Mythophilosophy as Transformative Thaumaturgy with Mads Højmark

The Iliad is an epic poem attributed to Homer, set during the Trojan War. It begins in the ninth year of the war, where a quarrel between King Agamemnon and the warrior Achilles sets off a chain of events. The poem explores themes of heroism, honor, and fate as it describes the battles and interactions between Greek warriors like Achilles, Diomedes, and Odysseus, and Trojan warriors like Hector and Paris. The story is interspersed with divine interventions from Greek gods and goddesses, influencing the outcome of the war. The poem culminates with Achilles' reconciliation with Agamemnon and his subsequent rage against the Trojans, leading to the death of Hector and the eventual funeral rites for Patroclus and Hector.

Heraclitus's "Fragments" are the surviving remnants of his writings, offering glimpses into his philosophical ideas. His work emphasizes the concept of constant change and flux, famously stating that "everything flows. " Heraclitus's philosophy explores the unity of opposites and the importance of understanding the underlying principles governing the universe. His fragments are often cryptic and require careful interpretation, but they have had a profound influence on Western thought. The "Fragments" remain a significant source for understanding pre-Socratic philosophy.

In 'Der Untergang des Abendlandes' präsentiert Oswald Spengler eine umfassende Theorie, die die Geschichte der Menschheit als zyklische Entwicklung von Kulturen und Zivilisationen darstellt. Er vergleicht die Entwicklung dieser Kulturen mithilfe einer morphologischen Methode und postuliert, dass jede Kultur eine begrenzte, vorhersehbare und deterministische Lebensdauer hat. Das Werk, das in zwei Bänden zwischen 1918 und 1922 veröffentlicht wurde, hatte großen Einfluss und löste heftige Diskussionen aus, insbesondere nach dem Ersten Weltkrieg, als viele Spenglers Thesen bestätigt sahen. Spengler predigte, dass die westliche Zivilisation in der finalen Phase des Verfalls stehe und dass um das Jahr 2000 eine Periode des 'Caesarismus' beginnen würde, gefolgt von einem endgültigen Zusammenbruch der westlichen Zivilisation.

The Odyssey, attributed to Homer, is an ancient Greek epic poem that tells the story of Odysseus, king of Ithaca, and his ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The poem explores Odysseus's encounters with various mythical creatures, divine interventions, and natural challenges. Upon his return to Ithaca, he must confront the suitors who have been vying for his wife Penelope's hand in marriage. With the help of his son Telemachus and the goddess Athena, Odysseus devises a plan to defeat the suitors and reclaim his throne. The poem is a reflection on human nature, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions, and it remains a crucial component of ancient Greek literature and Western cultural heritage.

The Homeric Hymns are a collection of ancient Greek hymns attributed to Homer. The Hymn to Demeter recounts the abduction of Persephone by Hades and Demeter's subsequent search for her daughter. It is a rich tapestry of myth and symbolism, exploring themes of motherhood, loss, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The hymn's vivid imagery and emotional depth have made it a significant contribution to Greek mythology. It continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary and mythological value.

The Homeric Hymns are a collection of ancient Greek hymns attributed to Homer. The Hymn to Dionysus recounts the god's birth, his adventures, and his interactions with mortals. It is a rich tapestry of myth and symbolism, exploring themes of divine power, human folly, and the transformative nature of the divine. The hymn's vivid imagery and dramatic narrative have made it a significant contribution to Greek mythology. It continues to be studied and appreciated for its literary and mythological value.

Ludwig Klages's "Der Geist als Widersacher der Seele" (The Spirit as Adversary of the Soul) is a monumental work exploring the interplay between spirit, soul, and the human will. Klages critiques the dominance of intellect and reason, arguing for a deeper understanding of the soul's inherent nature. He delves into the nature of myth and its connection to the human psyche, emphasizing the importance of intuition and instinct. The book is characterized by its complex and often challenging prose, reflecting Klages's unique philosophical perspective. Its influence extends to various fields, including psychology, philosophy, and the study of myth.

Hans-Georg Gadamer's "Truth and Method" is a seminal work in hermeneutics, the theory of interpretation. Gadamer challenges traditional epistemological approaches, arguing that understanding is always situated within a historical and cultural context. He emphasizes the role of dialogue and tradition in shaping our understanding of the world. The book's influence extends to various fields, including philosophy, literary theory, and the humanities. Gadamer's work continues to be studied and debated.

Hávamál is a heterogeneous collection of 164 stanzas of aphorisms, homely wisdom, counsels, and magic charms attributed to the Norse god Odin. The poem is part of the Poetic Edda and contains various fragments not originally discovered together. It includes rules of social conduct, myths about Odin's erotic affairs, and the myth of how Odin acquired the magical power of the runes. The poem is largely gnomic, presenting advice for living, proper conduct, and wisdom, and is considered an important source of Old Norse philosophy.

The Enuma Elish is a Babylonian creation myth etched on seven clay tablets, recounting the struggle between cosmic order and chaos. It tells the story of Marduk, the patron deity of Babylon, who defeats the forces of chaos and establishes order in the world. The myth includes the creation of the heavens, earth, and humanity. The book, compiled and translated by L.W. King, includes detailed commentary, historical context, and comparisons with Hebrew scriptures. It also features additional Babylonian mythological accounts and an afterword discussing the impact of ancient Near Eastern mythology on the Hebrew Bible.

Völuspá is a poem consisting of about 65 short stanzas that narrate the Norse cosmogony, the history of the world of gods, men, and monsters from its beginning until the Ragnarök. The story is told by an age-old seeress who was reared by primeval giants and addresses Odin. The poem reveals both pagan and Christian influences, reflecting the transitional period between these two religions in Iceland around the year 1000.