Mythical Quote by Algernon Blackwood
““Of such great powers or beings there may be conceivably a survival... a survival of a hugely remote period when... consciousness was manifested, perhaps, in shapes in forms long since withdrawn before the tide of advancing humanity... forms of which poetry and legend alone have caught a flying memory and called them gods, monsters, mythical beings of all sorts and kinds...””
About This Quote
Source Short story: “The Willows” (1907) – collection of supernatural fiction
The passage speculates on ancient, possibly non‑human consciousness persisting through time, manifesting as mythic beings that survive beyond human history.
In simple terms: Ancient consciousness may survive as myths and monsters.
Key Takeaway
Consider how myths preserve forgotten intelligences.
Themes
myth
history
cosmic
existence
memory
Mood
mysterious
thoughtful
speculative
Type
narrative
philosophical
speculative
When to use this quote
- literary analysis
- philosophical debate
- creative writing
Key Concepts
transcendence
collective unconscious
ancient life
Questions to Reflect On
- What does this suggest about humanity’s place in time?
- How do legends shape our understanding of the unknown?
A Different Perspective
Myths may obscure rather than reveal truth.
