After reading the course documents on Hindu mythology, I decided to pop my favorite movie into my DVD player, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. I thought, "Hey, it takes place in India, it counts". While watching the film, I noticed it had all the elements of a myth (in this case maybe an epic): There was a hero (Indy, of course), a enemy or villain, a side kick, and an a god (in the movie, Kali, who is portrayed as a more masculine figure as I could see. I don't think they ever said god or goddess though). The film subtly referenced the Heroic Code, albeit slightly, through the character of Indy.
However, I saw a link in the character of Indiana to the words Mythos and Logos. As I interpret the words themselves, Mythos=spiritualism and faith and Logos = Rationalism and knowledge. Indiana, being an archeology professor, is a mix of both mythos and logos. He understands the importance of the pursuit of knowledge and is logical himself. However, he has faith. Through his understanding of other cultures and belief systems, he is able to connect with spirituality in a small way, like in the movie how his main objective is to get the river stone to save the village as they belief it was their protection. Also, he becomes one (I think he was possessed or brainwashed) with goddess Kali through a kind of ritual, which in a sense makes him more in touch with the goddess of mayhem and death. That scene was a bit weird, to be honest.
These are just my thoughts after watching the movie. I thought it would be something interesting to post about something in pop culture relating back to mythology.
That's a really cool comparison! Now I'll have to go back and watch it again because I haven't seen it in ages. Good job with that!
ReplyDeleteTotally agree--I am so glad you posted this! This is yet another example of how myth resonates even in our own time, and through our most popular media, film (and t.v.). Here's a question--"Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom" plays on an actual historical event, the supression of the Thugee Cult, worshipers of Kali, who terrorized India. In pursuing death and mayhem, were such devotees following dharma? How did they effect their own karma? Why am I asking you this?
ReplyDeleteIn a really messed up way I think in their eyes(The Thuggee Cult)they were folowing dharma. They did warship Kali hich some thought she had representated death and destruction so for them they were doing what they thought was right. I am not sure how the first two centuries of the cult's karma was effected but I read in the 19th century the Brittish started to go after and kill the people responsible for the cult activity. Which I see as an effect on their karma. Other than that I am not very sure but it is pretty neat that Michelle was able to connect the movie of Indiana Jones and Hindu mythology. I don't think I would have made the connection all by myself, actually I am pretty sure on that:)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you brought this up, Michelle. I didn't remember watching this one, so I ordered it on netflix. It was neat being able explain the references to Shiva and Kali to my husband. :)
ReplyDelete