Primitive Mythology

The Masks of God Series, Volume I

By: Joseph Campbell, David Kudler - editor

Narrated by: Arthur Morey

Length: 19 hrs and 1 min

Publisher's summary

The author of such acclaimed books as The Hero With a Thousand Faces and The Power of Myth discusses the primitive roots of mythology, examining them in light of the most recent discoveries in archaeology, anthropology, and psychology.

©1959, 1969 Joseph Campbell, renewed 1987 by Joseph Campbell (P)2017 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved

Family connections

It’s not that I liked or dislike this story, I found it a fascinating story of human interaction, from family, to work and through social encounters the author has shared interesting insights and theories about the nature of humans in a way I would have otherwise never have thought to consider.

One of a kind

Joseph Campbell should be required reading for everyone. Amazing author and an essential series to expand your understanding.

Epic speculation into the origins of our mythic consciousness

Although a bit dated in its archeological science I see this book as a must read for any person interested in our primitive origins or in Campbell’s herculean grasp of world mythology. I have been waiting many years for The Masks of God series to be released on audiobook and Arthur Morey does an excellent job bringing new life and nobility to Campbells words. This book is challenging and requires a tough stomach for the passages on the brutal themes of sacrifice and the overall ruthlessness of prehistoric life. Not “nerfed up” for the sensitive new age types or the new "intellectuals" that embrace the current fashion of identity politics but is nourishing for any individual looking for the spiritual truth and wisdom beyond the dogma of religion and tribalism.

You don’t know Campbell until you read and reread The hero with a thousand faces and then the masks of god. The density of metaphor and references is staggering - so much so that I found myself re-listening to passages and chapter, even sentences over and over again. This i have to admit was very frustrating indeed but ultimately was a well earned rewarding experience!

Small sample from the intro to Primitive Mythology below..

”Clearly, mythology is no toy for children. Nor is it a matter of archaic, merely scholarly concern, of no moment to modern men of action. For its symbols (whether in the tangible form of images or in the abstract form of ideas) touch and release the deepest centers of motivation, moving literate and illiterate alike, moving mobs, moving civilizations.”
-Joseph Campbell


Thank you Audible for providing this title!

Among the best

This is among the best of all audio books that I have listened to. I not only enjoyed it, I loved it. It is an intellectual feast. The reader’s performance is perfect.

Ultimate Observer

Joseph Campbell called himself a Maverick. He dedicated his life to being the Ultimate Observer. This book is one volume of his observation into primitive mythology. This book is a reference of evidence, mythology, stories, religions and cultures throughout large spans of the ancient human timeline.

Comprehensive story of people from early years

Remarkable in the way early “history” was conveyed as mythology, comparing global communities over centuries before written words recorded perceptions of “reality”. These stories can be listened to again to deepen my memory of an awesome experience.

Gar Nichts!

The shitty AI Voice over. I want my Credit Back. Add AI voice over as warning one click before purhase

Buy the newer stuff.

They tried to update it but it just isn’t worth listening to. I own over 900 titles. I’d return it but they won’t let me b/c of the high ratings I assume. I rated it a 1 to save someone else the wasted credit. It’s probably about a 2 overall tbh. The newer stuff is great. This might be useful as a historical reference to Campbell’s growth as a writer and philosopher but it’s not 5-stars…