The Mythic Journey: The Meaning of Myth as a Guide for Life [Paperback]

Liz Greene (Author), Juliet Sharman-Burke (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 16, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0684869470 | ISBN-13: 978-0684869476 | Edition: Eddison-Sadd ed

Greek gods, Norse heroes, Polynesian tricksters, and Native American warriors -- they all have lessons to teach us.

Since the beginning of time, human beings have relied on myths, fairy tales, and fables to explain life's mysteries and to elucidate human nature. Bringing a fresh perspective to these age-old tales, Liz Greene and Juliet Sharman-Burke reveal how modern audiences on their own life journeys can find comfort and support in the legends and lore of the past.

The Mythic Journey explores the psychological themes of many mythical traditions, recounting stories from Greco-Roman, Hebraic, Egyptian, Celtic, Norse, and various Eastern civilizations. More than fifty myths are beautifully retold, and each is followed by a psychological overview explaining the application the story can have in our own lives. The tales are further brought to life with striking artwork by Peter Paul Rubens, Gustav Klimt, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, William Blake, and many more artists who found inspiration in these stories.

The Mythic Journey is a handbook to human life, guiding readers from the conflicts of family and childhood, through problems of love, intimacy, and ambition, and ultimately to the point when we must face our own mortality. We discover that true self-knowledge comes through facing life's challenges with courage and strength; that beauty, talent, power, and wealth bring their own forms of suffering; and that in the darkness of loneliness, failure, and loss, we have always discovered new light and new hope.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

"Myth is the original self-help psychology," according to authors Greene and Sharman-Burke. "For centuries human beings have used myths, fairytales and folklore to explain life's mysteries and make them bearable--from why the seasons change, through complex relationship issues, to the enigma of death." With this lofty purpose in mind, the authors organized this collection of myths according to the stages of human development. For example, part 1 is titled "In the Beginning" and takes us through the early lessons of life--"Parents and Children," "Siblings," and "The Family Inheritance." Follow-up sections include "Becoming an Individual," "Love and Relationships," "Position and Power," and finally "Rites of Passage."

The authors offer diverse myths beneath each heading. Within a section on "Leaving Home" we find the myths of Adam and Eve, The Buddha's Departure, and Peredur the Son of Evrawc (a Celtic myth about finding the courage to leave a mother). The research and storytelling are topnotch, but what makes this lavishly illustrated guidebook stand out is the commentary that follows each myth, which explains the advice and guidance within these age-old tales. The Mythic Journey is indeed a self-help book, as readers help themselves to the everlasting lessons these stories offer. --Gail Hudson

About the Author

Liz Greene is the author of nineteen books, including the highly successful The Mythic Tarot. Her books have been translated into ten languages, and she gives seminars, workshops, and lectures throughout Europe and the United States. She currently lives in Zurich.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Fireside; Eddison-Sadd ed edition (March 16, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684869470
• ISBN-13: 978-0684869476
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #864,834 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good Book of Basics, February 26, 2004

By 

Swing King (Cincinnati, OH USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mythic Journey: The Meaning of Myth as a Guide for Life (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book, filled with beautiful illustrations and wonderful insights into the history and applicability of these ancient myths to our modern lives. This book is literally set up into chapters dealing with our daily dilemmas. Our harshest challenges. Sections on parenting, on relationships with your brother or sister; even the Buddha?s departure from life as a prince is documented in this magnificent work. The commentary to each of these stories, along with some of the questions asked of us, are what make this work even more superb. We have the myths, and the relevant commentaries to go along with them. While gentle and simplistic in it?s approach, the breadth of knowledge lying herein this book is incalculable. Absolutely immeasurable. It?s truly a great companion for any Joseph Campbell fan out there, or Edith Hamilton admirer.

Basic, yet challenging. What a wonderful book. Wonderful for those with no background information on mythology simply trying to begin a foundation. Likewise, excellent for any spiritual voyager stepping into the vast plateau of striving toward understanding the truth. This book can truly be an eye opening experience, so what are you waiting for?

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Timeless... still relevant 10 years from now !, September 4, 2001

By 

"owned_by_bibs" (Gold Coast, Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mythic Journey: The Meaning of Myth as a Guide for Life (Paperback)

The one thing that appeals to me about this book is that this book has timeless appeal. That I can read it now and 10 years from now and I will still be able to benefit from it.

It is beautifully presented with artwork included (not bad indeed!).. It allows you the option of reading the myth only or myth with commentary.

The great thing about the commentary is that it does show you how an "ancient" myth can still relate to us (in some way) in this modern "urban" time. The commentary also allowed me to think about the myth in a way I never thought before.. hence making it every more relevant to me.

I like how it is has sections .. hence I can pick this up 10 years from now, go to the relevant section and learn. Or even "hand on" this book to others.. hence the appeal will be generational.

Not a heavy read - so if you're looking for a "dry" book, go elsewhere. This book _is_ for everyone, in my humble opinion.

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Myths and Their Psycological Meaning, August 24, 2000

By 

"jupiterlee" - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mythic Journey: The Meaning of Myth as a Guide for Life (Paperback)

This book tells us the psycological meanings of the myths. The myths selected here include ancient Greek gods, King Arthur legend, Oriental religion, and so on. All of the stories give us useful lessons about our daily life. For example, Greek myth of "Hera and Hephaistos" teaches us how parents' selfishness hurts their childlen. But it also leaves us hope that the childlen can heal their early wounds by themselves and forgive their careless parents. Another Greek story about "Zeus and Hera" shows a good example of eternal love triangle. A man always looks for a new love affair, but he cannot endure the life without his jealous wife. Even the people who are not familiar with these myths could enjoy the whole story.