The Power of Myth with Joseph Campbell - Season 1 Season 1 Episode 1 The Hero's Adventure

The Power of Myth with Joseph Campbell - Season 1 is a documentary TV series that explores the fascinating world of mythology and its relevance in our modern-day lives. In the first episode of the season, titled The Hero's Adventure, Campbell examines the archetype of the hero and how it appears in various mythological stories across different cultures.

The episode seeks to answer the question of why we are so drawn to heroic tales and what they teach us about ourselves and the world we live in. With his extensive knowledge of mythology and his engaging storytelling style, Joseph Campbell takes viewers on a journey of discovery, exploring the hero's journey through myths and legends from all over the world.

Campbell explains that the hero's adventure is a universal story that reflects our own personal journeys of growth and transformation. The hero may start out as an ordinary person, but when faced with a challenge or a call to adventure, they must step up and rise to the occasion. This is the beginning of the hero's journey, which can be broken down into several stages.

The first stage is the call to adventure, where the hero is summoned to undertake a quest or face a challenge. Often, the call to adventure is accompanied by a sense of restlessness or discontent with the hero's current circumstances.

The next stage is the initiation, where the hero must leave their ordinary world behind and embark on a journey into the unknown. This can be a scary and uncertain time, as the hero faces obstacles and trials that test their strength and resolve.

Then comes the climax of the hero's journey, where they confront their greatest challenge and emerge victorious, having gained new knowledge and understanding along the way. Finally, the hero returns to their ordinary world, but they are forever changed by their experiences and the lessons they have learned.

Throughout the episode, Joseph Campbell uses examples from various mythologies to illustrate the hero's journey, from the Greek myth of Perseus to the Native American story of the Vision Quest. He also explores how the hero's journey is reflected in modern-day films, such as Star Wars and The Matrix.

The Power of Myth with Joseph Campbell - Season 1, episode 1 is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the hero's journey, and how it continues to resonate with us today. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in mythology, storytelling, or personal growth and transformation.