The Enigmatic Vril Society: A Tale of Fiction, Conspiracy, and Myth

Introduction

In the shadowy realms of conspiracy theories and pseudohistorical tales, the Vril Society stands as a fascinating enigma. Allegedly emerging in Germany during the early to mid-twentieth century, this fictitious secret society is said to have played a pivotal role in the rise of Nazism. The narrative weaves a tapestry involving supernatural energies and innovative flying machines, known as "Reichsflugscheiben," supposedly developed during the Nazi era. However, despite the allure of these stories, no evidence substantiates the existence of such a society or the remarkable feats attributed to it.

The Origins of Vril

The term "Vril" was first introduced by Edward Bulwer-Lytton, an English writer, in his 1871 novel, The Coming Race. Derived possibly from the Latin "virilis," meaning manly or powerful, Vril was depicted as a vital energy far superior to anything known to humanity. The novel's narrator encounters the Vril-ya, a subterranean race endowed with psychic powers such as telepathy and telekinesis, who use Vril to manipulate both animate and inanimate matter. This hidden civilization, isolated from the surface world by a natural cataclysm, had evolved into an egalitarian society practicing eugenics and possessing a force of nature unmatched by any other.

Vril's Journey Through Theosophy and Popular Theories

While many contemporary critics saw The Coming Race as satire, others perceived it as an occultist roman à clef. Some believed Bulwer-Lytton to be a Rosicrucian, suggesting the novel was a disguised conveyance of secret knowledge. Helena Blavatsky, a prominent occult author, adopted the term "Vril" in her works, presenting it as a real force. In her 1877 book Isis Unveiled, Blavatsky portrayed Vril as an independent power, a theme she expanded upon in The Secret Doctrine (1888), attributing the construction of colossal structures in Atlantis to Vril.

The concept of Vril permeated various occult circles, particularly in Germany, where it was linked to the desire for a synthesis of science and religion. William Scott-Elliot, a theosophist, further associated Vril with airships in his 1896 pamphlet The Story of Atlantis, a notion that gained traction, especially after World War II.

The Evolution of the Vril Society Legend

Before World War II, at least one group in Berlin claimed to explore Vril's potential. This circle later became a cornerstone for the myth of the Vril Society. Willy Ley, a German rocket pioneer, referenced such a group in a 1947 article in Astounding Science Fiction, describing it as eccentric and based on Bulwer-Lytton's novel. He mentioned a "Truth Society" in Berlin, whose members believed in the reality of Vril, despite acknowledging the novel's fictional nature.

The Reich Working Group "The Coming Germany"

In 1930, the "Reichsarbeitsgemeinschaft 'Das kommende Deutschland'" (RAG) published pamphlets claiming to harness the "Vril" force through advanced technology. Although their publications bore resemblance to earlier theories by Austrian inventor Karl Schappeller, RAG's claims were shrouded in occult terminology. Established in Berlin by a mysterious Johannes Täufer, RAG's influence was fleeting, with no official records of its activities or publications.

The Birth of the Legends

Post-World War II, conspiracy theories surrounding the Third Reich flourished, often intertwining with occult elements. The earliest mention of a "Vril Society" appeared in 1960, as part of these speculative narratives. Louis Pauwels and Jacques Bergier, French authors, first claimed the existence of the Vril Society in their book Le matin des magiciens (1960), suggesting that Nazi leaders sought alliances with supernatural forces through this secret society.

Criticism and Legacy

Despite the intriguing tales, historical research has debunked the notion of the Vril Society as mere fiction. No substantial evidence supports the claims of Pauwels and Bergier, nor do historical records indicate significant occult influence on Nazi policies. Connections between some Nazi figures and occult ideas existed, but these were not systematic or influential across the Nazi regime.

Nonetheless, the mythical Vril Society inspired further speculation in the 1990s, with authors like Norbert Jürgen-Ratthofer and Ralf Ettl linking it to the myth of Nazi flying saucers. These narratives, while captivating, remain speculative, grounded more in fantasy than fact.

Conclusion

The Vril Society, born from the fertile imaginations of writers and conspiracy theorists, remains a compelling story of how fiction can blur with reality in the public consciousness. Despite the lack of evidence, its legend persists, illustrating the enduring allure of secret societies and mystical powers in the human imagination.

Sources

Original Wikipedia Article on the Vril Society