Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Listen to the Intro
The Power of Myth summary
Joseph Campbell
Bill Moyers
From ancient myths to Han Solo
17 mins
Brief summary
'The Power of Myth' by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers discusses myths from various cultures, emphasizing their universal themes that have existed for thousands of years.
Table of Contents
The Power of Myth
Summary of 7 key ideas
Audio & text in the Blinkist app
Key idea 1 of 7
A myth is a story that provides a shared identity for a community and reflects its cultural origins.
When you were a child, did you enjoy bedtime stories? Tales of the heroic deeds of Robin Hood, or the adventures of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table?
Such stories, or myths, are essential in establishing and preserving the identity of a community.
Many myths explain the beginning of life, or how a culture came to be. Through this, myths function as a tool in forming a group identity and in doing so, they also explain how one group is separate or different from other groups.
The concept of a “chosen people” is grounded in myth. Certain religious groups believe the truth of their community is the only truth, and that they have been chosen by God for a special purpose. In contrast, people who exist outside the group need to be converted or fought.
Religious myths foster a connection with other members of a group and create a common identity and shared destiny, while also acting as a boundary for anyone with differing beliefs.
So how do myths happen? Stories tend to mirror the geographical or cultural roots of the place where they originate.
The idea of a god, for instance, is a cultural construct. In religions with multiple gods, each god is responsible for some element in nature, such as the wind or sun, or even animals. The Incas of South America, for example, believed their founding ancestor was the “son” of the sun god, Inti.
And when circumstances in a culture change, so do its myths.
The mythology of Native American tribes in North America was centred around vegetation. The Cherokee’s “first mother” and most important goddess was Selu, meaning “maize.”
Yet after the Spanish brought horses to the continent, which helped the tribes more efficiently hunt buffalo, the buffalo became an important mythological figure as well.
Myths can adapt or vary over time, but their core message usually endures, allowing members of a group to continue to identify with them.
Want to see all full key ideas from The Power of Myth?
Key ideas in The Power of Myth
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is The Power of Myth about?
The Power of Myth (1988) clarifies the origins, evolution and meaning of myths. By comparing stories from different cultures, myth-master Joseph Campbell demonstrates how myths give clarity to universal notions of life, love and death. As spirituality declines in Western culture, he explains that myths are more important than ever, as they help us understand the human experience.
The Power of Myth Review
The Power of Myth (1988) explores the universal themes and symbols that shape human cultures across different time periods. Here's why you should pick up this book:
- With its fascinating insights into the mythological stories that have shaped our world, it offers a unique perspective on the human experience.
- Through conversations between Joseph Campbell and Bill Moyers, the book provides thought-provoking discussions that delve into the deeper meaning and purpose behind myths.
- By exploring the relevance of mythology in modern life, the book connects ancient wisdom with contemporary challenges, offering a fresh appreciation for the power of stories.
Best quote from The Power of Myth
The conquest of the fear of death is the recovery of lifes joy.
—Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers
Who should read The Power of Myth?
- Humanities students or professors
- Writers, storytellers, scriptwriters or anyone interested in the creation of myth
- Spiritualists or religious thinkers curious about the role of myth in religion
Categories with The Power of Myth
Book summaries like The Power of Myth
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
35 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
The Power of Myth FAQs
What is the main message of The Power of Myth?
The main message of The Power of Myth is that mythology is a powerful tool for understanding ourselves and the world around us.
How long does it take to read The Power of Myth?
The reading time for The Power of Myth varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Power of Myth a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Power of Myth is worth reading as it explores the deep significance of myth and its impact on our lives.
Who is the author of The Power of Myth?
The author of The Power of Myth is Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers.
What to read after The Power of Myth?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Power of Myth, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell
- Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela
- Mythology by Edith Hamilton
- Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin by Benjamin Franklin
- The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction by Walter Benjamin
- A Force for Good by Daniel Goleman
- Stop Self-Sabotage by Dr. Judy Ho
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
- Man and His Symbols by Carl Jung
- The 4-Hour Body by Tim Ferriss