Lore Episode 268: Lost Empire
Release Date: December 2, 2024
Host: Aaron Mahnke

Introduction to Lost Lands and Legends

In this captivating episode of Lore, host Aaron Mahnke delves into the enigmatic tales of lost civilizations, focusing primarily on the legendary Atlantis. Mahnke sets the stage by comparing the allure of sunken realms like the Titanic and Pompeii to the enduring mystery of Atlantis, underscoring the fascination humans have with buried worlds and the ghostly remnants they leave behind.

Plato's Atlantis: The Genesis of a Legend

Mahnke begins by exploring the origins of the Atlantis legend, attributing its inception to the ancient Greek philosopher Plato. He explains that Atlantis first appears in Plato's dialogues, Timaeus and Critias, where it is depicted as a powerful and advanced civilization that ultimately succumbs to divine retribution due to its hubris. Mahnke clarifies:

"Plato depicted a conversation between four men, during which Critias shares the story of Atlantis, stating that he heard it from an Athenian who, in turn, heard it from an Egyptian priest."
[05:30]

Despite numerous interpretations, Mahnke emphasizes that the scholarly consensus views Plato's account as an allegorical tale rather than a historical account, intended to moralize on themes like greed and the virtues of Athens.

Olof Rudbeck: Sweden’s Atlantis Proponent

Transitioning from ancient texts to historical figures, Mahnke introduces Olof Rudbeck, a 17th-century Swedish scholar who passionately believed that Sweden was the true Atlantis. Rudbeck's extensive research and archaeological endeavors led him to propose that Swedish civilization dated back to 2300 BC, predating the Trojan War by a millennium. Mahnke recounts Rudbeck's fervent activities:

"Rudbeck recruited a team of volunteers, acquired a 50-foot yacht, and successfully hauled it 45 miles by hand to prove the feasibility of Jason and the Argonauts reaching Sweden."
[15:45]

Despite his academic achievements and initial acclaim, Rudbeck's theories fell out of favor after Sweden's decline in the Great Northern War, leading to his eventual discreditation. Mahnke notes:

"By the 18th century, Rudbeck's work was viewed as little more than a joke, and the Atlantis legend faded alongside his reputation."
[22:10]

Ignatius Donnelly and the Revival of Atlantis

Mahnke then shifts focus to Ignatius Donnelly, a late 19th-century American politician and writer who reinvigorated the Atlantis myth. Donnelly's pivotal work, The Antediluvian World, posited Atlantis as the cradle of all human civilization, linking it to various global myths and even suggesting it was the source of European alphabets and technological advancements. Mahnke highlights Donnelly's ambitious claims:

"Donnelly asserted that the Garden of Eden, the Elysian Fields, and Asgard were all mere reflections of Atlantean grandeur."
[30:25]

While The Antediluvian World enjoyed significant popularity, leading to what Mahnke describes as "Atlantamania," Donnelly's subsequent publications failed to sustain interest, resulting in his reputation as a charlatan. Nevertheless, Donnelly's work cemented Atlantis in popular culture, influencing literature, media, and even festivities like the 1883 New Orleans Mardi Gras celebration themed around Atlantis.

Cultural Perpetuation of Atlantis

Mahnke discusses how Atlantis transcended its literary origins to become a staple in popular culture. From television shows like Doctor Who and Flipper to songs by Donovan and Disney's The Lost Empire, Atlantis remains a symbol of mystery and lost grandeur. Mahnke observes:

"Atlantis, it seems, had been sunken long enough. The Lost Empire had risen, and it was here to stay."
[34:50]

Lemuria: The Parallel Lost Continent

Expanding beyond Atlantis, Mahnke introduces the concept of Lemuria, a hypothesized lost continent proposed by 19th-century zoologist Philip Sclater. Lemuria was initially suggested to explain the distribution of lemur fossils between Madagascar and India. However, Mahnke explains how this geological theory spiraled into fantastical realms:

"Helena Blavatsky, founder of Theosophy, claimed that Lemurians were hermaphroditic, egg-laying creatures who interbred with animals, eventually evolving into modern humans."
[41:15]

Mahnke details the emergence of the Lemurian Fellowship and the esoteric beliefs surrounding Lemuria, including claims of a hidden crystalline city named Telos within Mount Shasta, California. These narratives, while scientifically debunked by the advent of plate tectonics, illustrate the human penchant for creating mythic lost worlds.

The Enduring Allure of Lost Civilizations

Concluding the episode, Mahnke reflects on why lost civilizations like Atlantis and Lemuria continue to captivate the human imagination. He posits that these legends serve as metaphors for the rise and fall of empires, mirroring the obsessions of their modern proponents like Rudbeck and Donnelly. Mahnke muses:

"What if their obsession with Atlantis wasn't about Atlantis at all? What if it was about proving that their empires were different?"
[50:40]

Ultimately, Mahnke underscores that the stories of lost civilizations remain powerful not because of their factual accuracy, but because of the rich, symbolic narratives they provide, allowing people to explore themes of power, downfall, and the eternal quest for knowledge.

Final Thoughts

Aaron Mahnke masterfully weaves historical accounts, personal obsessions, and cultural phenomena to present a comprehensive exploration of the legend of Atlantis and its counterparts. By dissecting the contributions of figures like Plato, Rudbeck, and Donnelly, Mahnke illuminates how myths evolve and persist, shaping our collective consciousness and continuing to inspire awe and curiosity.

Notable Quotes:

• Aaron Mahnke:
  "Plato depicted a conversation between four men, during which Critias shares the story of Atlantis, stating that he heard it from an Athenian who, in turn, heard it from an Egyptian priest."
  [05:30]

• Aaron Mahnke:
  "Rudbeck recruited a team of volunteers, acquired a 50-foot yacht, and successfully hauled it 45 miles by hand to prove the feasibility of Jason and the Argonauts reaching Sweden."
  [15:45]

• Aaron Mahnke:
  "Atlantis, it seems, had been sunken long enough. The Lost Empire had risen, and it was here to stay."
  [34:50]

• Aaron Mahnke:
  "What if their obsession with Atlantis wasn't about Atlantis at all? What if it was about proving that their empires were different?"
  [50:40]

Additional Insights

• Olof Rudbeck's Impact:
  Despite his eventual fall from grace, Rudbeck's pioneering work in archaeological methods and his early adoption of stratigraphy demonstrate his lasting influence on the field.

• Ignatius Donnelly's Legacy:
  Donnelly's intertwining of Atlantis with various global myths set the stage for future speculative theories and reinforced Atlantis as a versatile symbol in storytelling.

• Lemuria's Transformation:
  The initial scientific hypothesis of Lemuria's existence transformed into a rich tapestry of myth and esoteric belief, showcasing the fluid boundaries between science and folklore.

Conclusion

Lore Episode 268: Lost Empire intricately examines how legends like Atlantis and Lemuria originate, evolve, and embed themselves into our cultural fabric. Through meticulous research and engaging storytelling, Aaron Mahnke not only uncovers the historical and mythical layers of these lost civilizations but also invites listeners to ponder the deeper meanings behind our enduring fascination with the unknown and the lost.