Thule Society
In its own language: Thule-Gesellschaft
Named after Ultima Thule, a mythical northern land in Greek legend often associated with Iceland or Scandinavia.
A German occult group that sponsored the early Nazi party and promoted racial mysticism.
The Thule Society was a Munich-based secret society active between 1918 and 1925. It combined Germanic antiquity studies with far-right politics and racial antisemitism. The group is best known for founding the precursor to the Nazi Party.
- Founded in Munich in 1918 by Rudolf von Sebottendorf.
- Sponsored the German Workers' Party, a Nazi precursor.
- Required members to sign a blood declaration of faith.
- Seven members were executed by communists in April 1919.
- Dissolved in 1925 before Hitler came to full power.
What it is
The Thule Society operated as a secret organization in post-war Germany. It began as a study group for Germanic history before shifting toward esoteric politics. Members pursued national mysticism and anti-communist goals. The group gained historical significance by sponsoring the German Workers' Party. This political entity later evolved into the National Socialist German Workers' Party under Adolf Hitler. Scholars view the society as a bridge between occult interests and far-right extremism in the Weimar Republic era.
Where it comes from
Walter Nauhaus established the initial group in Munich around 1917. He intended it as a cover for a branch of the Germanenorden. Rudolf von Sebottendorf took over leadership in 1918. He repurposed the name for his own lodge. The society drew inspiration from ancient myths about a lost northern continent. This geographical concept provided a spiritual anchor for their racial theories.
How it is done
Members participated in regular lodge meetings and ideological study sessions. Recruitment required a blood declaration denying Jewish or non-white ancestry. The society used a weekly newspaper to spread its message. They engaged in political agitation against socialist governments. The group also attempted to infiltrate rival political movements. These activities were conducted within the framework of a secret society structure.
Tools and materials
The primary tool was the blood declaration of faith. This document verified the racial purity of candidates. The society utilized the Münchener Beobachter newspaper for propaganda. Lodge meetings served as venues for networking and planning. The organization relied on hierarchical structures inherited from earlier orders.
Thule Society, drawn and placed
- Living
- Revived
- Fading
- Historical
- Legendary
- Performed
- Lineage
- Völkisch movement and Germanic occultism
- Timing
- Active from 1918 to 1925
What it is for
The group aimed to combat communism and Jewish influence. Members sought to restore a mythical Aryan supremacy. They wanted to establish a new political order based on racial purity. The society supported the creation of a workers' party to advance these goals. Their activities were driven by a desire for national transformation through esoteric means.
Who does it
Rudolf von Sebottendorf led the society during its peak years. Walter Nauhaus founded the original iteration. Membership included various aristocrats and political activists. The group attracted approximately 1,500 individuals at its height. Many members went on to hold prominent positions in the Nazi regime.
Peoples and places
The society was rooted in German culture and politics. It emerged from the Völkisch movement prevalent in Central Europe. The group specifically targeted Germanic identity and heritage. Its influence remained largely confined to Bavaria and Munich. The ideology resonated with those seeking traditionalist solutions to modern crises.
At a glance: who, where and when
What people believe
Members adhered to ideas about an ancient Hyperborean civilization. They believed this lost land held the keys to Aryan power. The society promoted racial antisemitism as a core tenet. Anti-communism was equally central to their worldview. These beliefs formed the basis of their political activism and social hierarchy.
When it is done
The society was active primarily between 1918 and 1925. Key events occurred during the turbulent years following World War I. The group dissolved shortly after the rise of the Nazi Party.
How scholars and sceptics see it
Historians debate the extent of Nazi involvement with the society. Some leaders were confirmed members, while others were merely guests. Johannes Hering noted no evidence of Hitler's attendance. Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke described many membership claims as exaggerated. Researchers emphasize the group's role in shaping early Nazi ideology rather than direct control.
Cautions and what is closed
Several members were executed by communist forces in April 1919. The society faced suppression under Nazi rule after 1933. Sebottendorff was imprisoned and forced into exile for his writings. The group became a focal point for conspiracy theories regarding Nazi occultism. These theories often lack historical verification.
Compare and confuse
The Thule Society is often linked to other esoteric groups like the Ahnenerbe. It shares roots with the broader Völkisch movement. The society differs from purely religious orders by its political focus. Its legacy is frequently conflated with fictional accounts of Nazi UFOs and vril energy.
Law and persecution
The society operated legally until its dissolution in 1925. Later Nazi authorities suppressed similar esoteric organizations. Anti-Masonic legislation contributed to the closure of such groups in 1935. The society itself was not banned but faded into irrelevance as the Nazi Party centralized power.
Questions people ask about Thule Society
What was the Thule Society?
It was a German secret society active from 1918 to 1925. It combined occult interests with far-right politics. The group is known for sponsoring the early Nazi Party.
Where did the name come from?
The name derives from Ultima Thule, a mythical northern land in Greek legend. It represented a lost Aryan homeland in their mythology.
Was Adolf Hitler a member?
There is no evidence he attended meetings. Historians note he had little interest in their esoteric practices. He joined the sponsored party instead.
What happened to the society?
It dissolved in 1925 as the Nazi Party grew stronger. Leadership changes and political shifts reduced its influence.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Thule Society", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). EveryJaadu rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. Names and customs differ from one community to the next, and some knowledge is closed to outsiders and left out here. This page describes belief and practice. It does not say that any of it works, it is not a how-to, and it is not medical advice. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-10.
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