THULE Meaning and
Definition
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Thule is a term that refers to a mythical or legendary place in ancient Greek and Roman literature. The concept of Thule originated in ancient Greek literature, particularly in the works of the geographer and historian Pytheas. According to Pytheas, Thule was a land located beyond the northern reaches of Europe, often associated with the extreme north of the world or the mysterious "end of the world."
Thule has been described as a place of extreme cold, perpetual darkness, and inhospitable conditions. It is often portrayed as a desolate and isolated region, where the sun barely rises above the horizon and the winters are long and harsh. Thule became synonymous with the boundaries of the known world, a distant and unreachable place that represented the ends of the earth.
Over time, the meaning of Thule evolved, reflecting the changing geographical knowledge and exploration. It has been variously interpreted as referring to different places, such as Iceland, Norway, Greenland, or even an imaginary land. The term "Ultima Thule" became a metaphorical expression used to describe remote or inaccessible places or the limits of human understanding.
In modern usage, Thule is often associated with the Thule Society, a German occultist group formed in the early 20th century. The group popularized the idea of Thule as a mystical homeland of the Aryan race. However, it is vital to note that this interpretation of Thule goes beyond its original historical definition.
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In early anc. hist the northernmost part of the habitable world, supposed to have been Norway or Iceland, or more porbaly the mainland of the Shetland Islands.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for THULE
Etymology of THULE
The word "Thule" has its etymology rooted in ancient Greek and Roman sources. The earliest mention of Thule comes from the Greek explorer Pytheas of Massalia, who lived in the 4th century BCE. Pytheas claimed to have traveled to the northernmost parts of the world and referred to Thule as a place beyond the known world where the sun never set during the summer solstice. However, Pytheas provided very limited details about the location of Thule.
Later, the Roman geographer and historian Pomponius Mela referred to Thule as a remote island in the far north, offering more speculation than accurate information about its actual position. It's important to note that ancient descriptions of Thule were often mythical or exaggerated.
The name Thule itself likely has pre-Greek origins and has been traced back to Proto-Indo-European roots.
Similar spelling words for THULE
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