Michael Wood: In Search of Myths and Heroes

Love stories

I could listen to this man tell stories over and over. He is more than just a good historian, he put color and passion into his narration. I watch the DVD often. It's worth the price and the visual is a feast for the eyes. June 14, 2008

Myths and Heroes

Jason and the Golden Fleece, The Queen of Sheba, Shangri-la, Arthur. Michael Wood's documentaries, as always provide a level of involvement in the myths and legends he brings to life as no other documentarians have done. His 250 mile trudge across the back side of the Himalayans in the company of Nepalese villagers is a case in point, and his arrival at the thousand year old fortress/retreat which stands as the best thesis for Shambala is monumental.

The photography is spectacular, the settings are both spectacular and gritty, and they are filmed in a manner that engages the viewer with the history, the indigent populace, and the meatiness of the legends. January 18, 2008

See new parts of the World

Not up to standards of "In the Footsteps of Alexander" but only because the myths he explores in these shows have less of an historical basis. This is still a fun learning experience and a good introduction to two more myths (including how Jason's story really ended) that have influenced Western culture.
Louis J Sheehan November 14, 2007

About mountains and deserts.

With 'In search of the Trojan War'(another BBC DVD) Michael Wood made a thorough study of the age of heroes and legends. He tried to find historical facts only to end up with hypotheses.

The same goes for 'In Search of Myths and Heroes' but this time Wood seems to have lost his panache that took a hold on us in The Trojan war DVD.Of course his journey through the Himalayas, through frozen and barren landscapes are able to take a hold on us, but we keep asking:'Is this all there is?'.

His quest for hidden realms since long gone, treasures and objects give the impression that he lost the intellectual spirit to investigate as thoroughly as in the Trojan War. Is the queen of Sheba a historical person? Maybe.Does Shangri-La exist? Could be. Does the Grail exist? He does not answer but takes us to a place in England where they keep a tiny wooden cup and say to every visitor that this is The Holy Grail. No further comment. Yes this is all there is.(From the intellectual point of view.)

But the real value of 'In Search of Myths and Heroes' lies
in the fact that it is a very well directed documentary of several countries in the far East. In particular the hardship that Michael Wood and his companions have to suffer during their travel through icy cold mountain paths, make this DVD interesting enough for four stars.
August 11, 2006

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