The Belly of the Whale - Joseph Campbell

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

In the context of 'The Belly of the Whale' as described, what does the hero's entrance into the whale symbolize?

A literal journey into the unknown depths of the ocean.
A transition into a sphere of rebirth and transformation. (correct)
The hero's physical death and subsequent decomposition.
The hero's attempt to conquer the power of the magical threshold.

How does the story of Raven from the Eskimo of Bering Strait illustrate the 'Belly of the Whale' motif?

Raven demonstrates physical strength by overpowering the whale-cow.
Raven uses trickery to enter the whale-cow, symbolizing a journey into the unknown. (correct)
Raven seeks refuge inside the whale-cow to escape harsh weather conditions.
Raven's story emphasizes the importance of respecting marine animals.

According to the passage, what is the significance of temple guardians?

They ensure that only those who are pure of heart can enter the temple.
They represent the dangerous aspects of the presence within, warding away those incapable of understanding the sacred space. (correct)
They physically prevent anyone from entering the temple.
They serve as historical markers commemorating important events in the temple's history.

According to the passage, what does the act of entering a temple allegorically represent?

A heroic dive through the jaws of a whale, symbolizing a life-renewing act. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Egyptian myth of Osiris relate to the concept of transformation?

Osiris's dismemberment and scattering symbolize the necessary annihilation of the old self for renewal. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the passage, what does Ananda Coomaraswamy suggest is necessary to attain a higher grade of nature?

Ceasing to exist in one's current form. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the description of the ritual in Phrygia honoring Attis connect to the idea of 'scattering their flesh'?

It represents a symbolic act of sacrifice and self-annihilation for the renovation of the world. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What do the Twin Heroes of the Navaho encountering clashing rocks, cactuses and boiling sands, symbolize in the context of the 'hero's journey'?

The internal trials and tribulations that must be overcome on a path to transformation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What does the passage suggest about the relationship between the 'Belly of the Whale' motif and the passage into a temple?

They are identical adventures symbolizing the life-centering, life-renewing act. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Relating to the 'hero's journey', what is the significance of the hero being able to pass 'back and forth across the horizons of the world, in and out of the dragon'?

It signifies the hero completely annihilating his ego and understanding contraries of phenomenality. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Belly of the Whale

Symbolizes passage into rebirth, where the hero is swallowed into the unknown instead overcoming threshold's power.

Threshold Guardians

In temples, they ward off those unable to comprehend higher truths. Symbolically, teeth of the metaphorical whale.

Temple Passage/Whale Dive

Denotes passage into temple or hero's dive into jaws; symbolizing life-centering, renewing act.

Ceasing to Exist

Achieving a higher state requires ceasing to exist in the current form, to be dismembered, and scattered.

Signup and view all the flashcards

Slaying the Dragon Act

Enacting symbolic acts of slaying the dragon involves sacrificing one's own body for world's renovation.