In the rich tapestry of ancient Mexican mythology, tales of giants and divine interventions weave together to explain the origins of monumental structures and the forces that shaped human history. This excerpt from Henry Wysham Lanier’s A Book of Giants delves into the legend of Xelhua, a colossal figure whose audacious ambition led to the creation of the great Pyramid of Cholula. Drawing from indigenous traditions and colonial accounts, the story blends elements of creation myths, floods, and hubris punished by the gods, offering a window into how early peoples interpreted their world through epic narratives of survival, power, and cosmic retribution.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/the-legend-of-xelhua-ancient-giants
In the aftermath of the American Civil War, personal accounts from soldiers offered raw glimpses into the brutal realities of conflict, far removed from romanticized histories. George Cary Eggleston’s Southern Soldier Stories captures the unvarnished experiences of Confederate troops, emphasizing not just battles but the everyday struggles against scarcity and deprivation. This excerpt from his collection, titled “Random Facts,” vividly illustrates the ingenuity and endurance of Southern soldiers amid profound shortages—of clothing, medicine, ammunition, and even food—highlighting how necessity forged both practical innovations and spiritual resilience. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, where survival often depended on makeshift solutions and unyielding determination.
https://humblymybrain.substack.com/p/confederate-soldiers-hardships-scarcity
