In this beloved 1988 PBS series, mythologist and storyteller Joseph Campbell joins Bill Moyers to explore what enduring myths can tell us about our lives. In each of six episodes - "The Hero's Adventure," "The Message of the Myth," "The First Storytellers," "Sacrifice and Bliss," "Love and the Goddess," and "Masks of Eternity" - 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.
Moyers and Campbell discuss the figure of "the hero." Including the stories of Jesus, The Buddah, Krishna, and more, Campbell explores the common themes within these stories, and reveals how we can make them the basis of our own journeys.
The story of creation in Genesis, as well as other creation myths from around the world, are explored to reveal the spiritual potential these stories have in our modern world.
In this episode, Moyers and Campbell explore the role of myths in ancient societies, and how they provided the basis on which early humans came to understand birth, growth, and death.
Moyers and Campbell discuss the mythology of love, from its earliest roots in 12th century society, to today, and addresses the image of women as goddesses, life givers, and mothers in ancient texts.
Eastern and Western religions are contrasted, exploring the meaning of life and suffering for humans, and the commonalities throughout the world that create the human desire for religion.
