Mythical flags represent more than nations or organizations—they symbolize imagined realms that live on through legend and lore. Designed for legendary places like Atlantis, Hyperborea, and Lemuria, these mythical flags embody lost histories, untold tales, and the enduring power of storytelling beyond the boundaries of any map.
Throughout history, artists and dreamers have brought these mythical flags to life, combining symbols that resonate with our desire for forgotten wisdom and secret havens. Each flag design carries its own narrative: circular patterns evoke the moats of Atlantis, sun motifs signify the perpetual summers of Hyperborea, while mythical beings frolic across the fabrics of Lemuria.
These mythical flags invite us to explore:
- Ancient civilizations submerged underwater or shrouded in mist
- Sacred places where enlightenment and wisdom were once sought
- Ideal societies reflecting our aspirations for humanity’s greatness
- Legendary kingdoms preserved through storytelling
Discover 15 mythical flags that transport us beyond conventional maps—each flag an entryway into realms where history intertwines with fantasy, blurring the lines between fact and folklore.
1. Atlantis: The Flag of the Lost Advanced Civilization
Plato’s dialogues Timaeus and Critias tell the captivating story of Atlantis – an advanced island empire favored by Poseidon. Artistic flag designs reflect the grandeur of a legendary civilization believed to have vanished beneath the sea.
Common Features of the Atlantean Flag
Artists often depict the Atlantean flag with various symbols and colors, including:
- Concentric Circles – Representing the city’s famous ring-shaped canals and the sacred hill of Cleito
- Azure and Gold Hues – Reflecting the mysterious orichalcum metal that adorned temple walls
- Trident Motifs – Symbolizing Poseidon’s divine patronage
- Wave Patterns – Capturing the maritime nature of this island nation
Artistic Interpretations
In their interpretations, artists frequently use deep blues and seafoam greens, while some versions showcase intricate geometric patterns inspired by descriptions of Atlantean architecture. Wave-like bands and central medallions symbolize advanced technology and the civilization’s final descent underwater.
Modern Reimaginings
Modern designs blend celestial symbols and Greek motifs, linking mythology with lost-world mystique.
2. Hyperborea: The Solar Banner of Eternal Youth
Ancient Greek texts tell of a mysterious place where the sun never goes down – Hyperborea, the land beyond the North Wind. This Apollonian paradise defied Arctic cold with eternal spring and people who lived a thousand years.
The Imagined Flag of Hyperborea
The imagined flag of Hyperborea is filled with sun-related symbols, representing the realm’s special connection with Apollo. Artists often picture:
- A central golden sun disk, symbolizing Apollo’s constant presence
- Spiraling rays in white or amber, signifying eternal daylight
- Northern lights patterns in soft blues and greens
- Sacred swans, Apollo’s messengers, depicted in silver
Colors and Symbols
Despite its northern position, Hyperborean mythical flags avoid typical Arctic images like ice or snow. Instead, they use warm, bright colors that reflect the never-ending light and warmth of this mythical paradise. Some interpretations include:
- The Hyperboreios Rose – a magical flower said to bloom in everlasting sunlight
- Flowing ribbons suggesting the gentle North Wind, Boreas
- Ancient Greek key patterns representing divine protection
- Golden laurel wreaths symbolizing Apollo’s favor
Meaning Behind the Flag
The flag symbolizes Hyperborea as a bridge between mortals and gods, thriving under the sun god’s eternal blessing.
3. Lemuria: The Spiritual Flag of Ancient Wisdom
Lemuria is a lost continent that originated from scientific speculation about lemur fossils. It was later transformed into a mystical paradise by occult traditions. The imagined flags of this phantom land tell tales of spiritual enlightenment and primal wisdom.
Artists envision Lemurian banners adorned with sacred geometrical patterns:
- The Tree of Life motif – representing ancient knowledge passed down through generations
- Intertwined serpents – symbolizing kundalini energy and spiritual awakening
- Purple and gold color schemes – reflecting the realm’s supposed spiritual sophistication
Theosophical writings describe Lemurian mythical flags bearing the Mu symbol – a triangular glyph said to represent the “mother continent.” Other interpretations feature:
- Stylized lemur silhouettes paying homage to the continent’s namesake
- Rising sun patterns symbolizing the dawn of human consciousness
- Sacred lotus flowers floating above waves – marking Lemuria’s Indo-Pacific origins
Speculative banners mix nature and esoteric symbols, imagining a vanished civilization of deep spiritual wisdom.
