Draft:Snagovian Hyperborea theory

The Snagovian Hyperborea theory suggests that the territories of Snagov were the homeland of the mystical people of Hyperborea. The theory was popularized by Mihail Aleksovič Mokanev and continues to be an integral part of the ideology of the Snagovian National Unity, Mokanevism.

The Mokanevist emblem represents the belief that Snagov is the center of the Universe.

Sources

In Greek mythology, the Hyperboreans were a legendary civilization believed to inhabit the distant northern territories within the realm of the known world. They were traditionally depicted as inhabitants of a land bathed in eternal sunshine, blessed with temperate climates and divine favor. Their homeland was said to lay to the north of the Riphean Mountains, offering protection from the biting cold of the relentless winds.

Supporters of the theory suggest that the Riphean Mountains are the Balkan Mountains in central Bulgaria, which Snagov lies north of.

The Hyperboreans were believed to live beyond these mountains, with Pausanias describing the location as "The land of the Hyperboreans, men living beyond the home of Boreas." Homer placed Boreas in southern Thrace, and therefore Hyperborea was in his opinion in the northern part of Thrace, thus, across the Danube, matching the modern location of Snagov. Sophocles, Aeschylus, Simonides of Ceos and Callimachus all supported the theory.

Other ancient writers believed the home of Boreas or the Riphean Mountains were in a different location. For example, Hecataeus of Miletus believed that the Riphean Mountains were adjacent to the Black Sea, which matches the position of the Balkan mountain range. Alternatively, Pindar placed the home of Boreas, the Riphean Mountains and Hyperborea all near the Danube, once again, roughly matching the Balkan mountains, and the lands of Snagov.

Legends

"One day, the rocks will tell the truth, and the ancient glory of our people will forever change our world."

— Mihail Aleksovič Mokanev, 2023

Mokanev's supporters believe that a colossal ancient structure connected the lands of Snagov to the gods, blessing the region with divinity. According to their theories, this monumental edifice was a disk made out of stone, placed on the ground and facing the sky, intended to serve as a conduit between the earthly realm and the heavens above, facilitating divine interaction and bestowing spiritual significance upon the lands of Snagov. Common belief mentions rituals performed at the disk, invoking the favor of celestial beings and ensuring prosperity for the people of the region. While skeptics dismiss such claims as mere myth, proponents of Mokanev's ideology assert that traces of this sacred structure exist under the waters of Lake Snagov, waiting to unveil their secrets to those bold enough to seek them.

Criticism

Snagovists usually disagree with the theory, due to the lack of proof of other people groups inhabiting the region. Certain adherents believe in the importance of the lands of Snagov as an important center of spirituality, but do not recognize any Mokanevist claims of Hyperboreanism.

The utopic aspect of the theory is in contradiction with the harsh history of the region, who has shown to suffer under the occupation of multiple empires throughout history.