The Hermetic Hour

The Subterranean War and the Shaver Mystery

Nov 13, 2025
Dive into the intriguing world of an alleged subterranean war involving special forces facing off against traitors and ancient demonic humanoids. Unravel the origins of the myth from historical writers like Saint-Yves to pulp fiction master Richard S. Shaver, who breathed life into eerie tales of mind-control rays and underground horrors. Explore the connections between past and modern deep underground military bases, while contemplating the eerie overlaps with contemporary conspiracies. Discover a mix of history, sci-fi, and chilling possibilities!
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INSIGHT

Subterranean Myths Shape Modern Reports

  • Poke Runyon links modern reports of underground wars to a long tradition of subterranean myths dating back to the 19th century.
  • He suggests the Shaver Mystery and earlier writers shaped contemporary narratives about demons, DUMBs, and secret tunnel networks.
ANECDOTE

Host's Personal Shaver Obsession

  • Runyon recounts his teenage belief in Richard S. Shaver's stories and how they influenced his worldview.
  • He later made the film Beyond Lemuria, adapting Shaver elements into a docudrama about underground horrors.
INSIGHT

Cold War Bunkers Form Today's DUMBs Network

  • Runyon maps modern DUMBs to Cold War bomb-shelter construction from 1949–1970s and older subterranean installations.
  • He argues these networks now connect to urban sewers, subways, and utility tunnels, creating an extensive subterranean system.
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