Transformations of Myth Through Time

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.