Prologue: Section 1 Summary and Analysis

This book, first published in the late 1940s, is an enlightening evocation of the power of myth and meaning to transcend time, place, culture, gender, and spiritual perspective. The author, a noted mythologist whom some would call a philosopher, uses the archetypal story of the adventurous hero's journey as a springboard to explore essential human truths. As part of that exploration, the author develops themes relating to the universality of human experience, the nature of duality and harmony, and the function of symbolism in both story and life.

"The Monomyth" In this section, the author introduces his theories about the importance and/or presence of myth in human culture, society, and individual experience.

"Myth and Dream" Campbell begins by stating that "... myth is the secret opening through which the inexhaustible energies of the cosmos pour into human cultural manifestation...