The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top History Topics

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 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.

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.

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.
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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.

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.

8 essential words you've never heard before

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 641 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Language Comedy Art Relationships Mythology
  1. Enshittification refers to how digital platforms decline over time by abusing users and businesses to benefit themselves before eventually failing.
  2. Public solitude is the ability to feel alone even when in front of a large crowd, allowing one to focus in the present moment or during a performance.
  3. Specieist is a term for prejudice based on species, demonstrated by the debate between Elon Musk and Larry Page over the future of artificial intelligence.

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.

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.

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.

Chartbook 257: Santa's workshop economy and the question of unfree elvish labour.

Chartbook • 1716 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Christmas Economics Mythology Labor Podcasts
  1. The economics of Santa's workshop involves serious questions about sovereignty over the North Pole.
  2. There is debate about whether elvish labor in Santa's workshop can be considered as unfree or 'slave' labor.
  3. Reindeer play a crucial role in Santa's workshop economy, with an interesting fact being that all of Santa's reindeer with antlers are female.

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.

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.

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.

The Shaping of a World Religion: Carl Jung and The Land of the Dead – Descending into the Underworld PART VII

Through A Glass Darkly • 687 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Psychoanalysis Religious Studies
  1. Rejecting Christian tradition has led to a craze for the occult, with initiation seen as conferring a new status and contributing to the world's renovation.
  2. Jung aimed to shape a mass religious movement based on psychoanalysis, seeking an elite to usher in a 'Golden Age' on earth.
  3. Jung's use of the Solar Phallus Man case to prove the collective unconscious is surrounded by questionable evidence, raising doubts on the scientific basis of his theories.

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.

Hatching the Cosmic Egg (Hymn to Dionysus) (BOP #4)

Secretum Secretorum • 681 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Philosophy Religion Beliefs
  1. In the beginning was the Egg: The Orphic Egg contains the primordial deity Phanes, from whom other gods emerged.
  2. A future with AI: Consider the potential dangers and benefits of creating a superintelligent AI.
  3. Balancing Apollo and Dionysus: Avoid the pitfalls of controlling what cannot be controlled, like a god-inspired AI.

Weekend Roundup

Classical Wisdom • 471 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
💾 History Ancient Civilizations Mythology
  1. Classical Wisdom offers a collection of gifts featuring ancient love quotes for Valentine's Day.
  2. Become a member to explore topics like Atlantis and the Allegory of the Cave from Plato.
  3. Classical Wisdom provides resources and articles on various topics related to ancient wisdom.

A Fairy Tree Encounter: Bridging Worlds in the Island Woods

The Planet • 412 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Folklore Traditions Beliefs Mythology Magic
  1. Discovering a fairy tree can feel like stumbling upon a magical portal connecting our world to that of elves and fairies.
  2. Leaving offerings at fairy trees stems from ancient Celtic traditions, symbolizing respect and a plea for good fortune.
  3. Despite skepticism, tales of mysterious happenings near fairy trees continue to spark wonder and captivate imaginations.

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.

So what about the men?

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 55 HN points • 30 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Archetypes Mythology
  1. There are limited studies on the masculine in fairy tales, primarily due to past perceptions of masculine experience as the norm.
  2. Key archetypes of the mature masculine include the Alchemist, Shapeshifter, Magician, Smith, Warrior, King, Wild Man, Trickster, Grandfather, and Wise Old Man.
  3. Many traditional tales depict few positive older male characters compared to female ones, with some notable exceptions in Greek mythology and Judeo-Christian traditions.

"As If He Were Going to His Death"

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Epic poetry Interpretation
  1. The language in Priam's journey in Iliad 24 is filled with themes of burial and death, evoking a sense of a funerary procession and a heroic journey.
  2. Hermes' role in leading Priam to Achilles represents a transition between different realms, symbolizing a journey to the underworld and emphasizing the exceptional nature of the epic's scene.
  3. The movements and interactions in book 24 of the Iliad draw upon traditions of katabasis, the mythological motif of entering the underworld, and reflect on themes of death, burial practices, and honoring the dead, creating a rich interplay between narrative and ritual.

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.

Starving Then Stoned

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
📚 Literature Mythology Narrative analysis Classical Studies Interpretation Comparative Analysis
  1. In the story Achilles tells Priam about Niobe, there is a comparison to encourage Priam to join him for a meal, showcasing the theme of shared suffering and the necessity of returning to normalcy after loss.
  2. The ancient responses to Niobe's narrative in the text show how the blending of myth and reality can create a powerful symbolic message, even if it seems illogical at first glance.
  3. Achilles learns important lessons about life and loss through the story of Niobe, emphasizing the importance of enjoying life and sharing moments with others despite grief and hardship.

