The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

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.

Graham Hancock's Ancient Apocalypse Theories Are Racist At Their Core.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture History Race Religion Imperialism Mythology
  1. Ancient civilizations, like those that built the pyramids, were made by Black Africans, not aliens or lost technologies. The idea that they needed slaves to build these wonders is a false narrative.
  2. Throughout history, powerful empires, like Rome, often erased or altered histories to control narratives and maintain their power. This has led to misunderstandings about ancient technologies and cultures.
  3. Nuclear testing and environmental destruction have played big roles in climate change and could potentially trigger future ice ages. Humanity often learns through harsh consequences from past actions.

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.

Here Be Dragons!

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Fiction Literature Philosophy Art Mythology
  1. Dragons symbolize power and temptation, representing the dangers of being seduced by false promises. They serve as a reminder of the fight between good and evil in our desires.
  2. Electromagnetism plays a crucial role in communication and technology, influencing how we receive and interpret information. This reflects the battle between freedom and control in today's world.
  3. Fiction can reveal truths about our reality, helping us understand complex ideas like morality and human nature. Stories like _Draco Alchemicus_ can shine a light on these deeper truths.
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A down-on-her-luck Lady of Shalott, and other tall tales

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 678 implied HN points • 30 Jul 22
🎨 Art & Illustration Literature Mythology Writing Podcasts Books
  1. The author reflects on revisiting past places, realizing how much she's changed but also how old selves still linger within her.
  2. The monthly newsletter discusses upcoming projects like 'Hagitude' and 'The Rooted Woman Oracle', and offers a chance to win a signed copy of 'Hagitude'.
  3. The author shares personal experiences and insights on growth, learning, and the impact of different places on one's sense of self.

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.

40. Good Talk #8: Joe Wilkins

The Truth Does Not Change According to Our Ability to Stomach It • 196 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
📚 Literature Mythology Masculinity
  1. Joe Wilkins emphasizes the importance of place in writing and the need to pay attention to the unique stories and landscapes of different regions.
  2. He discusses dismantling stereotypes about the American West, particularly the myths of the yeoman farmer and anti-government sentiments.
  3. Through his work, Joe Wilkins aims to challenge traditional ideas of masculinity, explore themes of violence, and offer grace and understanding to others.

The 80-20 Rule and the Trickster Archetype

Daoist Methodologies • 216 implied HN points • 22 Jul 23
📚 Literature Archetypes Philosophy Historical Fiction Biography Mythology
  1. The Trickster Archetype is a quasi-universal figure known for being amoral, oafish, and ultimately successful despite failures.
  2. In the Stratagems, Qin Shihuang is portrayed as a trickster god figure, providing insightful assessments and charm in his actions.
  3. Individuals who take high-risk, trial-and-error approaches in chaotic situations may appear as 'serene bumblers' but strategically use repeated failures to achieve success.

The Norse Afterlife Part II: Folkvang & Valkyries

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 79 implied HN points • 08 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Afterlife Beliefs
  1. In Norse mythology, Freyja and Odin share the task of choosing who will die in battle each day, with half the slain belonging to Freyja and the other half to Odin.
  2. The idea of choosing the slain in Norse mythology does not mean selecting from among those who have already died, but rather deciding who will die in battle and be received into Valhalla.
  3. The concept of Folkvang in Norse mythology is intertwined with Valhalla, suggesting that the two afterlife locations are closely connected and not separate realms.

Contra d'Huy on Snake Myths

Vectors of Mind • 196 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Archaeology
  1. Oral histories and myths may not necessarily last 100,000 years, suggesting a more recent origin.
  2. Serpent and dragon myths around the world are remarkably similar, indicating a potential recent diffusion rather than a shared root from 100,000 years ago.
  3. Contrary to the idea that myths can last 100,000 years, the emergence and diffusion of myths like serpent myths likely started around 30,000 years ago and accelerated during the Holocene.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part I: Mjollnir’s True Power

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 119 implied HN points • 28 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology Literature History Culture Religion
  1. Mjollnir from Norse mythology might not be as heavy as commonly believed, and doesn't require a strength-girdle to wield.
  2. There is no requirement of worthiness to lift Mjollnir, and it can be used by characters other than Thor.
  3. Iron gloves are mentioned in only one story, hinting they might not be necessary for using Mjollnir, despite Snorri's assertion.

