The Symbolic World

392 - Richard Rohlin - Universal History: Symbols From the Edge of the World

10 snips
May 6, 2025
In this engaging discussion, Richard Rohlin, an expert on universal history and symbolism, delves into the enigmatic Voyage of St. Brendan. He explores encounters with sea creatures and a giant maiden, weaving themes of beauty, death, and resurrection. The conversation links ancient narratives with contemporary struggles, touching on the importance of ritual and spiritual symbolism. Rohlin also examines the Nephilim and Celtic storytelling, inviting listeners to reflect on identity, divine mysteries, and the mythical realms inhabited by leprechauns and dwarves.
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ANECDOTE

Brendan Resurrects Giant Sea Maiden

  • St. Brendan resurrects and baptizes a giant sea maiden from before the flood who asks for salvation.
  • This strange story reflects deep themes of resurrection and salvation outside normal human boundaries.
INSIGHT

Islands Represent Inaccessible Realms

  • Some spiritual realms exist fully but are inaccessible to us, like the island Brendan encounters.
  • This highlights the positive aspect of intermediaries as necessary boundaries between worlds.
INSIGHT

Baptism Cleanses and Distinguishes

  • Baptism symbolically expels evil from water, paralleling Brendan blessing and drying up poisoned waters.
  • Different things in cultures can be baptized, integrated, or rejected based on their spiritual nature.
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