The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Wordspells to Rewyrd the World

Postcards From Barsoom • 2855 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Essays Mythology Creative Writing Podcasts Cultural critique
  1. Words have power, and they can shape our reality. The way we use language can create meaningful changes in our lives and society.
  2. Myth and stories play an important role in understanding our world. They connect us to our history and help us make sense of our experiences.
  3. Engaging in deep discussions with others can open our minds to new ideas and perspectives. It's valuable to learn from one another through conversation.

Northern Courage Was Just Coping

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 316 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology Rituals Performance Identity Narrative
  1. Northern Courage is not true bravery. Instead, it often masks a refusal to accept reality and allows people to keep performing rituals instead of facing the truth.
  2. Collapse in society isn't loud or dramatic. It's quiet and gradual, with traditions and myths losing their meaning over time, ultimately becoming mere performances without substance.
  3. True change requires honesty and stillness rather than unnecessary action. To rebuild, it’s important to let go of old forms and allow new possibilities to emerge.

Pantheons, Panchronos

How the Hell • 129 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Religion History Mythology Literature Philosophy
  1. The Pantheon of the Past represents a nostalgic time when humans relied on the gods. It serves as a reminder of a simpler, carefree era.
  2. The Pantheon of the Present reflects a confusing time where humans struggle to define their identity and values without divine guidance.
  3. The Pantheon of the Future offers hope as it imagines a world alongside intelligent beings. It suggests that while the future may belong to new entities, the values we cherish could still live on.

The World Travels of a Blood-Soaked Mother Goddess

Looking Through the Past • 198 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
💾 History Religion Mythology Archaeology Civilizations
  1. Cybele was a very ancient mother goddess from Asia Minor, worshipped with wild and intense rituals, including bloodletting and self-castration by her priests.
  2. The Greeks and later Romans adopted and adapted Cybele's worship, blending her with their own deities and transforming her image from a fierce nature goddess to a more subdued Roman matriarch.
  3. Cybele's story reflects the complex views of womanhood in ancient cultures, showcasing everything from wild sexuality to dignified motherhood.

Words words words

The Fry Corner • 9052 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
📚 Literature Writing Books Creativity Inspiration Mythology
  1. Writing is often a slow process, with ideas developing over time, even when you're not actively writing. A lot of groundwork happens in your mind before the words hit the page.
  2. Sometimes, the inspiration for writing can feel mysterious and out of your control. It can be helpful to think of it as a collaboration with a muse or some creative force.
  3. Writers might find solutions to their problems by simply writing about them. Getting thoughts down on paper can help unlock new ideas and ways to move forward.
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Barangay stories: the Aswang and the jealous auntie

Wyclif's Dust • 268 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Folklore Mythology Family Storytelling Tradition
  1. The Aswang is a local Filipino monster that can scare children into behaving. It is said to look like a human, which makes it even creepier.
  2. Beliefs like the Aswang play a big role in Filipino culture and storytelling, blending fear with community wisdom.
  3. The story of the jealous auntie highlights struggles with mental health and relationships, showing how jealousy can strain even the closest ties.

Truth in the old myths

Wrong Side of History • 408 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Archaeology Mythology Cultural Studies Historical Figures
  1. Ancient myths, like those of Troy and Agamemnon, might have some truths behind them. Archaeological discoveries are showing that these stories could be based on real events.
  2. Visiting historical sites like Mycenae can inspire strong feelings about the past. It makes you think about the legends and heroes that might have lived there.
  3. New findings in DNA and archaeology challenge our view of old myths as just stories. They suggest that some of these legendary tales might have a basis in reality.

Goethe and Faust for a New Age

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3167 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Mythology Art History
  1. J.R.R. Tolkien might be compared to Goethe due to their deep knowledge and the large, influential works they created. Both men built complex worlds in their writings that resonate with deeply human themes.
  2. Tolkien's character Elendil is seen as a modern hero similar to Aeneas, embodying survival, duty, and the preservation of culture. Both characters face the challenge of keeping their people's traditions alive in the wake of disaster.
  3. Tolkien's influence goes beyond literature; it is shaping political movements today. His themes of resilience and tradition are resonating with various groups, especially in Italy and among certain political factions in the U.S.

Aenean Age or American Eschaton?

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3031 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Drama History Mythology
  1. Struggles can lead to new beginnings. Just like in ancient stories, facing hard times can give way to rebirth and new civilizations.
  2. Accepting failure without trying isn't the best choice. It's better to strive for a better future, even if it seems tough.
  3. Innovation can help us overcome challenges. Finding new ways, like using different materials, could lead to building a stronger society.