4. Mu: The Banner of the Pacific Lost Continent
Deep beneath the Pacific waves lies the whispered legend of Mu, a vast continent shrouded in mystery. British occultist James Churchward, who claimed to have discovered ancient tablets describing this lost civilization, painted vivid tales of an advanced society that flourished 50,000 years ago. His research and findings are detailed in his book, which you can explore further here.
The imagined flag of Mu draws inspiration from Churchward’s descriptions of their sun-worshipping culture:
- A radiant golden sun disc dominates the center
- Seven rays extend outward, representing Mu’s sacred number
- Waves of deep blue and turquoise frame the lower portion
- Ancient glyphs border the edges, echoing the mysterious Naacal tablets
Artists envision variations incorporating:
- Pearl-white backgrounds symbolizing the Pacific’s scattered islands
- Serpentine sea creatures reminiscent of ancient Pacific mythology
- Geometric patterns inspired by archaeological findings across Polynesia
Unlike Atlantis’s technological symbolism, Mu’s flag embraces primal elements—sun, sea, and sacred geometry. These designs mirror the spiritual sophistication Churchward attributed to the Mu civilization, whose influence he traced through cultures spanning from Easter Island to Egypt.
5. Agartha: The Emblem of the Underground Kingdom
Deep beneath the Earth’s surface lies Agartha, a mystical underground world spoken of in secret teachings. This hidden civilization, believed to consist of extensive networks of crystal caves and glowing chambers, has its own unique flag.
The Symbolism Behind the Agarthan Flag
The flag of Agartha reflects the mysterious nature of the realm through complex geometric designs reminiscent of mineral formations. Ancient writings describe a banner featuring:
- Spiraling labyrinths symbolizing the path to inner wisdom
- Crystalline shapes in deep purples and emerald greens
- Sacred symbols believed to hold keys to universal knowledge
The Vision of Occult Scholars
Occult scholars imagine the Agarthan flag displaying a central mandala of interconnected tunnels, representing the network of underground cities. The border of the banner often showcases patterns resembling stalactites intertwined with ancient symbols of enlightenment.
Alternative Interpretations
Some interpretations suggest a black background representing the everlasting darkness of the underground, illuminated by brilliant crystal formations that reflect the advanced technology associated with this enigmatic civilization. These components create a flag that serves as both a political emblem and a concealed map of hidden wisdom.
6. Shambhala: The Banner of Mystical Enlightenment
Shambhala is a mystical kingdom described in Tibetan Buddhism, where wisdom and enlightenment are said to exist. According to ancient texts, spiritual masters in this realm protect deep teachings, waiting for the right time to share their knowledge with the world.
The flag of Shambhala is believed to have powerful spiritual meanings:
- The Dharma Wheel at the center represents the never-ending cycle of enlightenment.
- Eight-petaled lotus flowers symbolize the unfolding of spirituality.
- Intricate mandala patterns signify the order of the universe.
- Golden rays breaking through clouds represent divine illumination.
Artists imagine the flag’s colors to be vibrant shades of saffron, deep red, and heavenly blue—colors that hold sacred significance in traditional Buddhist art. Some interpretations also include the Kalachakra symbol, an ancient emblem linked to Shambhala’s eternal wisdom. The design of the flag resonates with those who aspire to discover this concealed paradise, where consciousness transcends ordinary existence and enters realms of pure enlightenment.
7. Thule: The Standard of the Northernmost Realm
Ancient Greek and Roman texts mention Thule, a mysterious land six days’ sail beyond Britain where the sun never sets. This mythical northern frontier fascinated classical geographers, who described it as a place where sea, sky, and earth merged into a glowing mist.
The imagined flag of Thule captures this otherworldly arctic essence through distinctive elements:
- Celestial Aurora – Sweeping bands of shimmering ice-blue and silver represent the eternal polar day
- Runic Wisdom – Ancient Norse Thurisaz runes adorn the banner’s edges, symbolizing the raw power of frost giants. These runes are part of a rich tradition explored in depth in resources such as this.
- Sacred Geometry – Crystalline hexagons echo both snowflakes and the mythical axis mundi connecting earth to heavens
Medieval sailors spoke of strange lights dancing above Thule’s horizon, inspiring flag designs with radiant patterns against deep indigo fields. These artistic interpretations blend Norse mysticism with astronomical phenomena unique to polar regions, creating a standard as mysterious as the lost realm itself.
Some versions include the legendary bifrost bridge motif, suggesting Thule’s role as a gateway between mortal and divine realms in northern European folklore. The cultural significance of such symbols is well-documented in studies like this one, which delve into Viking and Anglo-Saxon pagan beliefs.
