In Search of Myths and Heroes
Michael Wood embarks on a quest to uncover the roots of four great legends from Greek, Celtic, Biblical and Indian myths. Each journey opens up universal themes as Wood goes in search not only of the historical past and literal truth, but also of the mythic past and archetypal stories that reflect and have sustained human existence since the beginning of time.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
Shangri-La (#103Z) Duration: 56:26 STEREO TVPG (Secondary audio: DVI)
Michael Wood's historical journey takes viewers on a thrilling trek through India, Nepal and Tibet in search of Shangri-La. The tale of the magical valley hidden behind the Himalayas was popularized in the 1930s movie Lost Horizon, but the myth of a secret earthly paradise is much older. To find the truth behind the legend, Wood travels on foot through some of the world's most sacred mountains before finally reaching the fantastic ruins of a lost city, which he believes is the real inspiration behind the myth.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Plus: Sun, May 19, 2013 -- 9:00pm email reminder
- KQED Plus: Mon, May 20, 2013 -- 3:00am email reminder
Jason & The Golden Fleece (#104Z) Duration: 56:16 STEREO TVPG (Secondary audio: DVI)
The Greeks have given the world its greatest body of myths, including the myth of Jason, an epic tale of the hero's quest and the ancestor of Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Jason is presented with a "mission impossible": to sail into the unknown to find the Golden Fleece. He is saved by the priestess Medea and her magical arts, but her love comes at a high price. A fairy tale? Or was there a real voyage? Wood heads from Greece to the wild mountains of the Caucasus to find the truth behind the Jason legend.
Upcoming Broadcasts:
- KQED Plus: Sun, May 19, 2013 -- 10:00pm email reminder
- KQED Plus: Mon, May 20, 2013 -- 4:00am email reminder









