HackMDDefinition of Mytho-historical
Since the early 19th century, there has been a sharp separation between ‘history’ and ‘mythology’. Previously, this distinction was less clear and can still be blurred in some cultures. In the Western cultural philosophy known as Positivism, history is regarded as ‘true’—a recounting of things that “actually happened”—while mythology is seen as the best explanation for natural phenomena by ‘primitive’ peoples who lacked modern ways of thought, thus mostly false.
This conviction persists today, leading many to equate ‘myth’ with ‘falsehood’. However, this view ignores the sociological and cohesive role of myth in human societies. Myths shape our understanding of reality, influencing how we see the world and our place in it. They have inspired countless people, cultures, and nations into bold action (see the examples following the end of this definition).
Both history and mythology are creations of human imagination. History is limited to verifiable facts and evidence from the past, regarded as reality, though interpretations often vary. Mythology, however, is not bound by space, chronology, or indisputable evidence. It creates its own space and time within the mind, akin to folklore or, in some instances, popular novels or TV series (e.g., Battlestar Galactica)†. All are examples of what Tolkien referred to as ‘sub-creation’.
Tolkien used ‘sub-creation’ to describe the process of world-building and creating myths, where a human author is a “little maker” within God's primary creation. He saw his works as an emulation of greater creation. In his mythical creations, the unseen hand of God is felt more forcefully than in fiction. Fiction works with invented facts, while myth works with truth disguised in various forms. Myth, being metaphysical, is spiritual: not untrue, but unprovable in the scientific sense (technically 'unfalsifiable', but more along the lines of a transcendental argument than what the term unfalsifiable usually connotes (see here)). This idea is sometimes also referred to as the Imaginal Realm.
The Imaginal Realm is a concept often associated with the works of philosopher and mystic Henri Corbin. It refers to a realm of existence that is intermediate between the physical and spiritual worlds. This realm, while often associated with dreams, visions, and prophecy, possesses a generative energy capable of altering events in the world. It is not merely a subjective, interior landscape but a crucial part of traditional metaphysics, recognized for its ability to shape consciousness and, consequently, reality. This idea is often explored in the context of spirituality, psychology, and mystical traditions.
Mytho-historical thinking involves working with the Imaginal Realm and receiving visionary information while maintaining logic, rationality, and discernment. This allows one to recognize valid mappings between the Legendarium and consensus reality (e.g., Doggerland), as well as invalid ones (e.g., “Tolkien got his alternate words for the Valar – Ainu and Ainur – from the Sumerian Anu and Anunnaki!”). Mappings from the Imaginal to the Ordinary are usually of the Many to One or Many to Many varieties, rarely One to One (bijective). This often misleads people who are accustomed to bijective mappings in daily life [link].
The truth is closer to this quote from The Notion Club Papers, wherein the character Wilfrid Jeremy remarks:
I have a queer feeling that, if one could go back, one would find not myth dissolving into history, but rather the reverse: real history becoming more mythical—more shapely, simple, discernibly significant, even seen at close quarters. More poetical, and less prosaic, if you like.
For a great example of these ideas in dramatic form, please view the following episode from “Star Trek: The Next Generation” in its entirety. After you do, you should have a good idea of what is meant by the term “Mytho-historical”:
ST:TNG S05E02 ‘Darmok’ [link]
To conclude, then, shamanic cognition refers to how Tolkien himself received and interpreted the information he used in his works. He acknowledges that he did not invent these ideas from scratch (this is covered in our “Tolkien's Shamanic Worldview” video).
On the other hand, mytho-historical thinking is how readers or interpreters of Tolkien's texts use his sources as a framework to understand the world and their place in it.
The precise way this framework is applied will vary depending upon each individual’s personality and interests.
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† This is heavily dependent upon a story's inherent quality (c.f. Robert Pirsig's concept of ‘Quality’ [link]). This is why Amazon’s “Rings of Power” falls very short of the mark.
Examples of Myth inspiring Action: Myths have played a profound role in inspiring people, cultures, and nations throughout history. Here are several examples:
The American Dream (United States): While not a traditional myth in the ancient sense, the American Dream is a powerful narrative that has inspired millions of people from around the world to migrate to the United States in search of a better life. It embodies the belief that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination.
The Tale of Romulus and Remus (Rome): The myth of Rome's founding by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus, who were raised by a she-wolf, has been a source of inspiration for Roman identity and resilience for centuries. It symbolizes the strength, resourcefulness, and determination of the Roman people, and has been used to justify Rome's expansion and dominance.
The Odyssey (Ancient Greece): Homer's epic poem, The Odyssey, has inspired countless individuals with its tale of Odysseus's ten-year journey home after the Trojan War. The story's themes of perseverance, cunning, and loyalty have resonated with generations, influencing literature, art, and even space exploration (e.g., NASA's Jupiter spacecraft was named "Ulysses," the Latin equivalent of Odysseus).
The Mahabharata and the Bhagavad Gita (India): These ancient Indian epics have deeply influenced Indian culture, philosophy, and politics. The Bhagavad Gita, in particular, a section of the Mahabharata, has been a source of spiritual inspiration for millions, offering guidance on duty, righteousness, and the nature of the self. Its teachings have inspired leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, who drew on its principles of non-violent resistance.
The Legend of King Arthur (Britain): The myth of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table has captivated the British imagination for centuries, embodying ideals of chivalry, justice, and national unity. It has inspired countless works of literature, art, and film, and has been used to rally British patriotism during times of war.
The Sun Goddess Amaterasu (Japan): In Shinto mythology, Amaterasu is the goddess of the sun and the ancestor of the Japanese imperial family. This myth has been central to Japanese national identity and the legitimacy of the emperor, providing a spiritual and historical connection between the Japanese people and their rulers.
The Story of Quetzalcoatl (Aztec Empire): Quetzalcoatl, the feathered serpent god, was a major figure in Aztec mythology, associated with creation, wisdom, and wind. His myth influenced Aztec culture, art, and religion, and some historians believe that the arrival of the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés, who was mistaken for the returning Quetzalcoatl, played a significant role in the Aztec's initial welcoming of the invaders.
These examples demonstrate how myths can shape the collective identity of a people, inspire them to achieve great things, and provide a framework for understanding their place in the world.
