Thule Society

The Thule Society was founded in Munich in August 1918 by Rudolf von Sebottendorf, operating as a völkisch occult group that combined Germanic mysticism with extreme nationalism and anti-Semitism. Named after the mythical northern homeland Thule, the organization promoted Aryan supremacist ideology through the study of Germanic runes, mythology, and racial theory.

The society attracted members from Munich's conservative elite, including journalists, academics, and political activists who opposed the post-World War I republican government. Notable members included Dietrich Eckart, who became Hitler's early mentor, and Karl Harrer, who co-founded the German Workers' Party (DAP) that later became the Nazi Party.

While the Thule Society itself was relatively small, its influence on early Nazi ideology was significant. The organization provided financial support and meeting spaces for right-wing political groups, and several Thule members became prominent figures in the Nazi movement. The society's anti-Semitic conspiracy theories and völkisch mysticism helped shape Nazi racial ideology.

The society's direct political influence declined after 1920 as Hitler consolidated power within the Nazi Party and moved away from occult influences. However, its early role in connecting occult beliefs with political extremism contributed to persistent theories about Nazi involvement with supernatural practices. Modern historians note that while some Nazi leaders held occult interests, the movement was primarily driven by political and racial ideology rather than mystical beliefs.