The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

The Dreamer Who Wanted to Touch Grass

Soaring Twenties • 61 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
⚔ Fiction Mythology
  1. The Dreamer represents a being who exists in a state of eternal perfection but longs for real experiences, like touching grass. He creates a universe to experience life through different characters in his dreams.
  2. The Divider keeps dream characters unaware that they are part of The Dreamer to sustain the dream. This part wants to prolong the dream so it can maintain control.
  3. Eventually, some characters awaken to their true nature, realizing they are connected to The Dreamer. This leads to a cycle of love and reunion, as they understand their shared existence and purpose.

Epic Narratives and their Local Sidekicks

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology
  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.

A Heroine's Journey

Polymathic Being • 63 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The Hero's Journey is often seen as a masculine path, focusing on outward achievements and triumphs. In contrast, the Heroine's Journey emphasizes inward healing and the integration of both feminine and masculine qualities.
  2. Encanto is a great example of a Heroine's Journey. The main character, Mirabel, doesn’t defeat enemies but instead helps her family heal their emotional wounds and reconnect with their true selves.
  3. The goal of the Heroine's Journey is about creating community and fostering connections rather than individual conquest. It's about achieving wholeness and emotional authenticity, which are crucial in today's world.

Down the wormhole...

aproposofnothing • 58 implied HN points • 07 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  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
  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.
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The Norse Afterlife Part I: How to Get to Valhalla

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Dying in battle does not guarantee entry to Valhalla, as there are exceptions in Norse mythology where individuals who died outside of combat still ended up in Odin's afterlife army.
  2. The idea of giving oneself or being given to Odin through rituals involving spears or other means is a recurring theme in Norse beliefs, possibly indicating a form of dedication or initiation necessary for entry into Valhalla.
  3. The concept of who gets sent to Valhalla or Hel is complex and not solely based on dying in battle, with various factors like dedications, rituals, and individual circumstances playing a role in determining one's afterlife destination.

A Welcome to New Subscribers

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 26 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Mythology
  1. Psychology connects many fields, and the author sees it as a mix of art and science. This blend leads to a better understanding of the human mind.
  2. The blog focuses on personality psychology, which ties together different areas of psychology. It's a way to explore how personality influences behavior and thoughts.
  3. The author plans to publish at least one essay each month and share shorter posts when inspired. Readers can find a guide to the content on the About page.

Things are getting kinda crazy

Charles Eisenstein • 2 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. A feeling that reality is breaking is growing as major revelations and events shift public understanding and spur deeper investigation.
  2. A multimedia project (videos and a podcast) is exploring sanity, myth, and collective stories, showing how ancient tales like the Eight Immortals still speak to modern life.
  3. There’s an emphasis on contemplative practice and community through an online summit on stillness and prayer, and the work is supported by reader subscriptions.

The Mushroom Santa: The Fungal Folklore of Old St. Nick 🎅🎄

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The story of Santa Claus may have been inspired by the psychedelic Amanita muscaria mushrooms and the practices of Siberian shamans.
  2. There are compelling similarities between Santa and ancient Siberian shamanic traditions, such as the use of red and white attire, flying reindeer, and the chimney connection.
  3. The Christmas holiday has evolved over time, incorporating elements from different cultures and traditions like replacing and incorporating elements from earlier Roman holidays.

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

OK Doomer • 139 implied HN points • 10 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  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.

A Review of Neil Gaiman's "Norse Mythology"

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Neil Gaiman's 'Norse Mythology' book modernizes ancient Norse myths, making them more accessible and entertaining for readers.
  2. Gaiman's storytelling enhances character dynamics and adds personalities that are more engaging, although he takes creative liberties and introduces invented details.
  3. Readers should be cautious as 'Norse Mythology' may contain inaccuracies and omissions, and it is advisable to supplement with original source texts for a more accurate understanding.