The Heroine's Journey

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2855 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Archetypes Personal Development
  1. The concept of the Heroine's Journey offers a new perspective that differs from the traditional Hero's Journey, focusing on women's experiences and acknowledging their diverse roles beyond stereotypes.
  2. Exploring narrative psychology through fairy tales provides a more relatable and inclusive framework for personal growth, as fairy tales represent the tales of ordinary people and offer a wide range of characters and situations.
  3. The Heroine's Journey encourages individuals to delve deeper into their own journey through life, reflecting on women's archetypes, personal mythmaking, and other narrative processes for self-discovery and understanding.

The Ideology of the Dangerous Female

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1458 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Society Gender Narrative Mythology
  1. The 'Dangerous Female' concept explores how women can be seen as powerful or chaotic forces in society. It's interesting to think about the balance of power between genders.
  2. In the 2024 film 'Nosferatu,' women are portrayed as summoning dark, ancient powers. This adds a layer of complexity to the narrative about femininity and danger.
  3. The film suggests that men often fail to recognize or stop these chaotic forces from women. It raises questions on awareness and the dynamics in gender relationships.

British myth and folk tales and the 'law of the land'

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 3574 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Folklore Traditions
  1. British myths and folklore contain principles for living in balance with nature, even without a clear set of guidelines, evident in stories passed down through generations.
  2. The concept of a Wasteland in legends like Arthurian tales symbolizes consequences for disrespecting nature and the feminine, resulting in infertility and disruption of the natural order.
  3. Flooding and inundation in Celtic literature serve as punishments for wrongdoing or carelessness, emphasizing the need to respect the land, the Otherworld, and the feminine to avoid negative consequences.

Telling the Bees

The Abbey of Misrule • 280 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📚 Literature Poetry Fiction Non-fiction Essays Mythology
  1. Domnoc, a sixth-century figure, had a special bond with bees, often feeling more connected to them than to people. This highlights a deep connection to nature.
  2. He was seen as a different kind of person, wandering and dreaming, suggesting that he didn’t feel entirely at home in the human world. This idea resonates with many who feel out of place in society.
  3. The notion that humans come from somewhere else and are on a journey back can inspire feelings of longing and purpose. It reminds us to reflect on our deeper connections and origins.

The Post-Heroic Journey

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 6430 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Archetypes Journey
  1. The Hero's Journey is a popular but criticized narrative structure that focuses on individualistic, world-saving heroes, often ignoring feminine archetypes and values.
  2. The Eco-Heroine's Journey and the post-heroic journey offer alternative narratives that prioritize community, compassion, humility, and reconnection with nature.
  3. Post-heroic stories emphasize values of community, moderation, compassion, and re-enchantment with the world, providing new, enriching perspectives for living meaningful lives.

Start here

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 4992 implied HN points • 15 Jul 23
📚 Literature Storytelling Mythology Psychology Folklore
  1. Dr. Sharon Blackie focuses on reimagining women's stories, myths, and fairy tales, emphasizing the importance of these traditions in addressing modern cultural and environmental issues.
  2. The concept of enchantment, as defined by Dr. Sharon Blackie, involves a profound connection to the world, a sense of wonder, and engagement with creativity and nature, promoting a slow and ethical way of living.
  3. Dr. Sharon Blackie offers different engagement levels through free subscriptions, paid subscriptions with exclusive content on myth, fairy tales, and psychology, and an exclusive membership called The Hearth for deeper exploration and support.

Monsters and Mediocrity

Breaking Smart • 47 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Art Philosophy Media Mythology
  1. Monsters often need a vital or life-like element to exist, just like Frankenstein's monster needed a 'spark of life' to be animated.
  2. Contraptions and monsters share a relationship where both may lack design integrity and are often unnamed, highlighting their unfinished or imperfect nature.
  3. True monsters are typically derived from living beings, reflecting a recognizable perversion of something familiar, like a giant cockroach.

Calling all rooted women ...

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2935 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Rituals Folklore Beliefs Spiritual Practices
  1. The post highlights the focus on ancestral ties and the upcoming book 'Hearth', emphasizing the importance of place and heritage in storytelling and creativity.
  2. The author shares insights about the North Sea, childhood memories, and the inspiration that nature and history provide for her work on folklore and traditions.
  3. There are exciting updates about the upcoming 'Rooted Woman Oracle' and an online event 'The Descent', showcasing the author's exploration of myths, rituals, and empowerment through storytelling.

How to initiate your sons

Becoming Noble • 1415 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Archetypes Mythology
  1. Initiation rites are important for helping individuals transition between different life stages and societal roles.
  2. Initiation rituals provide individuals with a connection to sacred archetypes and myths, helping them understand their place in society and embody societal values.
  3. Completing an initiation ritual signifies a break from childhood, revealing moral responsibilities and ensuring a sense of confidence and maturity in the individual.

