Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"This is information that is going to make you more difficult to speak to. This is information that is, um, it's horseshit. Honestly, I'm starting to believe all this stuff and then at some point it's all going to turn and you guys would be like, it was a joke, Ben." — Ben Kissel
"There's no mysteries anymore. There's no hidden frontiers anymore. So when you have a, we have expanded it as a race to all corners of the world. There's no mysteries anymore. There's no hidden frontiers anymore. So when you have a really good idea of being like, well, where do we put all of our weird esoteric thought? We'll put it in a fake island that doesn't exist anymore." — Marcus Parks
"The problem is, it's always the fifth book is when the series goes bad. Yeah, like the God Emperor of Dune." — Henry Zebrowski
The episode delves into the fascinating and often bizarre history of Lemuria, a mythical lost continent. The discussion begins by tracing the concept's scientific origins to zoologist Philip Sclatter's 1864 hypothesis of a land bridge (Lemuria) to explain the distribution of lemur fossils. This scientific theory, however, was soon co-opted by esoteric figures, notably Madame Helena Blavatsky, who incorporated it into her occult theories of root races and ancient civilizations, describing beings with psychic abilities and unusual physical characteristics.
The narrative then follows the evolution of the Lemurian myth through various proponents, including Augustus Le Plongeon, who linked it to Mayan civilization and the goddess Isis, despite his flawed linguistic interpretations. James Churchward further popularized the idea with his "Lost Continent of Mu" series, positing it as the "Motherland of Man" and the location of the Garden of Eden. These theories, often based on questionable translations and channeled information, laid the groundwork for modern interpretations involving advanced ancient civilizations, extraterrestrial involvement, and spiritual ascension.
The hosts critically examine the various claims about Lemuria, from its supposed inhabitants (three-eyed hermaphrodites, giant beings) to its downfall (destruction by Atlantis, sinking due to seismic activity, or escape from a global flood). The discussion highlights the commercialization of these myths, with contemporary figures selling books, seminars, and "activation cards" based on Lemurian lore, framing these practices as modern-day cult-like operations. The episode concludes by emphasizing the speculative nature of these narratives, often blending pseudoscience with ancient astronaut theories and personal spiritual beliefs.