Mythology Movies

This documentary traces the Arthurian legends from their inception in the 6th century historical figure of an British chieftain, through his metamorphosis into the romantic figure of grail legends and the round table we know today. By the 12th century, Arthur was a national hero to the English. The exploits of Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table, immortalized by the French poet Chretien de Troyes, fired the imagination of other writers down through the centuries, notably in "The Idylls of the Kings", by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, Richard Wagner's opera "Parsifal", and "Morte D'Arthur, by Sir Thomas Mallory. These works, and others, and the myths they embodied, are explored in the film. Considered are the essentials of the Arthurian myth, such as his relationships with Guinevere, Lancelot, and his magical teacher Merlin, and his nemesis Mordred. This is a fascinating look at one of the Europe's most enduring heroes. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

The documentary King Arthur's Britain features archaeologist Francis Pryor explaining how new discoveries have changed perceptions and opinions of what life might have been like during the time that the famous king may have ruled. The film offers evidence that illuminates such legends as the sword Excalibur, and the creation of the Knights of the Round Table. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

The enigmatic Incan city of Machu Piccu is explored in this release that expands on explorer Hiram Bingham's groundbreaking 1911 discovery to ponder the true purpose and function of the spectacular city located high in the Andes Mountains. Numerous archeologists have dedicated their careers to discovering the true role this esoteric city played in ancient Incan society, and as the men and women who hunger for truth wander the awe-inspiring ruins in search of a definitive answer, viewers can stand right alongside them thanks to The History Channel. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

Based on the book by Raymond McNally and Radu Florescu, this documentary mixes historical research, literary scholarship, film clips, and folklore with dramatic re-creations of scenes from Bram Stoker's famous novel Dracula. Christopher Lee, star of innumerable horror films for England's venerable Hammer Studios, narrates and appears as both Dracula and his historical counterpart, Vlad the Impaler. Examining the facts behind the novel and its inspirations, In Search of Dracula includes footage shot on location in Transylvania, plus Austria, Germany, Switzerland, and Sweden. Although Stoker himself never visited Transylvania, he did his homework; as the footage here attests, his descriptions of the land's mountains and forests prove uncannily accurate. In addition to the landscape of Transylvania itself, the film explores the links between the fictional Count Dracula and Vlad Tepes Dracula, a 15th century Romanian prince known for impaling his many enemies, most notably the Turks, on long spikes. The film also looks at Countess Elisabeth Bathory, a 16th century Hungarian noblewoman whose predilection for bathing in the blood of her servant girls gave her a reputation as a "living vampire" and got her walled up in her own castle. Other topics range from vampire bats and psychological vampirism to the use of vampire imagery in the Greek Orthodox church and the emergence of the femme fatale "vamp" in silent film. Yvonne Floyd's script also spends time exploring the links and similarities between the Dracula mythology and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. In addition to In Search of Dracula, McNally wrote Dracula Was a Woman, a more focused treatment of Countess Bathory's story. Lee would go on to host another documentary, the 13-part TV series 100 Years of Horror. ~ Brian J. Dillard, Rovi

The indigenous Hawaiian music act Halau o Kekuhi(comprised of Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele, Nalani Kanaka'ole, and Kuma Hula) headline the performance video Holo Mai Pele, an episode of the popular PBS cultural arts series Dance in America. The groups dance and act out the titular work of Hawaiian musical theater, a mythical tale of the competition that surfaces between Pelehonuamea, goddess of the volcano, and Hi'iaka, her youngest sister. This rare glimpse into Hawaiian culture explores the themes of divine creation, love, jealousy, resentment, and romantic betrayal, which it interweaves into a stunning spectacle of music, movement, and color. As an added bonus, this fifty-six minute program also includes an exclusive interview with Kumu Hula and Pualani Kanaka'ole Kanahele. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi

The legends of King Arthur have over the centuries grown into a mixture of historical fact and carefully cultivated myth -- so much so that it's difficult for many observers to tell where truth ends and fancy begins. The Legend of King Arthur: In Search of King Arthur is a documentary which explores how the myth of King Arthur grew, his significance in both history and legend, and why his story continues to appeal and compel so many people after such a long span of time. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Look beyond the myth and ambiguity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Scandinavian explorers who were rumored to land on America's shores centuries before Christopher Columbus as the filmmakers of The History Channel travel back in time to the era of the Viking. A restoration of the fabled longship cuts across the North Atlantic into uncharted territory as historians recount the tales of Leif Ericsson and his famed father Eric the Red. A rare interview with L'anse aux Meadows discoverer and modern-day Norse explorer Helge Ingstad offers unprecedented insight into the lives of these legendary adventurers. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

This documentary examines the legends and facts surrounding the mystery of the mythic place called Camelot and its wise leader, King Arthur. Whether fact or fiction, Camelot is revered as a peaceful and benign place where ideals of chivalry and service prevailed. Narrated by actress Kathleen Turner, the film searches for answers regarding the identity of Arthur and the location of Camelot. Archeologists weigh in on those subjects and more, while they continue to search for the actual round table used by Arthur's knights. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

From the vast beauty of the Highlands to the majestic Central Lowlands and Borders, Scotland is a land teeming with wondrous myths and captivating tales. Passed down through the generations by storytellers who hold their rich culture near and dear to their hearts, tales such as that of Rob Roy, King James IV and the ghost of the field of Flodden, and Robert the Bruce and the legend of the spider have a special place in the history of the Scottish. Now those who may wish to learn more about their cultural heritage and those who want to ensure the preservation of these tales for generations to come can find them all in one place thanks to this detailed collection of Celtic legends. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

This edition of Biography, the long running documentary series from A&E, explores the life of semi-legendary sixth century king of the Britons King Arthur. He may originally have been a Roman-British war leader in called Arturus; but he is represented as having united the British tribes against the invading Saxons, and as having been the champion of Christendom as well. He is said to have fought against the invaders in a series of momentous battles, starting with a victory at Mount Baden and ending with defeat and death at Camlan, after which he was buried at Glastonbury. The Anglo-Saxon Chronicle makes no mention of him, however; he first appears in Welsh chronicles long after the event. The story of Arthur blossomed into a huge literature, interwoven with legends of the Holy Grail and courtly ideas of the Round Table of knights at Camelot, in such writers as Geoffrey of Monmouth, Chrétien de Troyes, Layamon, and, most notably in English, Sir Thomas Malory. ~ John Patrick Sheehan, Rovi

The filmmakers at The History Channel reconsider the belief system of the Ancient Greeks in this documentary that explores the similarity and differences between mortal man and all-powerful deity while offering unexpected answers to puzzling enigmas that have confounded scholars for centuries. From the origins of the pantheon to recently unearthed archeological evidence suggesting that the Greek Gods were not myth but very real, this history lesson in classical Greece goes to great depths in exploring both the daily lives of the people who lived during those remarkable times and the lasting influence of the era on the modern world. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi

For anyone who has ever wondered just what that mysterious pyramid on the back of the dollar bill really represents, investigative mythologist William Henry digs deep into history to demystify the symbols that the founding fathers employed to represent the new land where anything was deemed possible and the pursuit of a dream was a beacon that attracted citizens from across the globe. From the all-seeing eye to the unmistakable goddess qualities of lady liberty, this release delves deep into the mystical realms of the Kabbalah and the age old practice of alchemy to reveal a group of men with a driving desire to start life in a new land, and a strange connection to such groups as the Freemasons and the Knights Templar. ~ Jason Buchanan, Rovi