Mythological Cities: Lost Realms in the Folklore of Different Cultures

For ages, stories of legendary cities and lost civilizations have fascinated us. These mythical places come from ancient myths and folklore.

They spark our imagination and drive many to search for them.

From Atlantis to El Dorado, these tales have stood the test of time. They reflect our deep desire to explore the unknown.

These cities and realms are found worldwide. They range from the Himalayas to South America’s jungles.

Greek myths talk about Arcadia and Elysium. Norse legends mention Asgard, the gods’ city. Chinese folklore speaks of Mount Penglai and Shangri-La.

These mythical places often symbolize paradise. They are said to be filled with gold or where nature and humans live in harmony.

They represent our dream for a perfect world.

Despite centuries of searching, these legendary cities are hard to find. Expeditions have gone into unknown lands, seeking riches or knowledge. But many have come back empty-handed or gone missing.

The charm of mythological cities and lost civilizations isn’t just about finding them. It’s about the stories they spark.

They show us the power of imagination and our endless quest for discovery.

In the next parts, we’ll explore famous mythical places from various cultures. We’ll dive into the ocean and climb mountains, all in search of these legendary cities.

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Atlantis: The Legendary Sunken City

The story of Atlantis, a mythical lost continent with an advanced civilization, has fascinated people for centuries.

It was first talked about by the Greek philosopher Plato in his dialogues Timaeus and Critias around 360 BC.

Plato described Atlantis as a powerful naval empire that controlled the Western world, similar to the Achaemenid Empire.

Plato said Atlantis was an island bigger than Libya and Asia together. It had three moats of different widths and materials.

The island sank in an earthquake, turning into a mud shoal in one day and night, 9,000 years before Critias’ time.

Even without solid proof, the legend of Atlantis keeps inspiring stories and movies. Some think the story might have come from real events like the Thera eruption or the Sea Peoples invasion.

But many believe Plato made up Atlantis to talk about the dangers of aggressive imperialism.

Atlantis was invented by the philosopher Plato around 360 B.C. as a way to illustrate a point about aggressive imperialism.

People have always been curious about Atlantis. In 1882, Ignatius Donnelly wrote “Atlantis: The Antediluvian World,” saying Atlantis really existed and influenced ancient cultures.

Some even thought America was Atlantis after Columbus found the New World.

Even though we haven’t found any proof of Atlantis and its underwater ruins, its legend lives on.

Anthropologist Kenneth Feder says looking for Atlantis can actually lead to real discoveries in archaeology, even if the city itself is a myth.

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El Dorado: The Fabled City of Gold

El Dorado, meaning “the golden one,” is a mythical city of gold hidden in South America’s jungles. It started with the Muisca people of Colombia, who had a ritual with a gold-covered chieftain.

Spanish conquistadors and European explorers looked for El Dorado, but it was never found. Now, it’s seen as an unattainable dream.

The story of El Dorado began in the 16th century with Spanish colonists in America. Gonzalo Jiménez de Quesada conquered the Muisca in 1537. He took a lot of gold from their places.

“I am not so simple as to think that this Eldorado which I go in search of is like an enchanted castle… But I believe there is gold to be found.” – Sir Walter Raleigh

Many Europeans tried to find El Dorado’s treasure in South America. Antonio de Berrio thought it was in the Guianas.

Lake Parime was also a top choice, but Alexander von Humboldt said it was a myth in the 19th century.

Many have searched for El Dorado, but it remains a mystery. Its story of a lost city of gold fascinates people everywhere.

Shangri-La: The Mythical Himalayan Paradise

Shangri-La is a fictional paradise in the Kunlun Mountains of Tibet. It was first mentioned by British author James Hilton in “Lost Horizon” in 1933.

This place is said to be a harmonious valley where people live long and peaceful lives.

The idea of Shangri-La comes from ancient Tibetan mythology, like the legend of Shambhala.

This kingdom is believed to be a place of enlightenment. The myth of a lost Tibetan paradise was first written about in India in AD 962.

Tibetan scriptures say seven places like Shangri-La were created in the 9th century CE. These places, called Utopia beyuls, were sacred refuges for Buddhists.

The exact location of Shangri-La is a mystery, with many believing it’s in another world or an ideal land.

“The Tibetans believe that the search for paradise elsewhere prevents humans from finding it where they are.”

Many expeditions and documentaries have tried to find the real Shangri-La. Laurence Brahm’s expeditions in western China from 2002-2004 suggested it might be in southern Yunnan Province.

