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Mythology Studies
Classic literature reveals how resilience can be both a source of strength in troubled times — and a dangerous ideal.
A preview of the latest novel by the New York Times bestselling author.
Ambition. Descent. Wisdom.
Scientists found a massive underwater wall off the coast of France that might help explain the origin of the legend of Ys.
In this excerpt from The Breath of the Gods, Simon Winchester explores how the Sumerians first named the wind and shaped our early understanding of the natural world.
In this excerpt from "America's Most Gothic," Leanna Hieber and Andrea Janes examine the history and folklore of Maine's vanished schooner.
In this excerpt from "Seven Rivers," historian Vanessa Taylor explores how Ancient Egyptian pharaohs harnessed the Nile River to build empires and secure their power.
About six million years ago, the Mediterranean was sealed off from the Atlantic, and over centuries it ran dry. One megaflood reversed that.
This is my country and this is what we stand for. At least for now.
In "The Shortest History of the Dinosaurs," Riley Black reveals the bold mammals that thrived in the Age of Reptiles.
The Gospels aren’t historical biographies but genre-defining works that blend myth, theology, and a promise of hope.
The "Doctor Strange" director says mystery shifts your worldview — "not in a metaphorical sense, but in a deeply experiential one."
According to Tolkien, fantasy requires a deep imagination known as "sub-creation." And the genre reflects a fundamental truth of being human.
From medieval myths to Shakespeare's plays and modern cinema, British culture kept the Roman Empire alive long after its fall.
An interview with renowned mythologist Martin Shaw about persona, presence, and how to spend life's finite time.
For J.R.R. Tolkien, the single most important element of a fairy tale was the dramatic reversal of misfortune in the story's ending.
Many beloved fantasy adventures take place in worlds that bear a striking resemblance to our own.
Welcome to The Nightcrawler — a weekly newsletter from Eric Markowitz covering tech, innovation, and long-term thinking.
Have you ever noticed how many things you interact with but can’t name? So did we.
Is there a force keeping humanity in check?
The fellowship's journey through Middle-earth mirrors the modernization of the English countryside.
Japanese thought can’t be easily characterized by just a few books — but this essential guide is a great place to start.
"Hardcore History" host Dan Carlin recently spoke with Big Think about the history of humanity's drive to create — and whether or not we can control it.
Joseph Campbell argued that nearly every myth can be boiled down to a hero’s journey. Was he right?
The Trojan War was fought in Finland and Ulysses sailed home to Denmark, says one controversial theory.
Parents will sometimes use children as weapons in their relationship battles — and the fallout can be devastating.
Fantasy, meet statistics: The census comes to Middle-earth!
A basement renovation project led to the archaeological discovery of a lifetime: the Derinkuyu Underground City, which housed 20,000 people.
The Parthenon embodies the ideals of perfection Classical Greeks sought from architecture. The neighboring Erechtheion offers something else.
Narnia and early Middle-earth were pancake-esque — but their creators took differing views on de-globalization.