"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.

Zeus and 'Righting' the Divine Constitution

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 99 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology Politics Classics Reading Epic poetry
  1. Book 15 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus reestablishing his authority among the gods and reigniting his plan.
  2. The actions and conversations among the gods in Book 15 offer insights into divine politics and how they mirror human political dynamics.
  3. Zeus' leadership style in Book 15 contrasts with human governance, showcasing the implausibility of replicating divine autocracy on earth.

The Myth of Cain and Abel

Banana Peel Pirouette • 178 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
📚 Literature Mythology History Social Commentary Evolution Narrative analysis
  1. The Cain and Abel story can be interpreted as representing the agricultural revolution and its societal impacts.
  2. The narrative reflects the conflict between nomadic pastoral and sedentary farming societies, highlighting the transformative role of agriculture.
  3. Through the characters of Cain and Abel, the story also delves into the historical consequences of agriculture, including slavery, inequality, and the exploitation of labor.

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.

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

Always Second Best (Or Worst)

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
📚 Literature Classics Analysis Characterization Mythology Epic poetry
  1. Book 17 of the Iliad focuses on the characterization of Hektor, revealing his shortcomings as a warrior despite his reputation.
  2. The primary Trojan fighters like Hektor, Aeneas, and Sarpedon in the Iliad do not always live up to expectations on the battlefield, showcasing the complexities of warfare and heroism.
  3. Hektor's actions and interactions in book 17 highlight the themes of divine intervention, personal agency, and the inevitability of failure in the epic narrative.

The Hero's Journey and You

The Well-Lived Life • 78 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Personal Growth Religion Philosophy
  1. The Hero's Journey is a pattern for understanding life and human struggle.
  2. There are three choices we face as human beings: surrender to victimhood, give in to fundamentalism, or take responsibility for your own hero's adventure.
  3. Taking responsibility for your own hero's adventure means facing your fears and learning to live in harmony with them.

Why Scholars Keep Writing Æsir and Vanir "Obituaries"

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 79 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology Research Debate Critique Analysis
  1. Scholars are debating the meanings of the words \
  2. (guild/) and \
  3. \
  4. Scholars have different theories about the distinction between Æsir and Vanir, with discussions ranging from functional differences to poetic interpretations.
  5. Various scholars have delved into the debate, presenting arguments that challenge traditional views and propose new ways of understanding Norse mythology.

The Gamemaster's Anger and Fear

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📚 Literature Classic literature Mythology Narrative structure Character analysis Narrative Techniques
  1. The encounter between Achilles and Aeneas in the Iliad showcases a complex interplay of heroic motifs and meta-moments, inviting audience engagement in different narrative levels.
  2. The use of 'pivotal contrafactuals' in the text creates tension and deviation from traditional narratives, allowing for exploration of alternative outcomes that challenge the epic tradition.
  3. The divine intervention in the narrative, such as Poseidon's interference to save Aeneas, highlights themes of fate, emotion, and the role of gods as game masters shaping the story.

Stop and Hear the Stories!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Classics Literature Mythology
  1. The post discusses podcasts that delve into Homer, heroic patterns, and ancient literature, featuring engaging conversations and interpretations.
  2. There is a mention of various podcast appearances by the author, covering different aspects of Homer's works like the Iliad, Achilles, Paris, and their impact on modern culture.
  3. The author also references video content related to myths and explores the intersection of classic stories with contemporary media like movies.

Do Not Go to a Vampire Bar with a Bunch of Baptists or Hunt Vampires in Mexico

Think Future • 79 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Mythology Church Meditation Prayer
  1. Refusing to adapt and move forward can lead to being trapped in the past, like a vampire unable to cross thresholds or change.
  2. Fear of the future can darken your soul, so embrace change and be open to new eras.
  3. Avoid living in nostalgia or too much fear of the unknown; stay present and prepared for what lies ahead.

Why Must We Fight and Die?

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology Heroism Speeches Philosophy Mortality
  1. Sarpedon's speech in the Iliad emphasizes the importance of proving one's noble worth through deeds to earn fame and glory in the face of mortality.
  2. The contrast between Sarpedon's wish for immortality and Hektor's desperate energy in the text highlights different attitudes towards facing death in battles.
  3. The epic explores the complexity of heroism, questioning the values of fighting for personal gain and fame in the context of mortality and the reality of battle.

