Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers

Watch Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers

  • 2018
  • 1 Season
  • 8.8  (1,109)

Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth is a six-part documentary series featuring renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell in conversation with journalist Bill Moyers. Originally broadcast on PBS in 1988, the series explores the origins and significance of myths across various cultures, drawing upon Campbell's extensive knowledge and scholarship in the field. Each episode focuses on a different theme, such as the hero's journey or the role of ritual in society, using a combination of interviews, archival footage, and visual interpretations of myths from around the world. Campbell provides insightful commentary on these topics, highlighting similarities and differences between various mythologies and drawing connections between myth and the human experience. Throughout the series, Campbell emphasizes the importance of myth as a means of understanding the world and our place in it. He argues that myths are not simply stories or fictions, but rather powerful symbols that help us make sense of our lives and the world around us. He also explores the role of myth in shaping culture and society, and how myths continue to influence our beliefs and behaviors today. One of the most compelling aspects of the series is the dynamic between Campbell and Moyers. Moyers, who serves as both interviewer and narrator, engages Campbell in thoughtful and thought-provoking discussions about the meaning and significance of myth. He also provides historical and cultural context for the myths and traditions that Campbell discusses, allowing viewers to better understand how these stories have evolved over time. While the series is primarily focused on myth, it also touches on a variety of other topics, including psychology, religion, and philosophy. Campbell draws upon various disciplines to support his arguments, weaving together insights from Jungian psychology, Buddhism, and other traditions to create a rich and nuanced exploration of myth and its place in human culture. Overall, Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth is a fascinating and engaging series that offers a unique perspective on the role of myth in our lives. With its blend of expert analysis and captivating storytelling, the series is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in the human experience and the stories we tell to make sense of it.

Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers
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Seasons
Masks of Eternity
6. Masks of Eternity
March 20, 2018
Campbell provides challenging insights into the concepts of God, religion and eternity, as revealed in Christian teachings and the beliefs of Buddhists, Navajo Indians, Schopenhauer, Jung and others.
Love and the Goddess
5. Love and the Goddess
March 20, 2018
Campbell talks about romantic love, beginning with the 12th century troubadours, and addresses questions about the image of women - as goddess, virgin, Mother Earth.
Sacrifice and Bliss
4. Sacrifice and Bliss
March 20, 2018
Campbell discusses the role of sacrifice in myth, which symbolizes the necessity for rebirth. He stresses the need for every one of us to find our sacred place in the midst of today's fast-paced, technological world. 
The First Storytellers
3. The First Storytellers
March 20, 2018
Campbell discusses the importance of accepting death as rebirth as in the myth of the buffalo and the story of Christ, the rite of passage in primitive societies, the role of mystical Shamans, and the decline of ritual in today's society.
The Message of the Myth
2. The Message of the Myth
March 20, 2018
Campbell compares the creation story in Genesis with creation stories from around the world. Because the world changes, religion has to be transformed and new mythologies created. People today are stuck with myths that don't fit their needs.
The Hero's Adventure
1. The Hero's Adventure
March 18, 2018
Long before medieval knights charged off to slay dragons, tales of heroic adventures were an integral part of all world cultures. Campbell challenges everyone to see the presence of a heroic journey in his or her life.
Description

Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth is a six-part documentary series featuring renowned mythologist Joseph Campbell in conversation with journalist Bill Moyers. Originally broadcast on PBS in 1988, the series explores the origins and significance of myths across various cultures, drawing upon Campbell's extensive knowledge and scholarship in the field.

Each episode focuses on a different theme, such as the hero's journey or the role of ritual in society, using a combination of interviews, archival footage, and visual interpretations of myths from around the world. Campbell provides insightful commentary on these topics, highlighting similarities and differences between various mythologies and drawing connections between myth and the human experience.

Throughout the series, Campbell emphasizes the importance of myth as a means of understanding the world and our place in it. He argues that myths are not simply stories or fictions, but rather powerful symbols that help us make sense of our lives and the world around us. He also explores the role of myth in shaping culture and society, and how myths continue to influence our beliefs and behaviors today.

One of the most compelling aspects of the series is the dynamic between Campbell and Moyers. Moyers, who serves as both interviewer and narrator, engages Campbell in thoughtful and thought-provoking discussions about the meaning and significance of myth. He also provides historical and cultural context for the myths and traditions that Campbell discusses, allowing viewers to better understand how these stories have evolved over time.

While the series is primarily focused on myth, it also touches on a variety of other topics, including psychology, religion, and philosophy. Campbell draws upon various disciplines to support his arguments, weaving together insights from Jungian psychology, Buddhism, and other traditions to create a rich and nuanced exploration of myth and its place in human culture.

Overall, Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth is a fascinating and engaging series that offers a unique perspective on the role of myth in our lives. With its blend of expert analysis and captivating storytelling, the series is sure to captivate anyone with an interest in the human experience and the stories we tell to make sense of it.

Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers is a series that is currently running and has 1 seasons (6 episodes). The series first aired on March 18, 2018.

Where to Watch Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers

Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers is available for streaming on the Kino Lorber website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Joseph Campbell and The Power of Myth with Bill Moyers on demand at Apple TV.

  • Premiere Date
    March 18, 2018
  • IMDB Rating
    8.8  (1,109)