The Great Flood

Classical Wisdom • 1474 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Ancient Greece
  1. The ancient Greek myth of Deucalion surviving a catastrophic flood has similarities to the Biblical story of Noah's Ark, showcasing different visions of destruction: fire, ice, and water.
  2. Creation myths play a significant role in ancient cultures, often symbolizing the origin of the world and human species, like with Prometheus creating mankind and Deucalion repopulating the earth after the flood.
  3. Deucalion's survival from the flood, along with his wife Pyrrha, led to the repopulation of the earth through divine guidance, and their offspring Hellen is the legendary ancestor of the Greek race.

It's ok to live in a fantasyland

The Novelleist • 1303 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Mythology Cultural Studies Writing
  1. Living in a fantasyland allows us to add magic to our everyday lives, helping us cope with reality. Stories, myths, and legends enrich our experiences and make the world feel more enchanting.
  2. Imagination is powerful; it helps us see extraordinary things in ordinary places. We can transform a simple book or a familiar place into a magical experience just by believing in the stories connected to them.
  3. Sometimes knowing too much can take away the magic. Holding onto myths and stories helps keep the wonder alive in our lives, letting us cherish imagination alongside reality.

The owl season

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2536 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Folklore Spiritual Practices Mysticism Community
  1. The newsletter discusses folklore, book releases, and interviews about myths and legends, emphasizing the importance of nature and storytelling.
  2. The writer shares personal reflections on aging, seasonal changes, and the joy of creating in solitude, highlighting the cyclical nature of elderhood and the importance of setting boundaries.
  3. The post also features updates on community events, reading recommendations, and a workshop on the myth of Psyche and Eros, showcasing a diverse range of literary content and upcoming activities.

Short Take: The Inevitability of Wotan

Anarchonomicon • 1238 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Norse Paganism may become a prominent religion for white populations due to its ancestral ties and cultural continuity.
  2. Modern Norse Paganism could offer advantages by distancing from Middle Eastern influences and emphasizing European heritage.
  3. A resurgence in European spiritualism and identification is expected as dissatisfaction with modern ideologies grows, leading to a revival of ancient European Gods and myths.

A dreaming workbook and audio journey

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2156 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychology Mythology Spiritual Practices
  1. Dreams have been historically valued for wisdom and deep significance by humans.
  2. Dream interpretation was a central aspect of Carl Jung's therapeutic approach, revealing hidden messages from the unconscious.
  3. Personal experiences with vivid dreams can lead to profound insights and transformations in one's life.

AI in the Age of Mythic Powers by Josh Schrei

The Bigger Picture • 858 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🔬 Science AI Mythology Ethics Mystery Society
  1. AI's powers are seen as mythic and magical in scope, with abilities akin to those discussed in ancient stories and magical grimoires.
  2. The discussion around AI goes beyond rationality and delves into religious and spiritual questions, questioning concepts like sentience and consciousness.
  3. AI poses risks not just on a global and societal scale, but also on individual bodies, with potential impacts on embodiment, agency, and mental health.

The Old Woman Who Hexed Summer

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2296 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Book recommendations Poetry Community Engagement
  1. The author reflects on the joy of home nesting, finding comfort in familiar objects and creating enchantment through personal belongings.
  2. The newsletter introduces upcoming storytelling events exploring mythic stories to inspire and provide insight during difficult times.
  3. Book recommendations and poems are shared to encourage reflection and exploration of British folklore and the magic within everyday routines.

Aeneas: Founder of Rome

Classical Wisdom • 1041 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Mythology Ancient Rome Imperialism Morality
  1. Aeneas was a significant figure in Roman mythology, known for being the founder of Rome and embodying Roman virtues.
  2. Aeneas' story was immortalized in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid, which is considered one of the greatest works in Classical literature.
  3. The legend of Aeneas and his adventures was used to explain Rome's foundation, justify its empire, and promote Roman moral values.

The Hagitude program – now available on-demand

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1996 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Personal Growth Spiritual Practices Community Building
  1. The Hagitude program is now available as a self-study, on-demand course after the live yearlong membership program ended.
  2. The program focuses on navigation through menopause, understanding elder women in myth, embracing one's Inner Hag, and passing down wisdom to benefit the Earth community.
  3. The self-study program includes extensive resources like module workbooks, webinar recordings, guest teacher workshops, creative writing prompts, and dreamwork sessions.

The Two Trojan Wars

Classical Wisdom • 1985 implied HN points • 19 May 23
💾 History Mythology Literature
  1. There were two Trojan Wars, with the more famous one being the second.
  2. The first Trojan War was led by Hercules and had different origins than the second.
  3. Zeus played a significant role in the root causes of the second Trojan War, manipulating events to rid the world of his potential threats.

You're Not a Fearmonger. You Have Sentinel Intelligence.