Norse vs. Germanic

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Germanic refers to language, culture, and religion, not just bloodlines, race, or ethnicity.
  2. Norse, a subset of Germanic, is a term for medieval Scandinavian speakers of North-Germanic languages.
  3. Germanic mythology shares similarities with other Indo-European traditions, like the thundergod motif, but divergences in stories can lead to variations in how gods are perceived.

Speaking of Centaurs:

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 79 implied HN points • 01 Oct 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. In the _Iliad_, Nestor uses stories from the past as examples in his persuasive speeches to influence others' decisions.
  2. Stories and examples from other narratives in the _Iliad_ may create dissonance with the current context, making them less effective as models for the characters' challenges.
  3. The epic focuses on how characters relate to stories from the past, reflecting on their present situations, and on how the _Iliad_ might be a paradigm for audiences' lives.

Finding Your Type

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Typology helps us categorize and understand different aspects of life, fostering empathy and diversity.
  2. Various ancient and modern examples showcase the use of types in astrology, personality systems, sports teams, and more, serving as strategies for survival and flourishing.
  3. While typology can enhance self-awareness and acceptance, there's a risk of excessive rigidity and stereotyping, so it's crucial to view personality traits as fluid and evolving.

Falling Asleep after Sex and Other Cosmic Problems

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. The scene of Zeus being seduced by Hera in the Iliad offers insights into divine cosmos, power dynamics, and themes of desire and limitations.
  2. The interaction between Zeus and Hera reflects on themes of succession, desire, and the disruption of divine order in the broader context of the Trojan War narrative.
  3. Comparisons between the Iliadic scene and the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite highlight the serious undertones of desire and its impacts on gods and humans in cosmic narratives.

A Heroic Tale Curtailed

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Homeric poetry's characteristic of digressions and narrative explorations provides context and content to a larger world, reflecting how human memory works.
  2. The intricate meanings in Homeric narratives are collaborative developments in a dynamic context between composer and audience, capitalizing on human memory and cognition.
  3. The story of Othryoneus seeking Kassandra's hand in book 13 of the Iliad reflects themes of war, glory, and futility, with details that resonate through familiar storytelling traditions.

Babalon and Revelation

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 7 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Modern platforms and pop culture often siphon and commodify sexual and creative energy. They can act like parasitic technologies that distract people and may operate like occult mass rituals.
  2. Some esoteric traditions describe human evolution as an "etherization of the blood" that splits history into two streams: a rising, spiritualized current tied to an exalted feminine and a falling, instinctual current linked to the Whore of Babylon. Contemporary pop imagery like robots, cyborgs, and apocalyptic spectacle can be read as ritual enactments of that split.
  3. Other esoteric voices reclaim the Whore of Babylon (Babalon) as a symbol of wild feminine liberation and erotic sacredness rather than pure evil. This perspective sees her as embodying suppressed feminine mystery and natural power.

The Third Temple, the Ark of the Covenant, and the Apocalypse Archetype

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 21 Nov 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. A fusion of religious zealotry and political power is treating leaders as apocalyptic figures, and that mix is being used to erode the rule of law and democratic protections.
  2. Efforts to rebuild the Third Temple—breeding a red heifer and recreating the Ark—aim to literalize prophecy, but reviving blood sacrifice is seen as archaic and spiritually dangerous, potentially inviting lower, harmful forces and normalizing violence.
  3. The rise of networked tech consciousness has pushed people back into mythic, tribal mindsets that make apocalyptic politics more persuasive, and moving forward will require inner spiritual growth along with collective, material efforts to salvage humane parts of civilization.

Homer's Parents, Country, and True Name

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Homer's parentage and birthplace were subjects of debate in antiquity, with various conflicting claims made about his lineage, including being the son of different figures or from different regions.
  2. Homer's name is believed to have origins linked to tense political situations, where he was named after being a hostage or because he provided inspired war advice.
  3. Homeric poems were not necessarily composed as complete works but were performed in parts by rhapsodes, later compiled and ordered by various individuals, including Pisistratus the tyrant of Athens.

