Mythic Writers Blog

Of course, I’ve been aware of Joseph Campbell and his works for ages. Anyone with an interest in mythology knows his name. I’m embarrassed to say that I haven’t really read much of his work, though. (I’m not even sure I should be admitting that in public!) I’ve always meant to read his works, study them, watch the Bill Moyer interviews, etc. I’ve read parts of his work. I’ve read synopses of his works. But I haven’t made inroads into any sort of true study of his works.

I’m going to change that now, though. It’s ridiculous that I keep putting this off—it’s my own desire that has put reading Campbell’s work on my “to do” list. It’s not like someone else is trying to make me read his books. And yet I keep putting it off. But no more! With Mythic Writers kicking off, this seems like the perfect time to delve into Campbell’s works and educate myself more fully. (As a side note, lifehack.org has a couple of great articles about self-education. One outlines ways to become self-educated, and the other gives steps to being a lifelong learner.)

Now the next problem—where to begin? The man was nothing if not prolific. There’s so much to read just of Campbell’s work alone. Then there are all of the offshoots created by people responding to and adding to his work. Contemplating all of it has put me into overwhelm several times in the past. But I am really feeling driven to wade in this time, so I’m going to take a look at the list of his works and find a starting point.

I think I’ll start with Hero With a Thousand Faces. Of course, there’s also The Hero’s Journey where Campbell discusses his life’s work (there’s also a video with George Lucas). And the video interviews with Bill Moyer, and the book The Power of Myth which is based on the interviews, but I think I want to start with a work by the man himself. I can get into the discussions of his work and that sort of thing later.

Well, that wasn’t so hard. I made a decision and in less than half an hour! Hero With a Thousand Faces it is. Now to get the book and get started. Stay tuned for progress reports!