The hottest Mythology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top History Topics

The Norse Afterlife Part I: How to Get to Valhalla

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Mythology Afterlife Rituals Gods Beliefs
  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 Psychology Humanities Personality 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.

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

Tripsitter • 59 implied HN points • 24 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Traditions Mythology History Religion Celebrations
  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.

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.
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A Review of Neil Gaiman's "Norse Mythology"

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📚 Literature Mythology Review Narrative Character development
  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.

11/24/24: Djinn Drive

Daydreams • 7 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
⚔ Fiction Fantasy Short Stories Creative Writing Mythology Literature
  1. To summon a ghost, you need specific items like a five-leaf clover and a particular mosquito. If you don't have the right things, it might not work.
  2. The ghost Solomon has been summoned multiple times for petty jobs by a person named Tom, including haunting tenants for being difficult. This shows how summoning can be misused.
  3. Tom's requests for haunting have led to consequences, creating a cycle of issues that may attract unwanted attention, like the potential involvement of powerful forces because of the magic involved.

Norse vs. Germanic

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 59 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Religion Languages Traditions Beliefs
  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 Rhetoric
  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 Beliefs Mythology Types Ethics Development
  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 Classics Mythology Gender Dynamics Epic poetry Interpretation
  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 Classics Narrative Performance 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.

Homer's Parents, Country, and True Name

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 59 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
📚 Literature Classics Mythology Scholarship Ancient Greece Poetry
  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 Interpretation Translation Mythology Narrative
  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 Translation Epic 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 Reflection Exploration 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 History Mythology Magic
  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.

Girardian Isekai Part 0: Into the New World

From the New World • 53 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Persecution Mythology
  1. Girard's mimetic theory explains how people copy desires from others, leading to a cycle of scapegoating in communities.
  2. The Christian story transformed how societies perceive innocence and persecution, changing the axis of rulership from strong vs. weak to good vs. evil.
  3. Girard's concept of the antichrist warns of a corruption of Christian teachings, leading to persecution disguised as defense of victims.

Chaos and Order

Polymathic Being • 59 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Psychology Archetypes Gender Dynamics Balance Mythology
  1. Ancient archetypes depict the feminine as chaos and the masculine as order, challenging our bias towards masculine order.
  2. In psychology, the feminine is linked to creativity and intuition, representing chaos, while the masculine is associated with logic and structure, representing order.
  3. Balancing the feminine chaos and masculine order is crucial for creating antifragile systems and achieving a dynamic and flexible equilibrium.

Norse Cosmology Part I: The Nine Realms Are Wrong

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 39 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Mythology Literature History Religion
  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 Humanity Religion History Archaeology
  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 Classics Epic poetry Storytelling Performance 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.

All About Athena

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 39 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🚌 Education Mythology Literature Ancient Greece Legends Analysis
  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 Epic poetry Narrative Traditions Gods Heroes
  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 Epic Mythology Poetry Tradition Narrative
  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 Characterization Rivalry Themes Mythology Epic poetry
  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 Literature Mythology Language Research
  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 Classics Epic poetry Mythology Scholarship Narrative Traditions
  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.

What I've Been Reading | May 2023

Caleb’s Newsletter • 39 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
📚 Literature Poetry Philosophy Mythology
  1. Poetry is not just a cerebral art form, but also embodied and auditory, with power as a spellbinding tool.
  2. Consider mental disorders as evolutionary vulnerabilities, not adaptations, challenges assumptions about treating symptoms as diseases.
  3. CS Lewis' book 'Till We Have Faces' offers a Christian re-reading of the myth Psyche and Eros and contains intellectual discussions alongside a joyous reading experience.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part III: The Thunderstone

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 19 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
📚 Literature Mythology Folklore
  1. Thor overcame challenges without his hammer by using a stone and a staff called Grid's Wale, showing his resourcefulness and strength.
  2. Ancient folklore across many cultures has stories of thunderstones, which are stone-age tools mistaken for objects fallen from the sky during thunderstorms.
  3. There are linguistic connections between thunderstones and Thor's association with thunder, hinting at a deeper relationship between the god and these enigmatic stones.

