Ep 6. Nazi Myths

In the sixth and final episode of season 2 of Sacred Sites entitled "Nazi Myths," the focus is on the impact of Nazi Germany on Europe and its religious and cultural heritage. The episode takes a closer look at the dark legacy of the Third Reich and how it exploited and manipulated the country's spiritual and cultural resources for its ideological and political agenda.

The episode begins by examining the Nazi obsession with ancient Germanic myths and legends, particularly the myth of the Aryan race. The Nazis believed that the ancient Germans were the purest and most superior race on earth, and that their heritage needed to be preserved and celebrated. This led to the construction of grandiose monuments and buildings, such as the Nazi Party Rally Grounds in Nuremberg, which were intended to showcase the regime's power and magnificence.

The episode then delves into the Nazis' campaign to eradicate Judaism and Christianity from Germany, as part of their goal to create a new, pagan religion that elevated the Aryan race above all others. This included the desecration and destruction of synagogues, churches, and other religious sites, as well as the theft and looting of priceless cultural artifacts.

One of the most poignant examples of this is the story of the Wawel Cathedral in Krakow, Poland, which the Nazis targeted for destruction due to its historical and religious significance to the Polish people. Despite sustained bombing, the cathedral miraculously survived the war, and its survival has been attributed to the intervention of the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have protected the site from harm.

The episode also explores the impact of the Holocaust on Europe's religious sites, particularly the Jewish ghettos and concentration camps where millions of people perished. The Nazis not only sought to eliminate the Jewish people, but also to erase all trace of their culture and heritage, including their religious sites and artifacts. This included the destruction of synagogues, the burning of Torah scrolls, and the theft of valuable Jewish artwork and artifacts.

Despite this systematic destruction, the episode also highlights the resilience and perseverance of Jewish communities in Europe, who have worked tirelessly to preserve and protect their heritage in the face of persecution and oppression.

The final segment of the episode focuses on the ongoing effort to preserve and protect Europe's religious and cultural heritage, particularly in the context of rising nationalism and xenophobia. The episode highlights the role of organizations such as the World Heritage Centre, which works to safeguard and promote cultural and natural heritage sites across the world.

Overall, "Nazi Myths" is a powerful and emotional journey through Europe's religious and cultural heritage, and a stark reminder of the destructive impact of hate and intolerance on our shared human heritage. The episode challenges us to confront the dark legacy of the Holocaust and to redouble our efforts to protect and preserve the rich tapestry of cultures and beliefs that make up our world.