The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

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.

New roofs and holy moles

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1138 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Spiritual Practice Folklore Meditation Transformation
  1. The house is shared with various animals like birds and insects, creating a harmonious living environment.
  2. Engaging with deep imagination through guided journeys can help in activating mythic imagination.
  3. Exploring fairy tales as adults can provide insights into personal transformation, archetypes, and reimagining life narratives.

Monsters of the PNW

Street Smart Naturalist: Explorations of the Urban Kind • 359 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Folklore Nature Mythology
  1. PNW is known for its love of mythical creatures like Sasquatch and the Cadborosaurus, a sea serpent that arose from sightings in 1933. This makes the region full of fascinating stories.
  2. One funny event involved a theory that geoducks were actually eggs of the Cadborosaurus. It led to ridiculous plans to catch them using mothballs, showing how far some ideas can stretch.
  3. There's a possibility of large fish, like sturgeon, living in urban lakes like Lake Washington. This reminds us that nature holds many surprises and we often don't know everything about it.

Pantheons, Panchronos

How the Hell • 165 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.
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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.

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.

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.

Smith of Heaven

Becoming Noble • 817 implied HN points • 19 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Religion History Christianity
  1. The medieval Icelandic hymn 'Hear, Smith of the Heavens' reflects a blend of Christian and pagan elements, showing the process of inculturation.
  2. Catholic doctrine encourages the transformation of cultures without destroying them, aiming to purify and restore in Christ.
  3. Figures like Bishop Guðmundur Arason in Icelandic history embody the transition from pagan to Christian beliefs, showcasing the superiority of Christian spiritual power.

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.

Relevance Realization, Cerebral Hemispheres, and the Reconciliation of Science and Mythology

Intimations of a New Worldview • 766 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Culture Science Mythology Religion Worldview
  1. The left and right hemispheres of the brain are involved in different cognitive styles, such as precision and generalization.
  2. There is evidence for the significant and systematic differences between the cerebral hemispheres, influencing how attention is allocated and relevance is realized.
  3. The conflict between science and mythology can be seen as analogous to the differences in cognitive styles between the left and right hemispheres, emphasizing the importance of integrating different approaches.

Talking to ravens

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1697 implied HN points • 27 Aug 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Storytelling Poetry Podcasts Events
  1. The book 'Hagitude: Reimagining the Second Half of Life' by Dr. Sharon Blackie explores the significance of storytelling in shaping our perceptions of aging and elderhood.
  2. The power of myths and stories lies in their ability to help us understand life, dream of a better existence, and inspire personal growth and change.
  3. Dr. Sharon Blackie emphasizes the importance of respecting and valuing older women, highlighting their wisdom, roles, and contributions to community.

The Stories We Tell: Myth, Memory, and the Self

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Identity Psychology Narrative Self-Improvement
  1. The stories we tell about ourselves are important for understanding who we are. They help us make sense of our experiences and give our lives meaning.
  2. Everyone creates a personal narrative or myth that shapes their identity. This story involves past events, emotions, and lessons learned, influencing how we view ourselves and our future.
  3. Rewriting our personal story can improve our mental health. By changing how we interpret challenges and failures, we can craft a more positive narrative that enhances our sense of purpose.

The Wintering Sky

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1178 implied HN points • 03 Dec 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Rituals Mythology Connection Nature Poetry
  1. Winter brings the gift of the night sky, which holds importance and rituals for the author, celebrating the return of darkness and stars.
  2. The author values ceremonies that emerge naturally and mark the rising and setting of the sun during the winter season.
  3. The author shares research on stars possibly being 'minded' entities, emphasizing the importance of celebrating the sky and the cosmos around us.

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.

How to Support Myth Pilot

Myth Pilot • 609 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Creation Mythology Fiction Analysis Social movements
  1. The writer is opening paid subscriptions for their newsletter to support their work.
  2. The content provided by the writer is currently free for everyone, but subscriptions are a way to support further creations.
  3. The writer's work includes fiction, cultural analysis, and proposals, aiming to delve into myths, theories, and actions for social understanding and change.

Narcissism in Reflection

Holodoxa • 179 implied HN points • 06 Apr 24
📚 Literature Mythology Satire Identity
  1. Greek mythology, particularly the story of Narcissus, has influenced art and literature for centuries, serving as a cautionary tale about self-absorption and solipsism.
  2. The novel 'The Portrait of a Mirror' by A. Natasha Joukovsky explores themes of identity, desire, and the impact of technology on individualism, offering a modern interpretation of the Narcissus myth.
  3. The book delves into the lives of affluent urbanites, focusing on manners and relationships, while also incorporating elements of satire, art criticism, and the concept of recursion to examine human nature and self-reflection.

Fratricidal Foundation

Cosmographia • 579 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
💾 History Ancient Rome Mythology Literature Art
  1. The post discusses the legend of Rome's founding through the story of Aeneas and his descendants, connecting the narrative gaps and adding legitimacy to Roman origins.
  2. The next chapter explores the legends of Rome's founding as portrayed by Ovid, Livy, Plutarch, and various artists throughout history, depicting wolves, fratricide, rape, and war.
  3. The legend of Rome's founding is rich with tales of familial conflict and historical significance, as depicted by various ancient writers and artists.

Ambrosia: The Food of the Gods

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 23 May 24
🍲 Food & Drink Mythology Psychedelics
  1. Ambrosia in Greek mythology was believed to be the food of the gods, granting immortality and divine power.
  2. Ambrosia's true nature remains a mystery, with theories ranging from honey to psychoactive plants like psychedelic mushrooms.
  3. The legendary food of the gods, ambrosia, was reserved for divine beings, and its true identity may forever remain a topic of speculation and myth.