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.

Finding Our Mythic Ground

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 379 implied HN points • 24 May 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Imagination Meaning Transformation Belonging
  1. Myth and stories are not just human creations, but living entities that guide us, and we need to learn to listen and work with them.
  2. Ancient traditions and thinkers like Carl Jung emphasize the existence of an 'imaginal world' that influences our reality and offers spiritual experiences.
  3. Reconnecting with old myths and storytelling traditions can help us find new perspectives, meaning, and a sense of belonging in a world that often feels disconnected and devoid of meaning.

Ecstatic Contact with the Cosmos

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Rituals Transcendence Consciousness Mythology
  1. Many people yearn for a deeper meaning in life and feel disappointed when they can't find it. This desire for something more has been ignored in modern culture.
  2. Traditional societies had rites of passage to help individuals find their purpose and transition to adulthood. Modern civilization lacks these, which has led to feelings of alienation and chaos.
  3. Crises or disasters can bring people together and awaken a sense of community and love. We can choose to connect with each other now, rather than waiting for a catastrophe.

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.

Herbs, Hexes, & Hallucinogens: Inside the Witches' Apothecary

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture History Medicine Mythology
  1. Witches in history were often herbalists, midwives, and women who didn't conform to societal norms, leading to their persecution.
  2. The publication of 'The Malleus Maleficarum' in the 1500s fueled a witch hunt resulting in numerous false accusations and deaths.
  3. Witches' apothecaries contained powerful hallucinogenic and poisonous plants like datura, mandrake, and belladonna, used for medicinal and ritualistic purposes.

Links for January

Bullfish Hole • 58 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture History Fiction Comics Sci-fi Mythology
  1. There is ongoing debate about the 'peak woke' movement and its impact on organizations and individuals.
  2. Challenges in automating industries like construction lie in the complexity of tasks and the need for human adjustments.
  3. Historical research often uncovers surprising truths, confirming myths and legends from the past.

Achilles Sings the Hero Within

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📚 Literature Mythology Narrative Storytelling Epic poetry
  1. Achilles used singing to calm his rage in the Iliad, showing the power of music as a form of self-care.
  2. The phrase 'famous stories of men' in ancient poetry was seen as providing wisdom and advice through narratives.
  3. Achilles' engagement with the 'kléa andrôn' reveals a deeper exploration of narrative blending and the interpretation of stories, highlighting the complexity of storytelling in the Iliad.

Epic Narratives and their Local Sidekicks

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Narrative structure Ancient Texts
  1. Book 13 of the Iliad showcases lesser-known Homeric heroes like Idomeneus and Meriones, echoing the heroic pairs of other epics, highlighting the importance of these relationships in narrative structures.
  2. The pairing of heroes and their sidekicks allows audiences to see heroes in friendships, possibly providing commentary on characters who lack such relationships, like Hektor, showcasing a social and political deprivation.
  3. The rise of Idomeneus in Book 13 integrates Cretan myths into the Homeric narrative, demonstrating the Homeric strategy of incorporating local traditions and narrative patterns into epic storytelling.

Down the wormhole...

aproposofnothing • 58 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Religion Beliefs Ancient Civilizations Symbols
  1. Parasites like Toxoplasma gondii can cause neurological issues and schizophrenia in humans, so it's important to fight off worms.
  2. Myths of heroes battling worms or serpents are prevalent in various cultures, symbolizing order vs chaos and death.
  3. Serpents and worms have deep mythological significance, tying into ancient civilizations, biblical stories, and even symbolizing foresight and health.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part IV: The Axe Man

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 03 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology Archaeology History Culture Religion
  1. The linguistic relationship between the words for 'hammer' and 'stone' in Germanic languages is surprisingly close, suggesting an early association between concepts and tools like axes and hammers.
  2. The early Germanic thunder god may have carried an array of weapons, including axes, clubs, hammers, and thunderstones, which over time converged into the iconic image of Thor's hammer.
  3. Related mythologies from regions like Finland, the Baltic, and Slavic cultures show strong similarities to the Norse thunder god Thor, often wielding axes and other weapons, indicating possible shared traditions or exchanges of ideas over time.