The Germanic Thunderweapon Part II: Thunder Goes Clubbing

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 19 implied HN points • 29 Dec 23
💾 History Mythology Archaeology Religion Art Culture
  1. The word 'Thor' is derived from Old Norse 'Þórr' and was used for the thunder god, representing both the sound of thunder and the divine being behind it.
  2. In the ancient Germanic world, the term for thundergod, 'Þórr,' evolved into 'donar' in Old High German and 'þunor' in Old English, eventually leading to the term 'thunder' in Modern English.
  3. Archaeological findings indicate a trend of Germanic club-shaped pendants, possibly associated with Hercules, before the prevalence of Thor's hammer pendants during the Viking Age.

Insidious Inception?

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
📚 Literature Speeches Narrative Characters Innovation Mythology
  1. In Nestor's speech to Patroklos in Iliad 11, he tells a persuasive story aiming to redirect Achilles' rage towards Hektor, a crucial moment in completing the plot of the Iliad
  2. The way Nestor tells his story and the structure of his speech provide insights into the effectiveness and indirect nature of his persuasion, highlighting the complexity of narrative influence
  3. Nestor's speech offers potential solutions and hedging for various outcomes, showcasing the adaptability of storytelling for different audiences and circumstances in Homeric poetry

Are Alien Abductions Real?

Marlene’s Newsletter • 9 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Mythology Psychology Science fiction Social Behavior
  1. Many people believe they have been abducted by aliens, but their experiences can sometimes be explained by psychological factors or sleep disturbances.
  2. Studies have shown that these individuals might create false memories due to suggestive techniques like hypnosis, rather than actually experiencing abductions.
  3. Despite their scary stories, many self-identified abductees feel a sense of specialness or connection to something greater, often interpreting their experiences as significant.

Are Frigg and Freyja the Same Person?

Norse Mythology & Germanic Lore • 19 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
💾 History Mythology Literature
  1. Frigg and Freyja are NOT the same person in Norse mythology, despite some theories suggesting a common origin
  2. Historical sources clearly depict Frigg and Freyja as separate characters, with no indications of them being the same individual
  3. Theories proposing a common origin for Frigg and Freyja are interesting but lack conclusive evidence, reminding us to critically evaluate motivations for such speculations

Structure and Stories

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
📚 Literature Themes Narrative structure Character analysis Mythology Interpretation
  1. Book 6 of the Iliad is carefully structured and dynamic, offering a rare view into the city of Troy and the voices of its women, crucial for understanding the epic's world.
  2. The interlocking themes and structures in Book 6 effectively anticipate future events, like Glaukos and Diomedes' exchange foreshadowing later narratives and interactions.
  3. The detailed 'obituaries' of named characters in Book 6, especially the Trojan dead, not only magnify the accomplishments of the heroes but also integrate local traditions into the Homeric narrative.

The Occult Technology of the Rollercoaster

Happy Hauntology • 1 HN point • 06 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Art Rituals Entertainment Mythology Traditions
  1. Rollercoasters are unique machines that don't serve a practical purpose, unlike typical machines that make goods or transport people. They provide thrilling experiences instead, which some believe reflects magical rituals.
  2. The Wicker Man rollercoaster at Alton Towers is designed to feel like a rite of passage for kids. It mixes fear with excitement, symbolically helping children transition into teenagers by confronting their fears.
  3. Newer rollercoasters, like The Ride to Happiness in Belgium, focus less on fear and more on joy and freedom, offering a different kind of magical experience that emphasizes fun and personal liberation.

The Sibylline Oracles and the Last King of Rome

Maximum Effort, Minimum Reward • 63 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
💾 History Prophecy Religion Mythology
  1. Never underestimate the power of prophecies, like in the story of Tarquin the Proud and the Cumaean Sibyl.
  2. The Sibylline Oracles were consulted by the Romans during times of crisis, providing divine guidance for important decisions.
  3. Magic rituals and prophecies were a real and legislated part of ancient Roman society, with the Sibylline Books playing a significant role in governance.