Jamie Loftus and Robert discuss Savitri Devi, a woman who turned Nazism into a religion. They explore Devi's fascination with ancient Greek and Roman cultures, her shift towards extremism, and her controversial alignment with Nazi beliefs. The podcast touches on Devi's violent nationalist ideologies, her admiration for Hitler, and the historical roots of the swastika symbol in promoting supremacist views.
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Quick takeaways
Savitri Devi merged Hinduism with Nazism to advocate for nationalist causes.
The swastika symbol had widespread positive associations before its Nazi appropriation.
Aryan identity distortion led to Nazi associations with master racial superiority.
Deep dives
Maximiliani's Political Awakening
Maximiliani Portis experienced a political awakening as she witnessed the mistreatment of Greece by the Entente powers, particularly France and England. She sympathized with Greece's struggle and saw parallels between Greek and German nationalist movements. Maximiliani's strong love for Greece's culture and history fostered her passionate support for Greece against its oppressors.
Encounter with the Swastika and Schliemann's Influence
During her time in Greece, Maximiliani encountered the swastika while visiting the National Museum of Athens. There, she viewed artifacts uncovered by Heinrich Schliemann, a controversial archaeologist known for his discoveries related to ancient Troy. The swastika's prevalence in these artifacts, representing good fortune, linked her to the symbol that would later define her views and legacy.
Schliemann's Controversial Archaeological Methods
Heinrich Schliemann's archaeological methods were criticized for being destructive and unorthodox. While his discoveries provided valuable artifacts, his aggressive digging techniques led to the destruction of significant historical evidence. Despite the controversy, Schliemann's work was influential in uncovering ancient sites and artifacts, including those related to the Trojan War.
Rise of the Swastika Symbol
The swastika symbol's ubiquitous presence in artifacts led to its widespread adoption as a symbol of good fortune in various cultures. The symbol's association with positive themes extended to popular culture, including its appearance on products, military uniforms, and cultural materials. Over time, the swastika became a widely recognized symbol for luck and positivity before its appropriation by the Nazi regime.
Origins of the Term Aryan and its Corrupted Evolution
The term Aryan was initially associated with various Indo-Iranian languages, but in the late 1800s, it became distorted due to rising colonialism and white individuals seeking to validate their actions. This distortion linked Aryan to a master racial identity, leading to associations with Nazism and German superiority.
Sivitri Devi's Fascination with Hinduism and Nazi Ideology
Sivitri Devi, a French nationalist, traveled to India to explore Aryan origins, eventually embracing Hinduism and merging it with Nazi beliefs. She advocated for Hindu nationalism to counter British rule and supported the Nazi cause by assisting Axis powers in World War II. Her extremist views aligning with Nazism and Hindu nationalism left a controversial legacy.
Robert is joined by Jamie Loftus to discuss Hitler's Priestess, Savitri Devi.
Jamie’s new Cool Zone Media show Sixteenth Minute launches on May 7th! Every week, she gets to know one of the internet’s most notorious main characters, and how the algorithm delivering them to you changes their brain and yours. Up first: Antoine Dodson, the dress, and Boston slide cop!