For those interested in exploring these themes further, Herculeia, my book that delves into these mythical narratives, offers an in-depth look at such fascinating subjects.
8. Ys: The Sunken City’s Flag
Deep beneath the waves off Brittany’s coast lies Ys, a haunting testament to pride’s fatal price. Ancient Breton tales whisper of this magnificent city ruled by King Gradlon and his wayward daughter Dahut. The city’s defenses relied on an elaborate system of dikes, with a single bronze gate protecting its inhabitants from the savage sea.
The flag of Ys captures this doomed splendor through rich symbolism:
- A bisected field of deep azure and emerald represents the fateful meeting of sea and civilization
- A bronze gate motif stands prominent at the center, partially submerged
- Stylized waves crash against a crown, symbolizing divine judgment against mortal hubris
Some artistic interpretations incorporate:
- Dahut’s silhouette transformed into a morgana – a sea spirit
- Intricate Celtic knotwork suggesting the city’s Breton heritage
- A trident crossed with a broken key, referencing King Gradlon’s desperate flight
The banner serves as a maritime warning sign – a reminder that even the mightiest walls cannot hold back nature’s fury when pride blinds wisdom.
9. Avalon: The Enchanted Isle’s Banner
Avalon is a legendary place from the stories of King Arthur. It’s said to be a magical island where the Lady of the Lake lives and where King Arthur’s sword, Excalibur, was made. The flag of this enchanted island would have special meanings behind its design:
- A silver apple tree on a dark green background represents the isle’s name—derived from the Welsh word afal, meaning apple
- Intertwining Celtic knots border the flag’s edges, symbolizing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth
- Wisps of silver mist weave through the design, reflecting Avalon’s mysterious nature
- Nine golden stars honor the nine priestesses who, according to legend, ruled over this magical place
Artists often include symbols of healing in their versions of Avalon’s flag—cauldrons representing renewal, sacred springs signifying purification, and the red dragon of Wales symbolizing power and protection appear in various interpretations. Some designs also feature Morgan le Fay’s ravens or the outline of Glastonbury Tor, connecting the mythical island to its supposed real-world location.
10. El Dorado: The Golden City’s Standard
Hidden deep in the lush jungles of South America is the legendary city of El Dorado – a place said to be filled with streets made of gold and temples adorned with precious gems. This mythical city, often associated with the quest for wealth and prosperity, has been the subject of numerous explorations and studies, as detailed in this article from Live Science. The flag representing this city tells a story through its symbols:
- A bright sun symbol made of gold, reminiscent of the sacred Muisca ceremonies where tribal chiefs would cover themselves in gold dust
- Stylized jaguar designs on the edges, representing the fierce protection of the city’s treasures
- Intertwined serpent patterns in green, symbolizing both the surrounding rainforest and the ancient knowledge believed to be within the city’s walls
Artists often depict:
- Geometric patterns inspired by the Incan civilization using metallic threads
- The outline of mountain peaks where the city is rumored to be hidden
- Rivers of flowing gold incorporated into the flag’s design
The existence of this flag reflects humanity’s enduring fascination with hidden riches and forgotten civilizations, adding to the mystery surrounding this legendary golden city.
11. Kumari Kandam: The Tamil Lost Land’s Emblem
Deep beneath the Indian Ocean lies Kumari Kandam, a legendary place mentioned in ancient Tamil texts. This mythical sunken continent, extending south from India’s southernmost point, is said to have stories of advanced civilizations and rich cultural heritage.
Artists envisioning Kumari Kandam’s flag draw inspiration from Tamil’s vibrant symbolism:
- Sacred Waters: Flowing blue waves dominate flag designs, representing the waters that swallowed this mythical land
- Tamil Script: Ancient Tamil characters weave through the patterns, often stylized into decorative elements
- Lotus Motifs: The sacred flower emerges from ocean depths, symbolizing cultural resilience
- Three Crowns: Traditional designs feature triple-crown emblems, marking the three ancient Tamil dynasties
The imagined banners blend classical Tamil aesthetics with maritime elements—geometric kolam patterns intertwine with seashell spirals, while traditional temple architecture merges with coral-like formations. Some interpretations incorporate the sangam poetry’s imagery: palm trees, mountains, and pearls arranged in mystical configurations that echo the lost land’s grandeur.
12. Aztlán: The Banner of Ancestral Origins
Aztlán, the sacred homeland of the Mexica people, is a significant part of Aztec mythology. Artists and visionaries have envisioned its flag through a mystical perspective, combining pre-Columbian symbols with themes of migration and divine purpose.