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

Essay Club: In Praise of the Gods by Simon Sarris

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 23 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Religion Literature Mythology Tradition
  1. We rely too much on rational thinking and it makes us feel disconnected from the world. This over-focus on logic can take away our ability to feel, experience, and connect.
  2. To regain a sense of wholeness, we should trust our intuition, celebrate the process of learning, and embrace the wonder around us. Engaging with stories, rituals, and experiences can help build a richer understanding of life.
  3. Our experiences and feelings, including gratitude and wonder, are important. They remind us that there is more to life than just logic and reasoning, and that beauty and meaning can be found all around us.

The Philosopher's Tarot: Nietzsche vs. Nihilism

Outlandish Claims • 79 implied HN points • 21 May 24
📖 Philosophy Nihilism Tarot Philosophical Concepts Mythology
  1. Tarot can be used as a tool for generating random writing prompts and exploring philosophical concepts.
  2. Nietzsche, often associated with nihilism, actually aimed to lead people beyond nihilism towards new values and freedom.
  3. Nietzsche's philosophy is often misunderstood due to misinterpretations and misappropriations by others, like the Nazis.

Welcome to The Art of Enchantment

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 1278 implied HN points • 03 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Philosophy Spirituality Folklore Transformation
  1. The newsletter, The Art of Enchantment, by Dr. Sharon Blackie, covers topics from mythology, psychology, religion, philosophy, spirituality, and folklore.
  2. Dr. Sharon Blackie explains the importance of writers earning a living from their work and providing value to their supporters.
  3. Paid supporters of the newsletter receive exclusive content and can engage in subscriber-only conversations with Dr. Sharon Blackie.

Myth & Math

Seven Senses • 519 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Astrology History Mythology Art Science
  1. Astrology mixes art and science, with a long history that goes back thousands of years. It's been used for everything from planting crops to influencing our personalities.
  2. Many people today enjoy astrology for self-discovery, but its teachings can get simplified and lose depth. It's important to remember that each person's experience with astrology is unique.
  3. Astrology encourages us to think about free will and destiny. We can choose our paths while also being influenced by the cosmos around us.

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.

Evidence for global cultural diffusion

Vectors of Mind • 393 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Rituals
  1. There are strong similarities in cultural elements around the world that suggest global diffusion of ideas.
  2. Themes like the Seven Sisters, snake mythology, and matriarchy myths can be traced back to a common root.
  3. The Gravettian and Mal'ta Buret peoples from 20-30 kya show signs of practices that spread globally, like dog domestication and initiation rituals.

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.

Essay Club: Myth, History, and Pagan Origins by John Michael Greer

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology History Spirituality Philosophy Literature
  1. Myths help people understand who they are and how the world works. They are not just stories, but reflect deeper truths and beliefs.
  2. Modern views often separate myth and history into 'true' and 'untrue' but this limits how we see the importance of myths. Myths can shape our behaviors and beliefs even if they can't be proven.
  3. Many cultural conflicts stem from enduring myths like the struggle between good and evil. Rethinking these myths might help us find new ways to relate and resolve conflicts.

The Question that must be asked

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 958 implied HN points • 23 Jun 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Meaning Questioning
  1. The post discusses the old mythic idea of 'the question that must be asked' which is often overlooked in our search for answers in life.
  2. The importance of reflecting on profound questions rather than just seeking immediate answers to life's complexities.
  3. Encouraging a shift in focus towards contemplating deeper questions about life and the universe.

The AI basis of the Eve Theory of Consciousness

Vectors of Mind • 314 implied HN points • 07 Jun 23
🔬 Science Evolution Psychology Mythology Language Personality
  1. The Eve Theory of Consciousness suggests self-awareness was discovered by women and spread memetically.
  2. Personality structure can be understood using language models to determine latent factors related to important traits.
  3. Gossip and social selection played a role in shaping personality traits like considerateness and tolerance.

Holy Land

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 559 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Religion History Travel Mythology Narrative
  1. The Holy Land is a culturally and historically rich region that holds significance for multiple religions.
  2. The Holy Land carries great narrative weight due to its role in shaping Western mythology.
  3. The modern-day conflicts in the Holy Land have a complex and implausible backstory that draws attention from around the world.

Why You Should (Mostly) Trust the Prose Edda

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 179 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology Scholarship
  1. Snorri Sturluson, the author of the Prose Edda, was a key figure in preserving Norse mythology and history.
  2. The Prose Edda, despite Snorri's Christian influence, is still considered a valuable and mostly trustworthy source of Norse mythological information.
  3. The Prose Edda contains narratives that are supported by archaeological evidence, lending credibility to the stories and Snorri's interpretations.

Tolkien on Machines, Power, Language, Love, War, and Everything Else

Nothing Human • 23 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Poetry Mythology Philosophy Language
  1. Tolkien believed that technology and machines can create more problems than they solve, leading to endless labor and new evils. He saw a deep connection between power and the fall of humanity.
  2. The themes of love and relationships in Tolkien's writings reveal the complexities and challenges in human connections, especially concerning sexuality and friendship. He emphasized that true love requires self-denial and understanding.
  3. Tolkien wanted to create epic stories that reflected deeper truths about life, death, and morality, including the idea that all stories revolve around a fall, highlighting human struggles and the search for meaning.