joseph campbell's book the hero with a thousand faces

The same objection might be brought, however, against any textbook or chart of anatomy, where the physiological variations of race are disregarded in the interest of a basic general understanding of the human physique. Perhaps it will be objected that in bringing out the correspondences I have overlooked the differences between the various Oriental and Occidental, modern, ancient, and primitive traditions. The parallels will be immediately apparent and these will develop a vast and amazingly constant statement of the basic truths by which man has lived throughout the millennia of his residence on this planet. The second step will be then to bring together a host of myths and folktales from every corner of the world, and to let the symbols speak for themselves. Without regarding this as the last word on the subject, one can nevertheless permit it to serve as an approach.

But first we must learn the grammar of the symbols, and as a key to this mystery I know of no better tool than psychanalysis. Once we have learned to read again their symbolic language, it requires no more than the talent of an anthologist to let their teachings be heard. The old teachers knew what they were saying. “It is the purpose of the present book to uncover some of the truths disguised for us under the figures of religion and mythology by bringing together a multitude of not-too-difficult examples and letting the ancient meaning become apparent of itself.

Joseph campbell's book the hero with a thousand faces