Many places claim to be the real Shangri-La, like parts of southern Kham in northwestern Yunnan Province.

In 2001, Zhongdian County in Yunnan officially changed its name to “Shangri-La.” This move greatly increased tourism and the local economy.

Agartha: The Subterranean World

Agartha is a mythical underground world that has fascinated many for centuries. It is believed to be hidden beneath our feet, drawing inspiration from various cultures.

These include Hindus, Buddhists, Native American tribes, and Celts.

The idea of Agartha started with French writer Louis Jacolliot in 1873. His book, “Les Fils du Dieu” (The Sons of Gods), introduced this concept.

Later, in 1886, French occultist Alexandre Saint-Yves d’Alveydre made it even more popular in his book “Mission de l’Inde en Europe.”

Esoteric beliefs say Agartha is a spiritual center at the Earth’s core. It is believed to be inhabited by enlightened beings and advanced civilizations.

Some even think it might have been a refuge for those who survived Atlantis.

In the early 20th century, the idea of Agartha grew. Polish explorer Ferdynand Ossendowski wrote about a subterranean kingdom called Agharti in 1922.

The Theosophical Society, founded by Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, also linked Agartha to the mythical Buddhist kingdom of Shambhala.

Today, Agartha and the hollow Earth theory continue to intrigue many. Conspiracy theorists, Ancient Aliens fans, and online communities explore these ideas.

Despite expeditions, the mystery of Agartha remains a topic of endless speculation and wonder.

The Earth is hollow. The Poles, the doors to the inner world, are guarded by the mighty Agarthians, a race of superhumans who have evolved to their present state over millions of years.

Umberto Eco wrote in 2006 that mythical places like Agartha captivate us. They offer a glimpse into the mysteries beneath our world.

Mythological Cities in Norse Mythology

Norse mythology is filled with mythological cities and realms. These places are key in Viking legends. They are part of the Nine Worlds, linked by the cosmic tree Yggdrasil.

Asgard, home of the Aesir gods, has 12 sub-realms. These include Valhalla, Fólkvangr, and Thrudheim. Odin’s high seat at Hlidskjalf lets him see the whole Universe from Asgard.

Midgard, or ‘middle enclosure,’ is where humans live. It’s between Asgard and Helheim. People here can be free or slaves.

Jotunheim, the giants’ land, is a vast, chaotic place. Despite being enemies, gods and giants sometimes get along. They even have marriages and feasts together.

Nidavellir is where dwarves live, and Gjallarbru is a bridge between worlds. These cities and realms are vital to Viking cosmology. They fascinate those who love Norse mythology.

Camelot: King Arthur’s Legendary Court

In the world of Arthurian legend, Camelot is the mythical castle and court of King Arthur. It’s a place of magic and honor.

For centuries, Camelot has fascinated people. It’s seen as a symbol of medieval romance and chivalry. It stands for the ideals of honor and bravery.

The exact spot of Camelot is a mystery. It first appeared in 12th-century French romances. Chrétien de Troyes, in works like Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart, mentioned it.

Over time, Camelot has been spelled many ways in medieval French romances. Names like Camaalot and Chamalot have added to its mystery.

“In short, so noble was the court that it would be impossible to find its equal in the present day.”
– Chrétien de Troyes, Lancelot, the Knight of the Cart

In the 13th century, Camelot became more famous. It was seen as Arthur’s main court in works like the Vulgate and Post-Vulgate cycles.

These stories describe Camelot as a grand city by a river. It was surrounded by plains and forests. The cathedral of St. Stephen’s was its religious heart, serving the Knights of the Round Table.

Despite debates about its true location, Camelot remains a symbol of chivalry. It represents the ideals of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table.

Lyonesse: The Lost Land of Arthurian Legend

Lyonesse, a mythical sunken kingdom, has fascinated people for centuries. It’s linked to the Arthurian legend and the tragic love of Tristan and Iseult.

According to Cornish folklore, Lyonesse was a rich realm. It stretched from Cornwall’s western tip to the Isles of Scilly, covering about 30 miles. The kingdom boasted 140 churches, showing its deep religious roots.

The exact time Lyonesse sank is unknown, with legends varying. Some say it was in 1099, others in 1089, or even in the 6th century.

“Fishermen near the Scilly Isles claim to have retrieved pieces of buildings and structures from the sea, where Lyonesse is said to have sunk.”

