Journey back to the vibrant 1920s Island Park, where lively carnivals thrived before being swallowed by stormy waters. Explore the myth of Atlantis and its moral implications, alongside fascinating tales of hubris and lost empires. Discover how 19th-century lemur fossils shaped our understanding of evolution, and delve into the mystical legends surrounding Lemuria. The podcast humorously connects these legends with modern spirituality and even suggests quirky ways to honor ancient spirits.
Island Park, a vibrant carnival hub in the 1920s, was submerged by a devastating ice storm, fueling legends of lost civilizations.
The legend of Atlantis serves as both a philosophical allegory about hubris and a historical obsession that influenced scholarly pursuits.
Deep dives
The Magical Island Park
In the 1920s, Island Park served as a vibrant carnival hub situated in the Connecticut River, bridging Vermont and New Hampshire. This whimsical destination featured an array of attractions, including a dance hall, an arcade, and performances from notable acts like Miss America and President Taft. During Prohibition, the island became a hotspot for revelers from the dry state of Vermont who ventured out to indulge in the festivities of the wet state of New Hampshire. However, a devastating ice storm in 1927 ultimately submerged Island Park, leaving its remnants to lie beneath the river, captivating imaginations about lost civilizations.
Plato's Origin of Atlantis
The legend of Atlantis originated from the writings of Plato, appearing in two of his dialogues where characters discuss a long-lost island said to be larger than Africa and Asia combined. Critias, one of the characters, recounts a tale of a powerful civilization blessed by the sea god Poseidon that grew increasingly greedy and expansive until it waged war against Athens, a city favored by the gods. In punishment for their hubris, the once-magnificent island was sent to the ocean floor, but the absence of evidence raises questions about the historicity of this account. Scholars interpret Plato's narrative as an allegory warning against excess and pride, raising doubts about its factual foundation.
Olaf Rudbeck's Obsession
Olaf Rudbeck, a 17th-century Swedish scholar, became fixated on proving that Sweden was the historical Atlantis after discovering parallels between Norse sagas and Greek mythology. His radical theories led him to conduct extensive archaeological research, including excavating ancient burial sites to examine historical artifacts linking Sweden to Plato’s descriptions of Atlantis. Despite his groundbreaking methodologies in archaeology and stratigraphy, which predated their formal introduction, Rudbeck’s obsession ultimately derailed his academic career. Once celebrated as a luminary, his theories were discredited as Sweden's global power waned, leading to a tragic end to his acclaimed status.
The Revival of Atlantis
The fascination with Atlantis gained renewed popularity in the 19th century, especially with the publication of Ignatius Donnelly's book, 'Atlantis, the Antediluvian World.' Donnelly proposed that Atlantis was the cradle of human civilization and that various mythological accounts stemmed from its legacy, which resonated with the public and fueled enthusiasms for Atlantean lore. Although his subsequent works led to his fall from grace, the myth of Atlantis remained ingrained in popular culture, inspiring references in literature and media. The concept of Atlantis morphed from an ancient philosophical allegory into a lasting symbol of lost civilizations, reflecting humanity's enduring craving for mythical narratives.
One of the most ancient folk stories in history has been the subject of debate for thousands of years. And the real world events and ideas that it spawned are truly bizarre.
Narrated and produced by Aaron Mahnke, with writing by GennaRose Nethercott, research by Sam Alberty and Cassandra de Alba, and music by Chad Lawson.
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