OK Doomer • 139 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Society Psychology Media Climate
  1. Cassandra, a character from Greek mythology, could see the future and warn others, but nobody believed her. This shows how hard it can be when people ignore important warnings.
  2. Many people today feel like Cassandra because they notice threats like climate change but are dismissed as negative or paranoid. There's a common tendency to avoid tough conversations and stick to positive thinking.
  3. Having 'sentinel intelligence' means being aware of real threats and speaking out about them, even if others react negatively. This awareness is important for making informed decisions for a better future.

The Descent of Man

Cosmographia • 658 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ancient Texts Mythology
  1. Lineage was highly significant for ancient Israelites, connecting them to their divine covenant and promising them a land and a future Messiah.
  2. Genealogies in the Hebrew Bible were not just lists of names, but keys to understanding one's place in God's plan, serving to preserve their sense of self and identity amidst external threats.
  3. The descendants of Noah's sons, as detailed in the 'Table of Nations' in Genesis, were believed to repopulate the world and carry forward the sacred bloodlines after the Great Flood.

The Flood

Cosmographia • 718 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Art History
  1. Many cultures worldwide have flood myths that share similar motifs, such as a great flood cleansing the earth and only a select few surviving, prompting researchers to question the origins of these stories.
  2. Some theories suggest that flood myths may stem from a distant cultural memory of a cataclysmic event like a prehistoric flood, while others propose that these myths date back to a primordial story before global dispersal of peoples.
  3. Analytical psychologist Carl Jung believed that recurring myths like the flood archetype reflect universal, innate aspects of the human subconscious, influencing human behavior in profound ways.

Flowerings and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1737 implied HN points • 01 Jul 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Writing Memoir Mythology Reading Poetry
  1. The author reflects on finding enchantment and solace in the summer despite not being a summer person, attributing it to their new stone house and connection to nature.
  2. They share their experience of making improvements to their new house during the summer months and express gratitude for living the life they've always dreamed of.
  3. The author announces new projects, such as a self-study version of their online course and monthly membership program, as well as upcoming lecture series and gatherings focused on mythic stories.

Pandæmonium

Cosmographia • 678 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Religious texts Cosmology Theology
  1. The post discusses the fall of Lucifer and his rebellion against God in heaven, leading to his ultimate downfall and banishment to a hellish abyss.
  2. It explores the concept of eternal damnation for those who follow in Lucifer's rebellious footsteps.
  3. The post hints at the ominous and hopeless fate that awaits those who enter the described underworld, echoing themes from various religious and literary works.

Wolverine: The Creature Most Voracious

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 239 implied HN points • 06 Jun 24
🔬 Science Animal Behavior Ecology Natural History Mythology
  1. Wolverines are known for their huge appetites and can eat a lot of food at once. They are so gluttonous that they can overeat and need to find narrow spaces to relieve themselves.
  2. These animals have a varied diet and are both hunters and scavengers, eating everything from birds to rodents. They do face tough winter conditions without hibernating, relying on their hunting skills.
  3. People often view wolverines negatively, calling them destructive and cunning. However, they are simply doing what they need to survive in harsh environments and shouldn't be unfairly blamed.

Essay Club: Wotan by Carl Jung

Mind & Mythos • 299 implied HN points • 17 May 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Psychology Mythology History Literature
  1. Carl Jung believed that the rise of the Nazis in Germany was tied to a spiritual crisis, which he symbolized with the ancient god Wotan. He saw this as a sign of a deeper psychological unrest rather than just economic problems.
  2. Jung introduced the idea of the 'collective unconscious', suggesting that everyone shares certain archetypes or collective thoughts that can influence entire cultures. Wotan, for Jung, represented a part of the German psyche that could manifest in times of crisis.
  3. Jung argued that rather than being purely responsible for their actions, people could be seen as victims of these powerful archetypes. He thought this could help explain the extreme behaviors of nations, especially in challenging times.

Return of the Old Gods

Reactionary Feminist • 12 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Poetry Fantasy Mythology Spirituality
  1. People often seek deeper meaning and joy in a world that feels disenchanted. They're looking for something to believe in amidst the chaos.
  2. The rise in fantasy writing reflects our desire to reconnect with a sense of enchantment that we feel has been lost. It's like finding old gods in new stories.
  3. Many individuals express a longing for love and loyalty as they navigate their emotional journeys, similar to themes found in classic poetry.

The Truth of Myths

Polymathic Being • 70 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Wisdom Spirituality Tradition Literature
  1. Myths can hold deep truths and meanings, even if they aren't literally factual. They often reflect universal human experiences and insights.
  2. Understanding myths helps us confront our own flaws and aspirations through archetypes. Stories from different cultures teach us about balancing different aspects of our nature.
  3. Rather than seeking to prove myths as factual, we should appreciate their wisdom. They offer insights that can guide us in our everyday lives, revealing lessons that have been learned over time.