The Mythic Masculine Where The Wild Men Are [Essay]
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Sep 25, 2025 Dive into a heartfelt exploration of the Minnesota Men's Conference as it celebrates 40 years of the mythopoetic tradition. Hear about unique rituals, the significance of storytelling, and the communal power of poetry and song. Ian shares his encounters with legends like Robert Bly and reflects on the importance of nature and solitude. Discussions emerge around the evolving role of masculinity, sexuality, and the legacy of these gatherings. Join a journey that combines myth, community, and introspection, culminating in powerful rituals and profound insights.
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Pilgrimage To Mythic Soil
- Ian MacKenzie describes deciding to attend the 40th Minnesota Men's Conference as a pilgrimage to mythic soil.
- He framed the trip as reporting on the lineage of the mythopoetic men's movement and its future.
Myth As Antidote To Cultural Emptiness
- The conference frames men's souls as atrophying under cultural deanimation and seeks remedy through myth, story, and poetry.
- Organizers position mythic practices as antidotes to shallow modern life.
Inside Robert Bly's Process
- Jonathan Stensland drove Ian and shared vivid stories of working closely with Robert Bly on poems and Iron John.
- He recalled editing Bly's handwritten pages and collaborating intimately on poem craft.