The legend says Lyonesse was swallowed by the sea in one night. It’s likened to the biblical cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Some believe a forest from Lyonesse appears at low tide.

The Lyonesse Project, from 2009 to 2013, studied the Isles of Scilly’s past. It aimed to understand the environment’s evolution. This shows how science and folklore meet in Lyonesse’s story.

The tale of Lyonesse has evolved over time, captivating many. Its ties to Arthurian lore and Celtic myths add to its allure.

Aztlan: The Ancestral Homeland of the Aztecs

Aztlan, the legendary homeland of the Aztecs, has fascinated many for centuries. Aztec mythology says Aztlan was an island or city where the Mexica people started their journey to the Valley of Mexico.

Where Aztlan was exactly is a mystery. Some think it was in northwestern Mexico or the southwestern United States. Finding Aztlan is hard because different stories in Nahuatl legends don’t match up.

The trip from Aztlan to Tenochtitlán took 200 years. A 2004 translation of the Anales de Tlatelolco says they left Aztlan in 1064-1065 CE. This was after the Crab Nebula events of 1054.

In Aztec stories, Aztlan was a place of plenty on a big lake. The Mexica people lived there happily. They were said to have come from seven caves called Chicomoztoc, each representing a Nahuatl tribe.

Looking for Aztlan has always been interesting for those who love Mesoamerican civilizations. Some debate if Aztlan was real or just a myth.

Even without solid proof, the story of Aztlan keeps drawing people who want to learn about the Aztecs.

The legend of Aztlan, the ancestral homeland of the Aztecs, remains a mystery as its existence has not been confirmed through physical identification.

Today, Aztlan means a lot in Chicano culture. It stands for spiritual and national unity. Even though we can’t find Aztlan, its story in Aztec mythology and its role in today’s culture make it important for many.

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon

The Hanging Gardens of Babylon are one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. They have amazed people for centuries. Nebuchadnezzar II, a Neo-Babylonian king, built these gardens in the 6th century BC.

Legend says Nebuchadnezzar built the gardens for his wife, Amytis. She missed the greenery of her homeland.

The gardens showed the greatness of ancient Mesopotamia and its control over nature.

The gardens had tiered terraces with exotic plants and trees. An advanced irrigation system, like water-raising screws, kept everything green in the dry Mesopotamian climate.

“The approach to the Garden sloped like a hillside and the several parts of the structure rose from one another tier on tier…” – Diodorus Siculus, ancient Greek historian

Despite their fame, the Hanging Gardens’ existence is a mystery. No clear signs of them have been found in Babylon. Some scholars doubt their existence or suggest they were built elsewhere.

Whether the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were real or just ancient stories, they inspire us. They show human creativity and the lasting charm of lost wonders.

Other Notable Mythological Cities and Lost Realms

Many lost cities and mythical places have caught our imaginations. Avalon, a magical island from Arthurian legend, was first written about in 1136 by Geoffrey of Monmouth.

Shambhala, a hidden kingdom in Tibetan Buddhism, is also known as Shangri-la. It’s believed to be an underground mythical place. In Russia, the invisible city of Kitezh is linked to Lake Svetloyar.

The Quran talks about Iram of the Pillars, a lost city of great wealth. Other underwater mythical places include Ys in Brittany, Vineta on the Baltic Sea, Llys Helig in Wales, and Saeftinghe in the Netherlands.

“The fascination with mythological cities and lost realms spans cultures and time, reflecting humanity’s eternal desire to uncover the mysteries of our past and the secrets of our world.”

These legendary lost cities and mythical places have inspired many stories, expeditions, and dreams. Each has its own special meaning, showing the hopes and beliefs of the cultures that created them.

Conclusion

Mythological cities and lost realms have fascinated us for centuries. They have left a lasting impact on our culture.

These legends, whether rooted in history or fantasy, show our deep desire to explore and discover. They reflect our innate curiosity.

Even though many of these cities may not exist, their stories inspire and enrich us. They add depth to our lives.

Places like Atlantis and El Dorado have sparked human curiosity and research. They drive us to explore and learn more.

The quest for these cities has uncovered amazing finds, like the ancient site of Troy in Turkey. It shows the power of myth and discovery.

Mythical places like Camelot and Lyonesse have shaped our literary traditions. They have become part of our shared imagination.

The lasting impact of these myths is clear in their presence in popular culture. They continue to inspire new generations.

As we keep exploring, the tales of mythological cities will always remind us of human creativity. They show the allure of the unknown.

Nara 26 de November de 2024