Sagas and Legends

There is an overlap between sagas, legends and myths and this site will not force any rigid distinctions. The Arthurian Legends for example, combine elements of history with fantastical occurances and strands of esoteric Christianity.

The Iliad and The Odyssey, with their sub-plots and intertwined storylines, often extending over years, share much with the rambling sagas of Iceland and Ireland. While sagas may involve the gods, they tend to be more at the periphery in these lengthy tales. In certain myths, by contrast, the gods often hold centre stage, this being especially true in the myths of Egypt and Greece.

The very length and complexity of a story like The Odyssey means it may be a profound source of riches for the enquiring mind. When Odysseus finally returns to his homeland he is on the shore of Ithaca and is near a cave and an olive tree. For the first time he actually sees the goddess Athena. This cave and its attributes are just one motif amongst many other arresting images in this story, yet it has formed the basis of much valuable philosophical and mystical deliberation. The symbolism of just this one small element of the saga is deep with meaning. There is hardly an element of this remarkable tale that does not reward careful consideration. Equally, there is hardly an element that if removed would not in some sense, damage the whole. The Odyssey is nothing less than a representation of the journey of the Soul back to its true home and when it is seen in this light, every aspect from Polyphemus the Cyclopes to the Sirens and from Penelope’s loom to the clothing of Odysseus by Nausicaa on the beach, is rich with interrelated meaning.

Not all profound sagas date from antiquity. The medieval period, with its bards and troubadours singing of the exploits of Arthur, Parsifal and the mysteries of the Grail, also will reward exploration. Indeed many of the Tragedies of Shakespeare can also be seen as mystery teachings and this site will present some in due course.