Polysymphonic

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Metaphors help us better understand complex concepts by providing multiple perspectives.
  2. Interpreting and translating Homer's epic poems is challenging due to their intricate layers of meaning and cultural nuances.
  3. Translators face difficulties in capturing the full essence of Homer's works due to the intricate wordplay and themes that resonate differently in various languages.

"Why Does the Iliad Begin with Rage?"

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 24 Sep 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Homeric Scholia provide valuable insights into ancient texts and intellectual history, including details on vocabulary, variant forms, and interpretive issues
  2. Modern scholars heavily rely on the Homeric Scholia, but caution is needed in weighing the information presented within them
  3. The first word of the Iliad, 'menis' or 'rage,' holds thematic significance in Greek epic and myth, sparking debates on its purpose and role in the narrative

The Plan, And Imperfect Translations

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 21 Sep 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. The author plans to focus on the Iliad in upcoming content, offering various types of posts for educators and learners.
  2. The concept of 'The Plan of Zeus' in the Iliad relates to Zeus' grand design unfolding over the story, bringing about pain and conflict.
  3. Thematic words and echoes in early Greek poetry, like the works of Ibykos, highlight recurrent themes such as war and heroism across different genres.

The Glass Mountain

The Art of Enchantment, with Dr Sharon Blackie • 179 implied HN points • 24 May 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. The Glass Mountain represents challenges that seem unattainable and difficult to overcome, holding everything you desire on the other side.
  2. The imagery of lost loves, treasures, and parts of yourself slipping away highlights the emotional weight of struggles and disappointments.
  3. The concept of the Glass Mountain can symbolize the obstacles we face in pursuing our deepest desires and the complex emotions tied to those endeavors.

Ancient Runes and Rune Magic

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Mythology
  1. Runes were letters used by ancient Germanic-speaking people to write words and sentences, not symbols for abstract concepts.
  2. The origins of runes are cryptically described in Norse mythology, but they bear resemblance to alphabets used for Latin and Greek languages at the time.
  3. Modern rune magic concepts are rooted in 16th-century occultism and may not align with how runes were used for magic in the pre-Christian Norse era.

Norse Cosmology Part I: The Nine Realms Are Wrong

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. The traditional notion of 'nine realms of Norse mythology' is a common misunderstanding and not accurately represented in the original source material.
  2. The Old Norse phrase 'níu heimar' is mentioned in the Poetic Edda and the Prose Edda, but it does not necessarily translate to 'nine realms' as commonly interpreted.
  3. There is ambiguity and lack of clarity in the ancient texts regarding the concept of 'nine homes,' with suggestions that it might refer to underworld locations connected to Hel, the goddess of the dead.

The Thundergod is Humanity's Hero

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  1. Ancient Germanic people believed Thor, the Thundergod, played a crucial role in protecting humanity from evil creatures like jotuns through artifacts like the Canterbury Charm and Kvinneby Amulet.
  2. Thor was invoked through magical incantations to heal people afflicted by ailments caused by supernatural beings, showcasing his role as a hero and protector.
  3. Pop-culture depictions of Norse gods and jotuns in shades of gray are contrary to historical beliefs, as Thor was seen as a mighty hero who safeguarded humanity against threats from evil creatures.

Tyranny and the Plot

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 27 Nov 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Book 8 of the Iliad focuses on Zeus shaping the plot through divine council and speeches, emphasizing the influence of Gods and Humans in the narrative.
  2. Zeus's control of the plot showcases his authority and highlights the consequences of opposing him, reflecting a theme of power dynamics and storytelling.
  3. Scholars propose book divisions in the Iliad align with potential performances, with Zeus's speeches marking key moments and guiding the understanding of the epic's plot.

