The Power Of Myth Analysis

Myths the stories of old, how the ancients explained the creation of the world and how the human race came to be. Myths can be viewed as outdated and no longer needed. However, myths are still important today. This is the point that Joseph Campbell, and Bill Mayer discuss at Skywalker Ranch in The Power of Myth. Joseph Campbell famous mythologist is interviewed by Bill Mayer about myths from different cultures and how they are still important today. This interview makes the point that myths, although centuries old are still used today, in both popular media and other aspects of culture. The main theme and argument of the power of myth is, like what is stated in the title the power of myths. It is also to show how myths are still important in different aspects of culture like religion and film. Campbell talks about the hero’s trials and journey in religion and how that form of myth is still used today. He points towards Jesus and the trails, and temptations that he went through in the dessert. This is an example of the trials that heroes go through in heroic myths. Campbell also gives another example of the Buddha and the temptations that he had to go through in his search for enlightenment. While the temptations of Buddha and Jesus were different the story of both of them going through temptations then going on to pass

The film does a great job showing how powerful myths can be. It shows how even though people can believe that myths are outdated they are still used, and still influence different parts of our culture today. This series poses many though provoking examples of how myths influences everything from religion to seemly unrelated films such as Star Wars. This series is a must see for anyone who enjoys mythology, or anyone who is questioning their place in the heavens among the