Mythos
The Shaping of the Western Tradition
5Episodes
Mythos III: The Shaping of the Western Tradition presents Joseph Campbell's recorded talks from the final years of his life, in which he reflects on the great themes of Western myth, love, and the path of the heart. Hosted by Susan Sarandon, this features key lectures where Campbell shares insights on how myth shapes our understanding of life, explores the journey "beyond space and time," and delves into the interplay between pairs of opposites. Part of his legendary final speaking tour, Mythos III offers a culminating perspective on Campbell’s lifelong study of the Western imagination and spiritual tradition.
Episodes
1. Love as the Guide: The Arthurian romances, including Tristan and Iseult
Arthurian romances from 1150-1250 AD have two love forms: lust-zeal of the organs and agape- spiritual love. Christian of Troy writer of 'Tristan', 'Erec', 'Cliges', 'Lancelot', 'The Yuain' & 'Tristan and Iseult'.
2. The Path of the Heart: Parzival and the Grail Quest
The Arthurian quest of the holy grail, or a meeting with God, grail being the passion of Christ. Wolfram von Escher Bach's "Parzival" (1210). "The Quest of the Holy Grail" presents 1st marriage for love. Wow-an earth shattering medieval concept. Plus rule for the people, a new Western cultural view.
3. Beyond Space and Time: The Romantic philosophers
Discusses 18th- and 19th-century German Romantic Philosophies. The philosophy of Schopenhauer: Will in Nature.
4. Between Pairs of Opposites: Thomas Mann and The Magic Mountain
Revolutionary impacts on art and thought as it correlates with myth themes, life or art. Specifically looking at Tomas Mann's "The Magic Mountain" (1924), Lord Death and Lady Lust. Hermetic pedagogy, as Campbell himself states.
5. Into the Well of Myth: The Joseph novels and modern myth
A close look at aspects of Mann's "Joseph and His Brothers" (4 novel series), its modern retelling of a Biblical tale, use of myth and other religious sources, and psychological insights and relevance to myth and art. "The Myth is the foundation of life," T. Mann.
