Pathways with Joseph Campbell

This lecture, “Mythology – The Path (Part 2),” was recorded in 1980 at Yellow Springs, Pennsylvania. In it, Joseph Campbell continues the discussion from Part 1, presenting mythology as a path of discovery. Here, he focuses on the search for “the self,” drawing on Jungian language and archetypes. The recording also includes a brief Q&A following the lecture. Please note: around the 42-minute mark, the original tape speeds up slightly. While this affects the sound quality, the content of Campbell’s talk remains intact. Host Bradley Olson introduces the lecture and offers commentary at its conclusion.

This lecture, "Mythology - The Path (Part 1)", was recorded in 1980 at Yellow Springs, Pennsylvania. In it, Joseph Campbell discusses archetypes that guide us toward deeper inward experiences. He explores the Sanskrit word for "path," Marga, using it as a mythic metaphor for life. Drawing on Jungian psychology, Campbell expands on this theme to offer deeper insights into mythology. Host Bradley Olson introduces the lecture and provides commentary at its conclusion.

This lecture was recorded at Sarah Lawrence College in 1971, Campbell’s final year of teaching there. In this episode, he delves into Homer’s epic, The Odyssey, framing it through the lens of the Hero’s Adventure. With insight and depth, Campbell explores the myth’s historical roots and its enduring power as a metaphor for the journey of life. Host Brad Olson introduces the lecture and returns at the end with closing reflections.

In this first episode of Season Five of Pathways, titled “Metaphor as Myth and Religion,” Joseph Campbell speaks at the Jung Institute of San Francisco in 1985. At 81 years old, Campbell delivers the lecture with a sense of freedom and confidence. The talk closely reflects the themes of his book The Inner Reaches of Outer Space. Host Brad Olson introduces the lecture and offers commentary at the end.

This episode of Pathways, the final episode of Season 4, features a lecture recorded in 1985 in Southwest Germany. In it, Joseph Campbell explores the significance of mythological images and reflects on some of the major themes that shaped his life and work. He also shares personal stories about how and why he became so passionate about mythology. Dr. Bradley Olson introduces the episode and provides insightful commentary on some of its important themes at the conclusion.

This episode of Pathways with Joseph Campbell, titled "The Harmony and Discord of Religions," was recorded at Brandeis University in 1958. At the time, Joseph Campbell was 54 years old and nearing the completion of Primitive Mythology, the first volume of his Masks of God series. In this lecture, Campbell offers an affirmative defense of comparative methodologies, exploring both the commonalities and differences among the world’s religious traditions.

In this episode, recorded in 1974, Joseph Campbell explores the relationship between humans and their gods. The lecture was given just two years after Campbell's retirement from Sarah Lawrence College and five years after the publication of the final volume in his Masks of God series. Host Bradley Olson introduces the lecture and provides commentary at the conclusion.