True Masculinity: From the Wild to the Wise
A Mythological Exploration of Masculinity
Modern culture often grapples with the concept of masculinity, presenting a complex and often conflicting narrative. On one hand, traditional notions of masculinity emphasize strength, stoicism, and dominance, perpetuating stereotypes that define men as emotionally restrained providers and protectors. Conversely, there is a growing recognition of the importance of vulnerability, emotional expression, and nurturing qualities, which challenge traditional masculine norms. Movements advocating for mental health awareness and gender equality are reshaping the conversation around masculinity, encouraging men to embrace a broader spectrum of traits that include empathy, compassion, and collaboration. The shadow of the Apollonian is destruction, aggression, selfishness, and lust for power, which is what the culture talks about when trying to define toxic masculinity. This type of masculinity sees vulnerability and emotional honesty as weakness, the unknown, unpredictable and chaos. As I highlighted in the article The True Apollonian-Dionysian Dichotomy, this is actually a projection of it’s own shadow onto what is seen as “Other”.
The relationship masculinity has with instinct and prowess is a complicated one. We can also see this in the myth surrounding Wotan and his wolves Geri and Frekki. His end comes due to Fenrir. Showing that if through fear we do not integrate our own instinctive drive and fear and repress it, instead it brings about our end. This pertains as much to the individual, as much that it does for civilisation itself. We can see this tension between rationality and instinct also in the figure of Kronos.
The Shadow of Masculinity
Kronos symbolizes the tension between societal expectations of masculinity and the instinctual drives that often lie dormant beneath the surface. The Titan’s harshness reflects how external pressures can lead to an internalized shadow, wherein men may cultivate an inner critic that discourages vulnerability and emotional expression. This shadow, influenced by rigid cultural norms, can breed a form of hyper-rationality that distorts one's authentic self. When masculinity is framed solely in terms of control and discipline, it risks alienating men from their instincts and creativity. The result is a paradox where the very forces intended to regulate and guide, rationality and order, become sources of oppression, stifling genuine expression and self-acceptance. Where this unintegrated instinct leads to chaos, and the eventual eruption of instinct if no healthy form expression is present. Where the repression of vulnerability and emotional expression creates barriers to belonging and healthy relating.
The Primal and the Rational: A Duality of Masculinity
Kronos’s evolution from a figure of uninhibited libido to a symbol of restriction captures the duality of masculinity. On one side, Masculinity represents raw, primal energy, a force that drives creativity, passion, and growth. However, as civilization advanced and societal structures became more entrenched, this instinctual drive becomes constricted, transforming the idea around Masculinity into a figure of law, rationality and order. The essence of masculinity, therefore, is a battleground between the primal instincts that propel one towards authenticity and the rational constructs imposed by society that demand conformity. This struggle manifests in the form of hyper-rationality, which, while providing a framework for organization and control, ultimately leads to rigidity and disconnection from one's true self. Leading to a society which is rigid and without the Dionysian life force needed to sustain itself.
From Tyranny to Empowerment
Kronos's narrative, marked by the devouring of his children, which is the negative aspect of the Father archetype, serves as a metaphor for the suppression of creative forces and instinctual drives. The rise of the young Zeus represents the youthful masculine energy needed to update society. This transition shows the importance of transforming external authority into internal empowerment. One way ancient cultures did this for young men, was through rites of passage type rituals. The most ancient one being the Proto-Indo-European Koryos. When it comes to the Koryos, there is a consistent link to wolves, small warrior-hunter bands, engaging in rite of passage activities in the form of hunting, cattle-raiding, martial or athletic training, dancing, feasting and poetry. All of these activities taking place under the domain of Wotan in the wilderness.
We can also see this with the Fianna how they were not yet part of the túath (meaning assembly), who were the property owning members of the tribe. The Fianna roaming the wilderness as unmarried males without possessions other than weapons, that protect the tribe and are through this initiation prepared for manhood. This also being echoed with the cult of Wolf-Apollo, with members needing to go through initiations such as athletic competitions and other contests, before being recognized as full members of the warrior community. The scholar W. Burkert, also pointed out that the name Apollo, probably came from the Doric apélla meaning ‘public assembly’. This is also visible with Diana, Mars and Quirinus, all being linked to the public assembly.
Where Mars linked to wolves could be seen as the leader of the Koryos outside the city walls. Quirinus (the peaceful Mars) was associated with the tribe and the assembly of all Roman people. Quirinus and Mars really being one deity called Mars-Quirinus, consisting of both a peaceful societal function and an active and dynamic warrior function linked to wild animals like wolves. All of this, in that sense, bringing back in the youth of the tribe, but also later the warriors of the tribe. The matter of the fact is that Masculinity is not just order and rationality, but like Mars-Quirinus dual in nature. It consists both of the fierce warrior energy of Mars, that is initiatory, assertive and deeply connected to the wild, wolves and the disciplined expression of instinct, yet also at the same time of Quirinus which is connected to peace and represents the softer, yet equally vital, aspects of masculinity. He is linked to the tribe and the assembly of all Roman people, symbolizing the cohesion and unity necessary for a thriving society.
Quirinus’s association with the tribe emphasizes the importance of community and social bonds in establishing a stable civilization. He embodies the idea that masculinity can be expressed through nurturing relationships, supporting fellow tribe members, and promoting collective welfare. This aspect of Quirinus serves as a reminder that a strong society is built on cooperation, empathy, and mutual support rather than solely on individual assertiveness and competition. The assembly of Roman people, linked to Quirinus, represents the democratic and civic ideals that are crucial for the functioning of civilization. As the guardian of this assembly, Quirinus encourages dialogue, consensus-building, and inclusive governance. This aspect of masculinity champions the idea that leadership should be rooted in collaboration and shared decision-making rather than in domination and control. It highlights the role of the masculine figure as a facilitator of peace, rather than merely a warrior.
Reconnecting with Youth and Warriors
Quirinus not only connects to the peaceful aspects of society but also serves as a bridge to the youth and warriors of the tribe. In nurturing the younger generation, Quirinus fosters a sense of responsibility and purpose among men, preparing them for their future roles as both protectors and caretakers of their communities. This preparation includes instilling values of empathy, respect, and cooperation, which are essential for creating a balanced and harmonious society. Similarly Apollo had this same function as Quirinus had linked to the assembly of the tribe and nurturing the younger generation. So the healthy father archetype.
The Sovereignty Goddess who is a guide outcasts, scapegoats, and individuals who have gone through transformative rites of passage back into society is also connected to this. As she represents the social order. In this sense, society itself, when functioning correctly, reflects also this feminine process of nurturing, healing, and embracing the authentic self. She is the balancing force between the wild and the structured, the chaos of transformation and the stability of society. So the masculinity expressed through Quirinus is as much important for civilisation as much as the feminine expression of the Sovereignty Goddess is as well. Both are key for a healthy society, where men and women can express themselves fully without the fear of needing to repress aspects of themselves.
The Korybantes linked to Apollo and Dionysus also show this balance between wild, structured and peaceful. The undistorted Apollo is linked to warrior discipline, self-control and strength, next to individuality through the link to the wolf, as much through the same symbol of the wolf and Dionysian to brotherhood, co-operation, the wild, untamed, emotional and spiritual. When it came to these rites of passage for young men. Their disciplined martial training embodies Apollonian qualities, while their ecstatic dances and rituals express Dionysian energy. This balance as seen with Mars-Quirinus or with Apollo and Dionysus through the Korybantes is the expression of healthy masculinity which is in touch with the full range of masculine experience.