From Odysseus through to Hesiod, Thucydides and Plato, the theme of ascent, and, more specifically, the choice between virtue and vice, becomes central to the maintenance of honour, justice, and a healthy polis. While early concepts of kleos, or honour first dominate, we move towards the notion of the “philosopher-king,” who rules with wisdom and forebearance.

The cult of Mithra predominated among legionaries in the Roman Empire. Originating in Zoroastrian dualism, the Mithraic cult drew its initiates through seven grades of challenge, with the goal of reaching ascension. Many of its customs and practices were incorporated into Christian practice. The archetype of the spiritual warrior and knight reflects the Mithraic worship of the solar deity.

The archetype of the sacred fire borne by Prometheus echoes across various Indo-European civilizations. From the figure of Agni in the Vedic pantheon to the Zoroastrian Atashkadeh—or ‘fire temple’—and the practices of the aristocratic Scythian horsemen, the sacred fire symbolizes honour, purity and enlightenment.

The Promethean impulse, without a higher anchoring, becomes Luciferian — a parody of light. We must remember: Prometheus brought fire, but he also suffered for it. He was chained to a rock, his liver eaten daily by an eagle. The price of fire is pain. And only those who can bear that pain with humility will transmute it into virtue.