Discover the role of myths in human culture with award-winning author Joseph Campbell.An enthralling exploration of the role of myth in human culture by the most famous mythologist of our time, Mythos: The Shaping of our Mythic Tradition is the culmination of a lifetime's study and experience by award-winning author Joseph Campbell. In psychological terms he explains the universal themes that link us together, how myths emerge from the unconscious of every people and culture, and the purpose of these myths -- to guide the individual into understanding the cycle of life.Joseph Campbell takes us on a fascinating journey, explaining how both eastern and western myths emerged at the very beginning of man's exploration of himself, as bands of hunter-gatherers settled and formed more ordered societies. It also includes a detailed description of how the native peoples of North America developed a rich and vital mythology linking them in harmony with the natural world.Illustrated throughout with full-color photographs, Mythos: The Shaping of our Mythic Tradition is more than an encyclopedia of myth -- the people and stories come to life through Campbell's unique storytelling style.