Common Interpretations
Common interpretations feature:
- The sacred hummingbird motif, representing Huitzilopochtli, the deity who guided the Mexica from Aztlán
- Seven caves (Chicomoztoc) arranged in distinctive patterns
- The mythical white heron standing against a blood-red sky
- Intricate border designs inspired by Aztec codices
Modern Visualizations
Modern visualizations blend these traditional elements with contemporary Indigenous artistic styles, creating mythical flags that pulse with cultural memory. Some versions incorporate:
A central golden sun disk radiating outward, symbolizing the spiritual journey from Aztlán
Stylized waves representing the lakes and marshlands of the legendary northern paradise
Geometric patterns echoing ancient temple architecture
These imagined standards serve as powerful symbols of cultural identity, transforming Aztlán from a mythical place into a vibrant emblem of heritage and belonging. Each artistic interpretation adds new layers to the rich tapestry of this ancestral homeland’s visual legacy.
13. Utopia (from Thomas More)
Thomas More’s Utopia presents a fascinating canvas for vexillological imagination. The mythical island’s flag designs often mirror the idealistic philosophies woven into More’s 16th-century masterwork, which you can explore further in this detailed analysis of More’s Utopia.
Artists interpreting Utopia’s banner gravitate toward geometric perfection—circles and crescents symbolizing the island’s crescent shape, balanced against stark fields of blue-green that echo its maritime setting. The number six appears frequently, reflecting Utopia’s six-hour workday and its division into 54 city-states.
Common elements in speculative Utopian mythical flags include:
- The golden compass rose—representing rational planning and navigation
- Interlocked hands—symbolizing communal living and shared property
- A simplified plow—honoring agricultural labor as a universal duty
- The philosopher’s stone—marking the fusion of wisdom and prosperity
These imagined standards draw inspiration from More’s descriptions of Utopian architecture and social structures. Some versions incorporate Latin phrases like “Nusquama” (Nowhere) or “Optima Respublica” (Best Commonwealth), playing with the duality between Utopia’s literal meaning of “no place” and its aspirational vision of the perfect society.
14. The Hollow Earth Empire (Theosophical)
Deep beneath Earth’s surface lies a realm whispered of in Theosophical texts—the Hollow Earth Empire, its banners as mysterious as its subterranean domains. Artists envision flags marked by intricate geometric patterns spiraling inward, symbolizing the descent into Earth’s hidden chambers.
These imagined standards often feature emerald green and gold, colors associated with the alleged advanced civilization dwelling in vast underground caverns. Crystalline formations and phosphorescent symbols dance across these mythical flags, representing the luminous technology said to light their cities.
Many artistic interpretations incorporate:
- Concentric circles depicting multiple Earth layers
- Ancient runes believed to hold cosmic wisdom
- Serpentine patterns symbolizing kundalini energy
- Sacred geometric forms representing universal harmony
The most striking renditions show a black sun at the flag’s center—a powerful esoteric symbol suggesting hidden knowledge and inner illumination. Some versions display an inverted world tree, its roots reaching upward toward the surface while its branches spread through the hollow realm below.
These flag designs blend elements of Victorian-era occultism with lost world narratives, creating potent symbols of humanity’s age-old fascination with what might exist beneath our feet.
15. Pre-Diluvian Sumer (mythic interpretations)
Ancient Sumerian texts speak of a time before the great flood—a place where divine kings ruled for tens of thousands of years under unusual stars. Artists and mystics have always wanted to capture this mythical period in flag form, combining elements from both archaeological discoveries and hidden knowledge.
The mythical flags of Pre-Diluvian Sumer often include:
- The Eight-Pointed Star – Symbol of Inanna, representing divine authority from before the waters rose
- Ziggurats reaching skyward – Depicted in gold against deep lapis lazuli fields
- Cuneiform script – Ancient names of forgotten cities rendered in silver thread
- The Bull of Heaven – Combined with celestial imagery suggesting cosmic power
These speculative banners draw inspiration from authentic Sumerian cylinder seals while incorporating elements suggesting a more advanced civilization. Some versions include crystalline geometries hinting at lost technologies, while others feature serpentine patterns reminiscent of the primordial goddess Tiamat.
Modern interpretations often place these designs alongside other mythical realm flags, suggesting connections between Pre-Diluvian Sumer and legendary places like Atlantis or Lemuria—all part of an imagined network of ancient wisdom lost beneath the waves of time.
