Chapter III, The First StoryTellers Summary and Analysis

The main topic of this chapter is that of the First Story Tellers. Before the discussion turns to that topic, however, Campbell and Moyers digress to focus on the stages of human development. The underlying assumption is that human development has not changed since the evolution of Homo Sapiens and accordingly the myths that spring from this development are an unchanging part of mankind's experience. In previous chapters the experience of birth is equated with the myths of creation of the human race. Here the experience of death is discussed along with the associated idea of a life after death. Grave burials from as early as the Neanderthal period have been found to include weapons, possessions, horses and even boats, all of which are included in the grave to ensure a safe and...