Critiquing the Monomyth: The Power of Myth

For Jennifer's final episode of the season, she has chosen a slightly different pick with the Power of Myth by Joseph Campbell. Tune in as she analyzes Campbell's theories on comparative mythology.

The Power of Myth, by Joseph Campbell

Resources Jennifer used:

• Joseph Campbell has a rather robust wikipedia article, that also details and links some of the critiques leveled against him that you can check out. Like Jennifer mentioned in the episode, these are all pretty old at this point.
• Interview w/ the Curator of the Joseph Campbell Archive and Library gives some interesting perspective on Campbell’s career from someone who knew him personally.
• Another article published shortly after Campbell’s death on his works and legacy.
• Intrigued by our discussion? Purchase a copy of The Power of Myth for yourself.

Paige Presents Fun with Comics: Descender by Jeff Lemire and Dustin Nguyen.

Creative’s Corner: Paige serves another mythology knockout with YouTube channel Fortress of Lugh.

Discussion Questions

• Campbell says, “We can’t have a mythology for a long, long time to come. Things are changing too fast to become mythologized” (38). Do you agree with this statement? If there is a modern mythology, what would it be?
• Campbell argues that there are four functions of myths, but that the fourth one is most important for us today: pedagogical. Meaning that myths teach us “how to live a human lifetime under any circumstances” (39). What do you think? What have myths taught you in your life?
• What do you think of the concept of the monomyth (the hero’s journey)? Is it truly as all-encompassing as Campbell made it out to be?

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