Weekend Roundup

Classical Wisdom • 255 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🚌 Education History Mythology Literature Podcasts Classical Studies
  1. Listen to the wisdom of Herodotus and learn about the Scythians, an ancient nomadic people who were once considered 'invincible'
  2. Explore mythological fiction like Tad Crawford's 'On Wine-Dark Seas', a sequel to the Odyssey, to delve deeper into the story of Odysseus and Telemachus
  3. Access exclusive content and resources by becoming a member of Classical Wisdom, including podcasts with professors, webinars, e-books, and magazines

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.

Empty Throne, Empty Tomb

The Abbey of Misrule • 71 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Christianity Mythology
  1. The post discusses the collapse of the West and how it may relate to the period of Lent, which leads up to a triumph despite the catastrophe it signifies.
  2. A new program focusing on Christian mythopoetics in England, led by Martin Shaw, is highlighted. Guest teachers include well-known figures like Rowan Williams and Malcolm Guite.
  3. The unique emergence of Christian stories in new ways during tumultuous times is mentioned, emphasizing the importance of exploring such narratives.

Achilles' Wicked Deeds

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 22 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Grief Rituals Sacrifice
  1. Evaluation of epic actions requires understanding ancient cultural context and avoiding anachronism
  2. The sacrifice of the twelve Trojan youths by Achilles in the Iliad highlights extreme grief and excessiveness in the narrative
  3. The depiction of human sacrifice in the Iliad serves to characterize Achilles as an individual separate from traditional, civilized society

You're Gonna Die Too, Friend

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 99 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology Literature Analysis Ancient Classical
  1. Book 21 of the Iliad presents chaotic and intense battle scenes that highlight the brevity of human life and the themes of mortality, violence, and heroism.
  2. Achilles' memorable speech to Lykaon reflects his nihilistic acceptance of fate and mortality, showcasing a transition in his grief from mourning to a thirst for vengeance.
  3. The language used in Achilles' speech also delves into the symbolism of the heroic body, emphasizing the inevitability of death even for heroes with perfect physical forms.

What Do You Do With a Problem Like Achilles?

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 99 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
📚 Literature Themes Narrative Violence Mythology Criticism
  1. Book 21 of the Iliad portrays Achilles' extreme violence and cosmic impact, highlighting the danger he poses and his conflict with gods.
  2. The narrative in the Iliad marks Achilles' actions as excessive and transgressive, questioning the traditional heroic depictions in battle.
  3. Ancient readers and scholia saw the behavior of Achilles in book 21 as excessive and indicated a shift in the epic's storytelling approach.

Europa Regina

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology History Paintings
  1. Europe is said to be named after Europa, a Phoenician Princess from Greek mythology who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a bull.
  2. Europa bore Zeus three sons who played significant roles in mythology, such as Minos, King of Crete, Rhadamanthus, and Sarpedon who fought in the Trojan War.
  3. The story of Europa and Zeus showcases a classic mythological tale of love, seduction, and divine descent, contributing to the rich tapestry of Greek mythology.

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.

Rage Won't Raise the Dead

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
📚 Literature Epic Analysis Characterization Themes Mythology
  1. The funeral games in the Iliad are not filler but are deeply tied to themes like honor and institutional order, reflecting ancient audiences' experiences and myths.
  2. The speech of Patroklos to Achilles acts as a powerful moment highlighting the theme of rage and its consequences in the epic, urging Achilles to think about their past and relationship.
  3. The blended narrative of Achilles and Patroklos in death emphasizes themes of surrogacy and eternal connection, inviting reflection on the power of loss, grief, and love in shaping individual actions and the world.

James Joyce's Ulysses

Classical Wisdom • 1709 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Characters Structure
  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.

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.

Rex Romae: Blood and Beauty

Cosmographia • 619 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
💾 History Ancient History Leaders Mythology Art
  1. Early Rome was ruled by Kings called 'rex', with Romulus being the first King who founded Rome in 753 BC. The city remained a kingdom until the Republic was born in 509 BC.
  2. There were supposed to be seven Kings in total according to Roman tradition, even though early records are lost. Historical accounts by Livy and Plutarch, though sometimes unreliable, provide captivating stories about these Kings.
  3. Numa Pompilius, chosen as King after Romulus, is known for his peaceful reign where he established religious and political institutions in Rome and created the city's first codified laws said to be dictated by a nymph named Egeria.