Journey with us into the depths of the Earth, where myth and history collide. In this episode of The Cabinet of Science & Fiction, we descend into the legendary realm of Agartha—a mythical kingdom said to exist in a hidden world inside our planet.

We'll trace its origins from Tibetan Buddhist tradition and its fusion with the spiritual paradise of Shambhala, exploring how these concepts were popularized in the West by occultists like Helena Blavatsky. We'll unpack the tales of its advanced technology, hidden entrances, and the pervasive Hollow Earth theory that captured the imagination of a generation.

But where does esoteric legend end and archaeological fact begin? We contrast the myth of Agartha with the incredible reality of ancient underground cities like Derinkuyu (Elengubu) in Turkey and Naours in France. These were not homes for mystical beings, but real human communities built for protection and survival.

Join us as we separate the seeds of historical truth from the sprawling vines of mythology, and ask why the human psyche is so drawn to the idea of a hidden world, and a promised land, lying just beneath our feet.