Campbell calls the one great story of human kind.
From Goddesses to God: The gradual shift from the Goddess to male, warlike deities
"From Goddess to God" takes on the first major transformation for humankind. It begins with the emergence of agriculture and culminates with the world's first great empire: Egypt. While to some this may be just history, it is this history that has happened to the human race. By looking at these ancient cultures we can get a glimpse into our own lives.
The Mystical Life: Non-biblical mythic strains that helped shape the Western spirit
"The Mystical Life" describes that the seed of the soul is where the inner and the outer worlds meet. While the outer world changes with time, the inner world, or soul, is constant to the human race. It is through myth that provides the link between these two worlds.
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