The Nazi Quest for Thor's Hammer - WW2 Documentary Special

Summary

This script delves into Heinrich Himmler's obsession with creating a Nazi cult based on Germanic myth and occult beliefs. It explores his attempts to fuse National Socialism with paganism through SS ceremonies and the Lebensborn Program, aiming to produce 'Aryan' children. Despite Himmler's efforts to establish a new religion, his influence was limited, and the script challenges the persistent myth of Nazis as occultists, emphasizing the ordinary nature of those who committed atrocities.

Takeaways

• 🔍 Heinrich Himmler, a high-ranking Nazi official, sought to create a new religion based on Germanic myth and pseudoscience, aiming to establish a neo-pagan belief system for the Aryan race.
• 🎥 The script discusses how Himmler's beliefs have been dramatized in popular culture, such as in Indiana Jones and Marvel films, where Nazis are portrayed as occultists seeking ancient artifacts for power.
• 💒 Himmler introduced SS-specific ceremonies, including weddings and naming ceremonies, which combined elements of National Socialism with pagan symbolism.
• 👶 Himmler encouraged SS members to have many children to increase the Aryan population, with programs like Lebensborn supporting racially 'pure' mothers, regardless of marital status.
• 🌞 Himmler organized summer solstice celebrations to promote fertility among the SS, believing that ancient Germanic tribes procreated during this time.
• 🏰 Himmler took over Wewelsburg Castle to serve as a central shrine for his cult, with plans for it to become a spiritual and historical center for the SS, though the plans were never fully realized.
• 🔮 Himmler's interest in the occult included reading works on astrology, hypnosis, spiritualism, and telepathy, and he was influenced by the Völkisch nationalist movement's neo-pagan and occultist beliefs.
• 🌏 Himmler established the Ahnenerbe, a think tank dedicated to finding evidence of ancient Aryan civilizations, with expeditions sent to various countries to gather artifacts and knowledge.
• 🔨 Himmler was fascinated by the idea of Thor's hammer, Mjölnir, and believed it to be an ancient weapon of Aryan warriors, even attempting to recreate it as a modern weapon against the Allies.
• 🤔 Despite Himmler's efforts, his new religion did not gain widespread acceptance among the German public or even within the SS, with many conversions to Gottgläubig being superficial.
• 📚 The script emphasizes that the myth of Nazism's occult practices can distract from the more mundane but dangerous ideologies that motivated the regime, such as anti-Semitism and conspiracy theories.

Q & A

What was Heinrich Himmler's role in the Nazi regime and what were his beliefs?

Heinrich Himmler was the Reichsführer SS in the Nazi regime. He held strong neo-pagan and occult beliefs, which he attempted to integrate into a new religion for the German race, combining National Socialism with paganism and pseudoscience.

Why did Himmler create new ceremonies for SS weddings and births?

Himmler created new ceremonies to replace traditional Christian ones, as part of his effort to establish a new religion that combined National Socialism with paganism. He aimed to encourage SS members to produce 'Aryan' children and to indoctrinate them from birth.

What was the purpose of the SS wedding ceremony as described in the script?

The SS wedding ceremony was designed to symbolize the commencement of a new Germanic bloodline and to commit the couple to a shared life and work for the nation, as per the National Socialist ideology.

What was the Lebensborn Program and how did it relate to Himmler's beliefs?

The Lebensborn Program was a system where the Nazi regime provided care for racially pure, single mothers. It was part of Himmler's effort to increase the Aryan population and was in line with his belief in the importance of Aryan blood purity.

How did Himmler attempt to increase the fertility of his SS members?

Himmler organized solstice celebrations with dancing, gymnastics, and speeches to encourage SS men to procreate. He also ensured that these events included attractive women to discourage homosexuality and promote the production of Aryan children.

What was the significance of the naming ceremony for SS babies instead of a christening?

The naming ceremony was a pagan ritual that replaced the Christian christening, reflecting Himmler's desire to create a new, non-Christian identity for the SS and the German race.

What was the Ahnenerbe and what was its role in Himmler's efforts?

The Ahnenerbe was a think tank established by Himmler to find evidence of ancient Aryan civilizations. It conducted expeditions across Europe and beyond to gather artifacts and information that could support Himmler's beliefs in a superior Aryan race.

Why did Himmler send an expedition to Tibet?

Himmler sent an expedition to Tibet to find evidence of the Aryan race, as he believed that the Tibetan upper class displayed Nordic features. The expedition also aimed to support the pseudoscientific theories of the time, such as the Welteislehre or 'World Ice Theory'.

What was Himmler's interest in Thor's Hammer, Mjölnir, and how did it relate to his beliefs?

Himmler was interested in Mjölnir as he believed it to be a powerful ancient weapon of the Aryans. He thought that if he could find or recreate it, it would provide a significant advantage in the war.

How successful was Himmler in spreading his neo-pagan beliefs among the German population and the SS?

Himmler's efforts to spread his neo-pagan beliefs were not very successful. The German public and even many within the SS were not receptive to his ideas, and his attempts to create a new religion were largely limited to the SS and did not gain widespread acceptance.

What is the broader implication of the script's discussion on Himmler's cult and the Nazi regime?

The script suggests that while Himmler's cult may be seen as a subject of entertainment in popular culture, it's important not to overlook the real motivations behind the Nazi regime, which were grounded in more mundane but dangerous ideologies of victimization and conspiracy theories.