#185: Eleusis in the Spring (Vernal Equinox Special) feat. Joseph Campbell - The Eleusinian Mysteries, the Rites of Orpheus, Fertility and Persephone, the Descent into Hades, and the Resurrection

#185: Eleusis in the Spring (Vernal Equinox Special) feat. Joseph Campbell - The Eleusinian Mysteries, the Rites of Orpheus, Fertility and Persephone, the Descent into Hades, and the Resurrection

From History of Philosophy Audio Archive by William Engels

March 21, 2026 · 1h 2m

About this episode

The episode discusses the Eleusinian Mysteries and related themes in the context of the Vernal Equinox, featuring guest Joseph Campbell.

Happy Equinox. The Beginning, is at last: beginning . Music Credit: Beethoven / Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor" Gernot Schmalfuss / Music Director and Chief Conductor Gwhyneth Chen / Piano Evergreen Symphony Orchestra National Concert Hall, Taipei, Taiwan 13 Nov. 2020 (Creative Commons). Percy Bysshe Shelley Hymn to the Spirit of Nature (1820).from Prometheus Unbound (Act II, Scene V): Life of Life! Thy lips enkindle With their love the breath between them; And thy smiles before they dwindle Make the cold air fire; then screen them In those locks, where whoso gazes Faints, entangled in their mazes. Child of Light! Thy limbs are burning Through the veil which seems to hide them, As the radiant lines of morning Through thin clouds, ere they divide them; And this atmosphere divinest Shrouds thee wheresoe'er thou shinest. Fair are others; none beholds Thee; But thy voice sounds low and tender Like the fairest, for it folds thee From the sight, that liquid splendor; And all feel, yet see thee never,— As I feel now, lost for ever! Lamp of Earth! Wheree'er thou movest Its dim shapes are clad with brightness, And the souls of whom thou lovest Walk upon the winds with lightness…

People in this episode

Host: William Engels

Guest: Joseph Campbell

Topics covered

  • Eleusinian Mysteries
  • Rites of Orpheus
  • Fertility
  • Persephone
  • Descent into Hades
  • Resurrection
  • Vernal Equinox

Keywords

  • Eleusis
  • Joseph Campbell
  • Persephone
  • Hades
  • Resurrection
  • Fertility
  • Vernal Equinox
  • Orpheus
  • Philosophy
  • History

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor", Hymn to the Spirit of Nature

Places: Taiwan

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