Mythical civilisations

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Mythical civilizations such as Atlantis, Lemuria, El Dorado, Shambhala/Shangri-La, Avalon, Hyperborea, and the "Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors" are fascinating concepts that have been part of human culture for centuries. These are societies that, according to various legends and folklore, once existed but subsequently disappeared or remained hidden from the modern world. They are often associated with advanced knowledge, lost treasures, or utopian societies.

For example, Atlantis, described by the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, was a powerful and advanced kingdom that sank into the sea overnight. These civilizations, although not confirmed by archaeological evidence, testify to the power of human imagination and our enduring fascination with the idea of lost or hidden societies. They continue to inspire literature, philosophy, and popular culture, contributing to our understanding of human history and cultural diversity.

Terms

• Atlantis (circa 360 BCE): A legendary island state described by Plato. Example: In Plato's dialogues "Timaeus" and "Critias," Atlantis is depicted as a powerful civilization that disappeared into the sea.

• Lemuria (19th century): A hypothetical "lost land" located, according to various accounts, in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Example: Some Tamil writers associate Lemuria with Kumari Kandam, a legendary submerged land mentioned in Tamil literature.

• El Dorado (16th century): A mythical city of gold sought by Spanish explorers in South America. Example: The legend of El Dorado was a driving force behind the exploration of the New World.

• Shambhala/Shangri-La (ancient times): A mythical paradise mentioned in ancient texts of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Example: In James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizon," Shangri-La is described as a harmonious valley governed by Lamaism.

• Avalon (12th century): A legendary island featured in Arthurian legend. Example: Avalon is often associated with mystical healing powers and is considered the place where King Arthur's sword, Excalibur, was forged.

• Hyperborea (ancient Greek times): A mythical land located in the far north, often associated in Greek mythology with the extreme limits of the known world. Example: The Greek poet Pindar described Hyperborea as a paradise where the sun shines twenty-four hours a day.

• Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors (Ancient China): A group of mythological rulers of ancient China. Example: In Chinese culture, these figures are often regarded as moral exemplars.

Analogy

Imagine mythical civilizations as a puzzle. Each civilization is a piece of the puzzle that contributes to our understanding of human fantasy and the pursuit of utopian or advanced societies. Just as a puzzle piece can fit into the overall picture, each mythical civilization contributes to the tapestry of human mythology and cultural understanding.

Common Misconception

A common misconception is that these mythical civilizations were real, physical places that simply got lost in time. In reality, there is no archaeological evidence to support the existence of these civilizations. They are often used as metaphors or allegories to convey certain philosophical ideas or moral lessons. For example, the search for El Dorado is often seen as a symbol of human insatiable greed.

History

1. The concept of mythical civilizations has existed for thousands of years and appears in the folklore and traditions of various cultures around the world. For example, the story of Atlantis was first mentioned by Plato around 360 BCE.

2. Over time, these stories have evolved and been interpreted in different ways, reflecting the values and beliefs of each culture.

3. As the famous historian Arnold Toynbee once said, "History is the vision of God's creation on the move."

Three Cases of How to Use It Right Now

1. Literature and Cinema: Mythical civilizations often serve as the backdrop for many works of fiction, creating a rich and imaginative foundation for storytelling. The main benefits of using this knowledge are enhancing the narrative and creating cultural context. For example, the lost city of Atlantis has featured in many books and films, such as the animated film "Atlantis: The Lost Empire."

2. Philosophy and Ethics: These myths can be used to explore philosophical ideas or moral lessons. The main benefits of using this knowledge are the development of critical thinking and ethical principles. For example, Plato used the story of Atlantis to illustrate his ideas about pride and divine punishment.

3. Cultural Studies: Understanding these myths can provide insight into different cultures and their values. The main benefits of using this knowledge are the development of cultural understanding and appreciation. For example, studying the myth of Shambhala can provide insight into the beliefs and values of Tibetan Buddhism.

Interesting Facts

• The city of Atlantis was described by Plato as consisting of concentric islands separated by wide moats and connected by a canal running to the center.

• The name "El Dorado" translates from Spanish as "The Golden One." Initially, it referred to a person, a king of a mythical tribe, who was said to cover himself in gold dust.

• The myth of Shambhala is believed to have influenced the concept of Shangri-La, a fictional utopia located high in the mountains of Tibet, in James Hilton's novel "Lost Horizon."

• Avalon is often associated with the English town of Glastonbury, as the burial site of King Arthur and his queen was discovered there in the late 12th century.

• The Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors are important figures in Chinese mythology, often associated with the invention of agriculture, medicine, and the arts.