Mystical travel literature is a genre of writing that combines elements of travel writing and mysticism. It is characterized by the author’s exploration of spiritual and transcendental experiences while traveling, often in exotic or remote locations. This genre has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient times, and has been popularized by numerous authors throughout the centuries.
One of the earliest examples of mystical travel literature is the writings of the Greek philosopher and traveler, Diogenes Laertius. In his “Lives of the Eminent Philosophers,” he described the travels of Pythagoras, who was said to have traveled to Egypt and Babylon in search of spiritual enlightenment. Another early example is the works of the Roman philosopher Seneca, who wrote extensively about his travels and the philosophical insights he gained from them.
In the Middle Ages, mystical travel literature became popular in the form of pilgrimage accounts. Pilgrims would travel to sacred sites, such as the Holy Land or the shrine of St. James in Santiago de Compostela, and write about their spiritual experiences and insights. These accounts often included vivid descriptions of the landscapes and people they encountered, as well as their encounters with the divine.
One of the most famous examples of mystical travel literature from this period is the “Pilgrimage of Egeria,” a travel account written by a Spanish nun who traveled to the Holy Land in the fourth century. Egeria’s account provides a detailed and vivid description of the holy sites she visited, as well as her encounters with the local population and her spiritual experiences.
In the Renaissance, mystical travel literature continued to be popular, with authors such as Christopher Columbus and Marco Polo writing about their travels and the spiritual insights they gained from them. However, it was not until the 19th century that the genre truly came into its own.
One of the most influential authors of mystical travel literature in the 19th century was Pierre Loti (1850-1923), a French writer and naval officer. Loti was known for his vivid descriptions of the exotic locations he visited, as well as his exploration of spiritual and mystical themes. His most famous work, “Madame Chrysanthème,” is a novel set in Japan.