Power of myth

There are notable exceptions in the history of television. Broadcasts that have gone down in history and are of timeless value to humanity. The six-part series “The Power of Myt” from 1988 is one of them. The production today seems completely out of date; Two white men talk about the power of myths. The protagonists are shown speaking alternately for six hours. The shot-countershot edit is rarely supplemented with explanatory images and video sequences. The idea wouldn't have the slightest chance with today's television editors. The format is too dusty, the two men are too white and too old, the topic is too antiquated.

The great interest is even exceeded by the second part of the series: “The Message of the Myth” has recorded over 622 views in the last 000 months. The fact that the interview still resonates so well 12 years after it was recorded obviously has a lot to do with the interviewees. Joseph Campbell, who died shortly after recording, dedicated his life to the myths. At an early age he discovered his fascination for the culture of the indigenous peoples of his homeland. It was Indian totems that sparked his interest in the rites and myths of the Native Americans. From there, Campbell set out to explore the culture of many countries and eras. Being able to share in Campell's extensive knowledge and deep understanding of people's histories and cultures is an intellectual - and as the conversation progresses, spiritual - pleasure.

But the conversation could not develop this power if Campbell, Bill Moyers, were not sitting opposite an old-school journalist who treats the myth scholar with the highest regard, attention and a real hunger to learn. Each of Moyer's questions testifies to his extensive examination of Campbell's work, each of his queries is based on interest in the topic, none of his additions serve to showcase his own abilities, but solely to gain knowledge. Moyers, now ninety years old, can look back on an eventful life, including as assistant to US President Johnson. His sometimes reprehensible activities within the government's orbit clearly illustrate how great humanity collapses in the face of power. The worst of all was his campaign against Martin Luther King, whose FBI wiretapping and discrediting he played an active role in. Moyers had his own hero's journey behind him, with all the trials and tribulations, the recurring patterns of which he would analyze so artfully years later in a conversation with Campbell.

“The Power of Myth” is nothing less than a panorama of humanity. It is a conversation between two men, whose great respect for each other is always noticeable, about the great challenges of being human, how we have always faced them and what meaning we can discover in the process. To be able to take part in this jewel of television history, all you need today is internet access and a good knowledge of English. Anyone who has both can spend the six best hours in front of the screen that compulsory TV has ever made possible. Everyone else turns on the automatically translated subtitles...

Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth | Ep. 1: 'The Hero's Adventure'