The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

Wordspells to Rewyrd the World

Postcards From Barsoom • 2855 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📚 Literature Mythology
  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.

a dream within a dream

Secretum Secretorum • 353 implied HN points • 25 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Mythology
  1. Many myths picture the world as a dream or mental creation of a deity whose move from sleep or dream into wakefulness is what makes the world solid and real.
  2. There’s a trade-off: dreaming gives unconstrained creative freedom, while entering the dream and becoming lucid brings self-reflection but also limits, needs and constraints.
  3. A recurring motif is that the creator or the soul gets lost inside the creation and must be reminded or find clues to remember its true origin and return home.

Tolkien’s Dragons and Ours

Thinking about... • 915 implied HN points • 31 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Dragons symbolize a way of being that hoards wealth and treats value as mere quantity, turning small joys into an endless, empty pile.
  2. That dragon spirit shows up in the real world — in banks, polluted landscapes, and institutions that measure everything as assets instead of things to enjoy.
  3. Overcoming dragons takes courage and comradeship; heroes recognize the dragon’s weak spots and choose to build a different, better world.

The World Travels of a Blood-Soaked Mother Goddess

Looking Through the Past • 198 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
💾 History Mythology
  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 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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On the Internet, You Don't Discover Reality. You Create It.

Default Wisdom • 247 implied HN points • 22 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Big jumps in communication technology reshape how people think, pushing consciousness into new imaginative and myth-making modes.
  2. Language and naming build the inner story of the self and the shared culture; to name something is to know it and gain power over it.
  3. The Internet breaks down old boundaries so identity and facts become fluid, creating a magical-like space where words and rituals can help create reality.

Death Is Nothing to Be Feared

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 30 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Old stories and fairy tales teach kindness, shape our morals, and help build communities that last.
  2. Our hyper-technological age and the retreat of religion are eroding those guiding myths, creating a cultural amnesia about ancient wisdom.
  3. People often live in denial about mortality, but facing and accepting death as a natural part of life can restore meaning and a sense of fairness.

A Prophecy of Silicon Valley's Fall

The Intrinsic Perspective • 9882 implied HN points • 26 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Mythology
  1. Silicon Valley seems to be at its peak now but may soon face a decline because of internal issues. Many believe it has weakened itself over time, contradicting its reputation.
  2. The Valley's reputation is being challenged as it becomes a parody of its past criticisms. It's turning into what people have deemed it to be: disconnected, greedy, and self-serving.
  3. The recent actions of influential figures like Elon Musk suggest Silicon Valley is not effectively using its power. This raises questions about its future impact and direction.

What is the Odyssey about?

The Common Reader • 3189 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. The Odyssey is mainly about fathers and sons, showing how they search for each other and the connections between them. Telemachus goes looking for Odysseus, while Odysseus eventually seeks his father, Laertes.
  2. Odysseus learns about himself through his relationship with Laertes, his aging father. This moment makes him realize the importance of family and legacy as he sees his own aging reflected in his father.
  3. The story emphasizes the journey towards home and self-discovery, highlighting that to truly know oneself, one must confront their past and their family ties.

The Heroine's Journey

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2855 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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.

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
  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.

The Post-Heroic Journey

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 6430 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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 Mythology
  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.

What is Fairyland?

Default Wisdom • 488 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. An otherworld is a layered, immaterial realm that overlaps the physical world, and the Internet functions like that kind of otherworld.
  2. Folkloric Fairyland is ancient, strange, and often dangerous, governed by its own rules and obligations, not the cute Victorian image of tiny, harmless sprites.
  3. People once treated the Internet as mystical or spiritual and, even though it’s now framed as a tool or an addiction, many online experiences still feel 'magical' and can trap you — so old myths and etiquette for navigating otherworlds remain useful.

Calling all rooted women ...

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2935 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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 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
  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.

The owl season

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2536 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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.

AI in the Age of Mythic Powers by Josh Schrei

The Bigger Picture • 858 implied HN points • 14 Mar 24
🔬 Science Mythology
  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.

Goethe and Faust for a New Age

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3167 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  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.

The Old Woman Who Hexed Summer

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 2296 implied HN points • 05 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  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.

Aenean Age or American Eschaton?

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 3031 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
📚 Literature 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.

Aeneas: Founder of Rome

Classical Wisdom • 1041 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Mythology
  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
  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
  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.

Two & a Half Hours into "Avatar: Fire & Ash"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The film mashup mixes many genres and stories, turning familiar tropes into a dense, collage-like epic that feels both sprawling and familiar.
  2. It layers striking motifs — a biblical-style sacrifice, massive whale/sea sequences, and a high-tech military that makes reckless identification and tactical choices like building a base on a giant oil refinery — creating surprising tonal shifts.
  3. The Odyssey trailer is tightly handled: it tells the Trojan Horse story simply and effectively, evokes a realistic Late Bronze Age Anatolia, and presents Odysseus as a morally complicated, even villainous, character.

The Descent of Man

Cosmographia • 658 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality 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
  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 Mythology
  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.

James Joyce's Ulysses

Classical Wisdom • 1709 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. James Joyce's Ulysses is a retelling of Homer's Odyssey in a modern setting.
  2. The main characters in Ulysses are inspired by major figures from the Odyssey, like Leopold Bloom as an 'everyman' version of Odysseus.
  3. Ulysses follows a unique structure influenced by the Odyssey, with each chapter reflecting elements from the ancient epic.

Pandæmonium

Cosmographia • 678 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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 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 Mythology
  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.

Be Slightly Monstrous

Breaking Smart • 161 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Embracing a slightly monstrous mindset can help people adapt to the strange nature of the world today. This means accepting new ideas and ways of thinking that might seem weird to others.
  2. Feeling time deeply is important, and being slightly monstrous can help achieve that. It allows people to see beyond the worries of the present and feel connected to the past and future.
  3. Understanding the difference between 'Type I' monsters, who represent positive change and adaptation, and 'Type II' monsters, who are tied to human darkness, helps in navigating societal and personal challenges.

Red fur and flourishings

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1377 implied HN points • 05 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. The newsletter discusses the joy of connecting with nature through observing red squirrels and highlights the importance of finding lightness in a heavy world.
  2. The newsletter shares information about a new oracle deck called 'The Rooted Woman Oracle' available for pre-order, which aims to deepen the connection with nature and spiritual nourishment.
  3. The newsletter promotes an online course and upcoming events focused on exploring fairy tales, mythology, and nature, emphasizing the transformative power of storytelling and connecting with the environment.

Abraham Lincoln as Messiah

Something to Consider • 59 implied HN points • 04 Aug 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. America is often seen as a secular nation, but it actually has deep divine roots. The founding of the nation is tied to the idea of liberty, which is seen as sacred.
  2. Abraham Lincoln is viewed as a key figure for America's redemption. He is likened to a messianic figure who freed the slaves and is remembered for his ideals of equality.
  3. The National Mall symbolizes the body politic of America, with various monuments representing different aspects of governance and justice. It illustrates the connection between the nation's legacy and its core values.