The Power of Myth
The power of myth by Joseph Campbell is a video that can be viewed by any generation, and has many lessons that can be learnt. The video, which lasts for six hours, involves a student-journalist and a teacher-mythologist. It is divided into six parts, each with its own concepts. The key theme that is covered in this video is mythology, which is concerned with the manner in which humans seek spiritual satisfaction. Campbell’s life is a typical representation of these themes, since he is a celebrated storyteller and a learned scholar who tells stories on a range of historical myths from different countries (Moyers and Campbell 235).
Through illustrations by historical artifacts, these stories have been made very interesting. As the dance becomes increasingly exiting, Moyers who is a smart interviewer establishes a perfect harmony with Campbell, his mentor. As the video comes to an end, the viewers are convinced that myths are very essential for the human beings, since they define their survival including past, present and the future (Campbell 25).
Lord of the Dance
The setting of the dance when the movie starts is a church and the dancing troupe is led by a clergy – this gives the dance a religious association. Demonstration of historical artifacts in the course of the movie means that the dance is borrowed from a traditional theme. The dancers move majestically and flexibly in the floor of the dance, with some characteristic soft tones common with Roman Catholic Church. In the course of the movie, there is a demonstration of Jesus crucifixion procession, which symbolizes a religious commemoration ceremony. When the dance is being performed outside the church, the instruments and the mode of dressing by the dancing troupes symbolizes traditions of this community.
Later in the movie, a procession of a group of young men performing a traditional ritual is observed. This ritual is followed by a dance led by elderly men playing traditional instruments. The dance is followed by a procedure whereby one of the elderly men is drawing an exaggerated image that perhaps represents an important cultural heritage. The dance troupe is clad in a variety of dancing outfit that looks extremely fascinating (Gupta 56).
Comparison of the two videos
An example of similarity between the two videos is their outstanding attractiveness and creativity. In both videos, the audience is highly entertained and would love to watch the scenes again and again. In addition, the two videos entertain their viewers, and also contain certain teachings for them. The power of myth has taught its audience about the importance of myths for the survival of the human beings.
Lord of dance is rich in religious and cultural teachings. For example, demonstration of Jesus crucifixion reminds believers about the teachings of Jesus Christ, when he died for their sake. Interestingly, Lord of the dance has borrowed the old cultural practices and modernized it, hence making it more attractive and acceptable. Essentially, both videos have linked the old culture with the modern life. Lord of the dance is composed by a troupe of dancers together with their leaders, which makes it quite different from the power of myth, which is composed by only two key characters. The lead of the dance has some religious connotation, which is not present in the power of myth.
Works Cited
Campbell, Joseph. The Hero’s Journey: Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work. Novato: New World Library, 2003. Print.
Gupta, Shobhna. Dances of India. New Delhi: Har-Anand Publications, 2002. Print.
Moyers, Bill, and Joseph Campbell. The Power of Myth. New York: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group, 2009. Print.