The world, since humans could speak, has passed down their history through storytelling and performances. Over time, these stories have turned into myth, with important lessons to teach communities. There are stories a lot of us are aware of, stories that are retold time and time again, and some that are hitting our screens for the first time. The newly released, and long-awaited, Christopher Nolan adaptation of Homer’s The Odyssey, has had the Wild Frontiers team thinking of other myths and legends around the world and where you can visit them, here, we are mapping the myths. 

The story of Jason and the Golden Fleece has been told for thousands of years — a journey to reclaim a throne that was the hero’s birth given right, in return for a magical golden fleece. You may remember that Jason’s destination was Colchis, which is in modern day Georgia. Setting off from Iolcos in Greece, Jason and the Argonauts sailed to modern day Turkey, through the Bosphorus and to the Black Sea and the shores of Georgia, or the kingdom of Colchis as it was known then. 

If you’re interested in looking for your own golden fleece, our Georgia Explorer tour will take you into the heart of Colchis, from the kingdom’s capital, Kutaisi to the shores of the Black Sea. Or if you’re looking to recreate just a small part of Jason’s journey, how about our Silk Road Turkey: Across The Anatolian Plateau to Istanbul tour, where you can hop onto the local ferry on the Bosphorus and enjoy the views of Istanbul from both sides of the strait. 
 

The story of greed and reckless decisions. King Midas was granted a wish by Dionysus after looking after Dionysus’ foster father, an old satyr. King Midas in his greed wished for everything that he touched to be turned to gold initially elated with his new power, it soon turned out to be a curse when Midas’ food and drink also turned to gold, and he finally understood his dire mistake. 

To visit the place legend says Midas washed his hands of the curse — literally and figuratively — in a river flowing through the ancient city of Sardes, where it is said that coined money was born, which you can visit on our Turkey: Istanbul to the Aegean Coast tour. This tour is perfect for lovers of Greek mythology, from the Temple of Athena in Assos, city of Troy, to the ruins of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus, this journey will take you through the lands of the great legends. 

An epic tale that you may not have heard of, but should acquaint yourself with, is the Epic of Manas. Regarded as the longest epic poem in the world, it’s 20 times longer than The Iliad and The Odyssey, combined. The story of Kyrgyzstan’s national hero, Manas, and his descendents and followers, was told orally and performed by manaschi — Kyrgyz bards who would memorise the story of Manas. The manaschi would retell the stories from generation to generation and are highly regarded in Kyrgyz culture, not only for their memory but also for their delivery of the story. 

You will feel the heroism of Manas in every Kyrgyz person you meet, the bravery of the hero runs through their veins. You will see signs of the hero everywhere you look, from the airport in Bishkek that is named after him, to the main square, Ala Too, and the statue of the hero on horseback. On our Kyrgyzstan Explorer tour you can visit the land that the hero Manas once called home. 

In this tragic myth, Orpheus’ new wife, Eurydice, is bitten by a snake and embarks on a journey to get her back from the underworld. The famous musician went into the underworld armed with only his lyre, and after softening the heart of Hades, he was allowed to bring his love back home but under one condition; he was not allowed to look back at her until they reached the living world. Orpheus nearly makes it, but he turned back to look at his wife when he reached the sunlight, but Eurydice was still covered in the shadows of the underworld and she vanished back down, leaving Orpheus alone. 

Devil’s Throat Cave in Bulgaria’s Rhodope Mountains is highly believed by locals to be the place that Orpheus descended into Hades’ kingdom. The name of the cave is said to be from the entrance that looks like a mouth, others claim that the name is due to the fact that whatever flows down into the cave, never reappears on the other side. There is a roaring underground waterfall that is the biggest underground waterfall in the Balkans, a spring that allegedly has healing properties and anything that is wished here will come true. The cave has a lot of folklore behind it and is a fascinating one to explore. Make all your wishes come true on our In The Footsteps Of Alexander: Bulgaria, Greece, Albania & North Macedonia tour where we visit the cave on Day 6.

Mt Ararat holds immense significance to Armenians, it’s said that Noah’s ark — a story that needs no introduction — hit land on this mountain. Although located in eastern Turkey, it’s a national emblem of Armenia and the capital lies in the shadow of their national symbol for resilience and ancient history. 

Armenia was the first country to adopt Christianity, but even before adopting the religion, Mt Ararat was associated with the divine and carried important significance to the people. It’s been an important symbol for the Armenian national identity and often comes up in art, literature, and is present in the country’s coat of arms. 

Our tour Armenia: In The Shadow of Mt Ararat showcases the beautiful culture of the country, where you can speak to the locals and find out the importance of Mt Ararat firsthand. To see the mountain from another side, our Turkey: Eastern Borderlands which takes you to Ani, a 10th century Armenian capital, and to Ishak Pasha Palace that offers spectacular views of Mt Ararat.

In James Hilton’s book Lost Horizon he describes a utopia in the Himalayas where the inhabitants lived extraordinarily long lives, in harmony with the nature around them in a hidden valley — the haven was called Shangri-La. Although the book describes a Tibetan monastery in the Himalayas, and although there have been many countries and cities that claim to be the inspiration for the fictional Shangri-La, we like to align with those who believe that the inspiration was Hunza Valley in Pakistan. 

There is some discourse about whether Hilton ever visited Hunza Valley, some believe without a trace of doubt that he did, others look through historical context that the area was tightly sealed and it would’ve been near impossible to visit during that time. Whichever story is true, as a company that started in Pakistan in 1998, we can see why Hunza Valley would be considered real-life inspiration for a place that embodies otherworldly beauty and serenity . The surrounding views of the valley will leave you breathless, no matter where you look. The valley lies on the ancient Silk Road, which the modern Karakoram highway follows the same path. 

Visit Hunza Valley in our Pakistan: Hindu Kush Adventure or Pakistan: Summer Mountain Explorer tours. 
 

In the least visited country of Central Asia, in the Karakorum desert, is a gas crater that has been burning since 1971. When Soviet geologists accidentally drilled and collapsed a gas chamber, they set it alight thinking that it would burn out and that would be that. Little did they know, that instead it would become a crater that has been burning for over 50 years. The crater became known as “The Gates of Hell”. 

Compared to the other myths in this blog, this is a modern one but one that is an astounding experience. In our Turkmenistan: Adventures in the Forgotten 'Stan tour, you not only get to observe the crater in all its glory by camping overnight near it, but also get to witness the gorgeous twinkling of the desert night sky. 

The beauty of myths and legends is that they can be found anywhere in the world, from local folkloric dance performances, to festivals that honour ancestors and deities, to the magnificent landscapes. Mysticism can be found all around you, and in every tour we offer.