Life Lessons from the Great Myths
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Life Lessons from the Great Myths
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Narrated by:
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J. Rufus Fears
About this listen
Change the way you think about some of the greatest stories ever told with this examination of the most important myths from more than 3,000 years of history. The ways in which the human imagination can transform historical events, people, and themes into powerful myths that endure through the ages is nothing short of awe-inspiring.
To examine the core of the world's greatest myths and tales is to confront some of history's most basic human truths. These 36 captivating lectures comprise a powerful work of storytelling prowess and historical insight, exploring events and individuals that so gripped civilizations, they transcended to the level of myth and played an important role in shaping culture, politics, religion, and more.
Looking at myths from ancient Greece and Rome, from the Near East and the Middle East, from early and modern Europe, and from the United States, Professor Fears shows how myths convey higher truths too profound to be described in ordinary language. Decoding them, Professor Fears reveals how they serve as enduring sources of wisdom. For example, the rich tapestry of supernatural events in the Epic of Gilgamesh provided support for Mesopotamian politics, including the need for a divinely appointed kingship. The furious battles in Beowulf played an important role in cementing Germanic ideas of courage, heroism, glory, and honor. And the dramatic last stand at the Battle of the Alamo emphasized for Americans that liberty is worth any price.
The search for wisdom is one of life's great purposes, and there is much wisdom to be gleaned from the world's great myths. By the final powerful and stirring lecture of this course, you're sure to find yourself wiser than you were before you started.
PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your Library section along with the audio.
©2011 The Teaching Company, LLC (P)2011 The Great CoursesListeners also enjoyed...
What listeners say about Life Lessons from the Great Myths
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- James Rothwell
- 21-01-19
Really really interesting
Great information delivered really well. Rufus keeps you interested in the story & leaves you wanting to know more on each topic. Definitely recommend if you’re interested in developing your historical knowledge, he certainly knows his stuff.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Rob.
- 21-02-19
Opinion is not the truth.
The lecturer gives to much of his own opinions regarding certain facts of history especially with regards to world war two. Otherwise a good lecture.
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Lee
- 30-06-19
Very American
It was a very good book, all great courses are, but the whole was just very Americanised. I do understand is there primary audience but as a non-american listener it was just a little bit annoying.
Still worth a listen though.
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2 people found this helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance3 out of 5 stars
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Story2 out of 5 stars
- Burning Crowe
- 09-09-18
Many Myths, few Life Lessons
I've listened to loads of Great Courses. I love them. This is the first Great Course that I have disliked. Fear retells stories at length. For almost an entire lecture, sometimes more than one. If you are lucky you get an examination of the history surrounding the myth. This is where the course is at its most interesting. Where it is weakest is the life lessons, which are sparse and shallow, and dependent upon highly subjective interpretation with no reference to any opinions beyond those of Fears himself.
I expect better of The Great Courses. Fortunately I have listened to many others. If this was the first I had listened to, it would have put me off.
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2 people found this helpful