The Troy, Hyperborea and Atlantis Connection

The connections between the legends of Atlantis and Hyperborea, and the works of Homer represent a fascinating intersection of myth, philosophy, and epic narrative within ancient Greek literature. These stories not only provide insights into the geographical and cultural understandings of the Greeks but also reflect deeper philosophical and ethical concerns that permeate Greek thought. Below, we explore these themes in greater detail, delving into how these mythical and literary works intertwine and what they signify about ancient Greek civilisation. (The Troy, Hyperborea and Atlantis Connection)

Homer’s Influence and the Greek Mythical Landscape

Homer’s literary works, namely the “Iliad” and the “Odyssey,” hold significant importance in ancient Greek literature. These works provide a multifaceted depiction of heroism, divine intervention, and the human condition. It’s important to note that these epic stories are not standalone, but are part of a larger collection of Greek mythology that includes legends about Atlantis and Hyperborea. Although Homer doesn’t directly mention these myths, his themes of heroism, the impact of divine will, and the imperfection of humanity provide a foundation for later philosophical explorations by scholars such as Plato.

Geographical and Mythological Explorations

Homer’s epics describe real and mythical locations, which expand the boundaries of the Greek world and beyond. These places often mix factual geography with fantastical elements, resulting in a world full of possibilities and dangers that reflect the Greeks’ curious and exploratory nature.

Similarly, Atlantis and Hyperborea are described as lands at the margins of the known world. Plato’s Atlantis, as mentioned in his dialogues “Timaeus” and “Critias,” is a powerful island nation beyond the Pillars of Hercules, rich in resources but doomed by its moral failings. Hyperborea, mentioned in sources such as Herodotus and later Greek lore, is portrayed as a northern paradise, untouched by war or disease, where people live exceptionally long lives in peace—a stark contrast to the often brutal world depicted by Homer.

Themes of Heroism and Hubris

In Homer’s works, heroism plays a central role. Characters are often defined by their bravery, strength, and, sometimes, overconfidence. The gods frequently intervene in these epics, either supporting or hindering heroes based on divine justice or whims. The theme of excessive pride, known as hubris, leading to downfall is particularly prominent, serving as a moral lesson on the limitations of human ambition.

The story of Atlantis presents a similar theme to this idea. Plato describes a society that starts off living in an idyllic state and enjoying divine favor. However, as Atlantis grows in power and pride, it falls prey to greed and corruption. This ultimately attracts divine wrath that leads to its destruction. This narrative echoes Homeric themes where divine justice ultimately restores the balance disrupted by human arrogance.

Divine Favor and Moral Order

The gods play a significant role in human affairs in both Homer’s epics and the tales of Hyperborea and Atlantis. In Homer’s works, the gods are unpredictable and often act based on their personal motives, reflecting the Greeks’ belief that divine favor is fleeting and must be continuously earned through piety and sacrifice.

In comparison to other myths, the myths of Hyperborea and Atlantis portray divine favor as something more stable initially, but still requiring adherence to a moral order. Hyperborea is considered a favored land as long as it remains isolated from the greed and corruption of the outside world. This suggests that societal perfection depends on both geographical isolation and moral purity. In contrast, Atlantis loses its divine favor not due to isolation but due to moral failure. This highlights a philosophical perspective where ethical decay leads to ruin.

Literary and Cultural Influence

The ancient Greek myths and narratives not only conveyed historical experiences but also shaped their perceptions of the world and the cosmos. They blended mythological interpretation with reality to teach important lessons of morality, ethics, and human limitations.

Plato’s works “Timaeus” and “Critias” utilise the mythical city of Atlantis as a philosophical allegory to explore the concept of the ideal state and the consequences of moral decay. This is an extension of Homeric exploration of heroism and divine justice, but Plato takes it a step further. While Homer focuses on individual fate and divine intervention, Plato broadens the scope to the level of societal destiny, where the collective actions of a society determine its ultimate fate.

Conclusion

The legends of Atlantis and Hyperborea, alongside Homer’s works, provide a rich vein of cultural and philosophical material that illustrates the ancient Greeks’ attempts to understand their world and the human and divine forces that shaped their destinies. These stories are not merely tales of ancient times but are enduring narratives that continue to influence modern understandings of myth, philosophy, and the human history. According to Plato, the Greeks believed that their civilisation was founded by the Gods around 9500 years ago. This belief provides clues to the location of this mythical land. The author’s research points to the Land of ‘Dogger’ as the possible location, and suggests that the Cro-Magnon Megalithic Builders of History, who were large, blond/red, blue/green eyed beings, were the Gods who founded the Greek and Egyptian civilisations long ago.

Further Reading

For information about British Prehistory, visit www.prehistoric-britain.co.uk for the most extensive archaeology blogs and investigations collection, including modern LiDAR reports.  This site also includes extracts and articles from the Robert John Langdon Trilogy about Britain in the Prehistoric period, including titles such as The Stonehenge Enigma, Dawn of the Lost Civilisation and the ultimate proof of Post Glacial Flooding and the landscape we see today.

Robert John Langdon has also created a YouTube web channel with over 100 investigations and video documentaries to support his classic trilogy (Prehistoric Britain). He has also released a collection of strange coincidences that he calls ‘13 Things that Don’t Make Sense in History’ and his recent discovery of a lost Stone Avenue at Avebury in Wiltshire called ‘Silbury Avenue – the Lost Stone Avenue’.

Langdon has also produced a series of ‘shorts’, which are extracts from his main body of books:

The Ancient Mariners

Stonehenge Built 8300 BCE

Old Sarum

Prehistoric Rivers

Dykes ditches and Earthworks

Echoes of Atlantis

Homo Superior