Campbell explores the dawn of mankind's mythic consciousness with a study of temple caves from the Paleolithic period. Campbell also introduces the basic concepts in the study of mythology: the role of the shaman, the stages of initiation, and the significance of lunar and solar symbolism. Birth. Growing up. Rites of passage. The myths of early peoples dealt with inevitable aspects of being human, and they still speak to us today. Campbell delves into our evolutionary development and how we confront the existence of forces greater than ourselves.