Sanity Project 2026

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 07 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. Sanity Project 2026 will publish frequent videos exploring how sense, meaning, and identity are unraveling, and it aims to encourage a collective awakening from divisive narratives. It emphasizes acknowledging reality fully by bringing forward overlooked facts, stories, and paradoxes.
  2. An online community (NAAS) will host discussion forums and monthly live calls so people can engage beyond passive listening. Membership is by monthly donation, with free access offered to those who can’t afford it and safeguards in place to keep out bots.
  3. Several in-person events are planned, including a June retreat at Ferry Beach, a late-August weekend at the Omega Institute, and a local talk in January. Related content will continue via a Halfmoon Podcast and regular Substack posts.

The Truth of Myths

Polymathic Being • 70 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology
  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.

Solar Flares and the Child's Mind

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 05 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology
  1. The sun and its flares might not be purely external physical events; they could reflect or respond to human affairs and feelings.
  2. Modern science and culture often dismiss the childlike, animistic sense that the sun, moon, trees, and other nonhuman things are watching us, even though many cultures and childhood intuitions treat the world as alive.
  3. Taking an animistic view can open us to different kinds of knowledge and perception, and sharing stories or conversations helps spread and reinforce those new intuitions.

All About Athena

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🚌 Education Mythology
  1. Athena's role in Homeric epic is as a right-hand to her father and a special sponsor of heroes like Diomedes in the Iliad.
  2. Athena's birth, as per various texts, reflects the resolution of conflicts in the creation of the Universe, showing her as somewhat androgynous.
  3. Athena is depicted with a wide range of epithets and cult-names across different regions, showcasing the diversity in her representations and worship.

Seeing (and Wounding) the Gods

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 06 Nov 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Book 5 of the Iliad presents the first full aristeia of the epic, focusing on Athena supporting Diomedes in his opposition to the gods and victory over Aeneas and Aphrodite.
  2. Book 5 contributes critically to major themes in the Iliad such as narrative traditions, heroism, and the interactions between gods and humans.
  3. The gods engage in indirect conflict in Book 5, setting the stage for more direct divine confrontations in later books, emphasizing the importance of their behavior in understanding human messages in the epic.

Better than our Fathers!

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. In Homer's epic poetry, rivalry and competition between heroes play a significant role, shaping the narratives and relations between characters.
  2. The comparison between generations in Homer's work challenges the idea of valuing the past over the present, showcasing a dynamic of improvement and advancement.
  3. The Theban epic tradition, though not directly preserved in extant Homer texts, had a significant impact on the Homeric world, contributing to themes of heroism and conflict.

Backing Up the Future

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 30 Oct 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Book 4 of the Iliad focuses on politics, the gods' influence on humans, and how the narrative aligns with or deviates from traditional stories.
  2. Zeus plays a crucial role in orchestrating the plot and delineating the balance between divine will and mortal actions in the epic.
  3. Agamemnon's actions in book 4, particularly the 'epipolesis,' provide insights into leadership, hero characterization, and how the Iliad incorporates elements from other tales to establish its narrative prominence.

Heroic Appearances

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23
🚌 Education Mythology
  1. The ethnicity and appearance of ancient heroes, like Helen, may not align with modern concepts of race and beauty. Ancient depictions and concepts of color and appearance were likely different.
  2. Descriptions of heroes in ancient Greek literature, such as Helen, were often open to interpretation and projection by the audience, allowing for individualized ideals of beauty.
  3. Homeric poetry intentionally left physical descriptions of figures like Helen vague, encouraging audience engagement and diverse interpretations rather than prescribing fixed appearances.

(Re-)Starting the Trojan War

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📚 Literature Mythology
  1. Book 3 of the Iliad provides examples of Homeric style through delays in the fighting and unconventional scenes.
  2. The dominant theme of the third book of the Iliad is the past, showcasing how the narrative weaves together different stories and traditions.
  3. Helen's role in creating a visual narrative sets the stage for the action in the Iliad, showing the interplay of characters and suffering in the Trojan War.