Dusting Off Mythology

This album is something else - an education package LP prepared by the Ontario Education Communications Authority in 1971 (and re-issued in 1973) which accompanies a television series of the same name which was aired on TVOntario (owned by the OECA).

The album gathers up some local music talent - Perth County Conspiracy, Edward Bear, Dinah Christie, Shoppe (Victor Garber!), and Pepper & Salt who provided tracks related to themes of mythology. The Teacher’s Notes (in Blue below) contain intro material and then divides into 4 mythological themes: The Quest, The Hero, War and finally Creation, each of which has related tracks from the LP and who knows what from the TV show.

The Program Insert which contains the lyrics:

The program gives the last theme (“Creation”) over to the Perth County Conspiracy with “Live To Die”, “Stories of Old” and, linked below, “Angel’s Anthem”.

“Captain”, by good ol’ Edward Bear:

And the somewhat ridiculous “Hercules” by Pepper & Salt:

I contacted TVOntario, and they replied confirming that the video is currently not available, but were able to provide their description of the series broadcast - there were 4 episodes in all:

Series Description: Providing an innovative approach to studies in mythology for Intermediate and Senior students, modern Greek troubadours not only sing of the Greek myths, but also use modern songs to illustrate how we are still following the essential patterns of the Greek stories. Students are invited to draw their own conclusions about our 20th century Western mythology, as well as the place and purpose of mythology in all societies.

Episode 1: The Quest - Using the story of the Golden Fleece as the basic example of the quest in mythology, this program defines the quest and examines illustrations of it in history and literature.

Episode 2: The Hero - Presents the stories of two famous Greek heroes, Hercules and Theseus, considers the hero in history, literature and current society, and asks the question: are all heroes mythical?

Episode 3: War - Tells the story of the Trojan War and draws ironic parallels between it and other wars.

Episode 4: Creation - Considers various mythical versions of the creation of the world, of man and of the seasons.