10 Fascinating Beliefs Behind the Hollow Earth Theory and Their Origins

While you may be familiar with flat earth proponents, have you ever encountered the Hollow Earth theory? It’s more improbable, but that’s what makes it so intriguing.

For millennia, humans have speculated about the unknown. Ancient cultures believed that beneath the earth’s surface existed another realm, the domain of the dead, or home to mythical creatures. What is the true nature of the earth’s core?

Some claim that there’s absolutely nothing at all within the earth’s depths. Whether this idea originated from fanciful imagination or hidden truths, the Hollow Earth theory has captivated minds for centuries.

The Hollow Earth theory posits that the Earth isn’t a solid sphere, but rather a thick-shell hollow sphere. While scientific proof for these ideas remains scarce, it opens the door to an exciting exploration of what may lie below our feet. Here, we dive into ten key beliefs associated with this theory.

10. The Earth is Shaped Like a Donut

Ever picture Earth as a chocolate-glazed donut with sprinkles? Well, that's somewhat how this theory first emerged. We’re embellishing a bit, of course, but the theory’s roots claim Earth was shaped like a donut.

The origins of the Hollow Earth theory trace back to the creative musings of early proponents. In 1692, British astronomer and mathematician Sir Edmond Halley published a paper suggesting that the Earth could consist of concentric, hollow spheres with openings at the poles.

Over time, this idea evolved from a simple donut-shaped Earth into a more intricate, toroidal form. This fascinating shape brings up questions about Earth's gravity, tectonic shifts, and magnetic fields.

Advocates of the Hollow Earth theory argue that Earth's magnetic field, generated by the motion of its iron-rich outer core, could be explained by electromagnetic forces within a central void. They propose that this donut shape supports a self-sustaining magnetic dynamo effect, much like how current flows through a toroidal coil.

The donut-shaped Earth idea may sound unbelievable, but remember, the concept of a round Earth seemed just as improbable to people in 300 BC. This theory serves as a foundation for further investigation.

9. Every Celestial Body is Hollow

Interestingly, the Hollow Earth theory stretches beyond just our planet. Theorists propose that all celestial bodies, including Earth, aren’t solid but rather contain vast hollow regions within them.

Extending the Hollow Earth theory to the cosmos challenges conventional science and provides an intriguing explanation for certain cosmic mysteries.

The relatively low density of certain planets and moons in our solar system is often cited as evidence for this idea. For example, NASA's measurements of Jupiter's core revealed that its density is 60-80% lower than that of its outer layers.

Hollow Earth supporters argue that NASA’s own data confirms that these celestial bodies are hollow… but NASA disagrees. Their stance is that the change in density is due to Jupiter being a gas giant, with a dense core at its center. What’s your take on this? Could Jupiter just be a massive plastic Easter egg?

8. The Earth’s Crust Is Actually a Shell

We are generally taught that Earth’s crust ranges from 3 to 46 miles (4.8 to 74 kilometers) in thickness, with the mantle beneath it. According to Hollow Earth theory, however, the inner and outer worlds are divided by a shell that spans between 500 and 800 miles (804 to 1,287.5 kilometers) thick.

The notion of an 800-mile-thick shell enclosing an inner world sounds unbelievable to most people. But back in 1869, Cyrus Teed, a physician with an insatiable curiosity, had a “divine illumination” after being electrocuted. During this vision, he claimed that God instructed him to interpret the Bible through the lens of his scientific knowledge, which led to his unique conclusions.

Teed’s interpretation, coupled with divine revelations about the universe’s secrets, led to the creation of his religion: Koreshan Universology. The central belief of this church was cellular cosmogony.

Unlike other Hollow Earth theories, cellular cosmogony proposes that humans live inside the Earth, rather than on its surface, and are held by centrifugal force instead of gravity. Teed taught that the universe resides within this sphere, and that the sun is an electromagnetic, battery-operated helix.

7. There Are Many Entrances

Supporters of the Hollow Earth theory claim that massive openings exist at both poles, leading to the inner world beneath the surface. Accounts from past expeditions and individuals who allegedly visited the inner world describe entrances several hundred miles wide, large enough to allow passage for ships and aircraft.

And no, these aren’t simply the entrance to Santa’s village. Hollow Earth enthusiasts argue that hidden gateways to the inner continent are scattered across Earth’s surface. They claim other entrances have been found in these locations:

• Kentucky Mammoth Cave
• Mount Shasta, California
• Manaus, Brazil
• Mato Grosso, Brazil
• Iguazu Falls
• Mount Epomeo, Italy
• Himalayan Mountains, near Tibet
• Mongolia and Chinese border
• Rama, India
• Pyramid of Giza
• King Solomon’s Mines

According to the stories surrounding them, these entrances are much smaller and lead to hidden cities on the inner continent.

6. There Is a Second Sun Floating in the Middle

In a 1996 interview, Carl Sagan described Earth by saying, “We live on a hunk of rock and metal that circles a humdrum star.” This simple description works for both the traditional Earth model and the Hollow Earth theory.

However, for Hollow Earth theorists, this is more than just a basic description of Earth’s core. They believe that a sun exists within the planet, providing light and life to the inner world.

Depending on which version of the account you read, the sun is depicted in different ways. In some stories, it is described as a massive crystal; in others, it is seen as an electromagnetic battery. There are also accounts where it’s a regular star, with a light and dark side.

What remains constant, however, is that this sun radiates a gentle, diffused light, supplying both illumination and energy to the inner world. Any of these explanations could account for the intense heat emanating from the Earth's core. But one thing is certain: if there is indeed a sun at the center of Earth, we might need to start applying sunblock to our feet.

5. Supreme Humans Live in Peace

The answer to the question, “Who lives in the Hollow Earth?” varies among believers. Some assert that the lost tribes of Israel were guided there by God to return in the final days. Others claim that the lost Viking colonies of Greenland discovered the entrance. There are even accounts suggesting that Nazis escaping World War II used the hidden gateways to vanish and evade punishment for their crimes.

However, the majority of Hollow Earth theorists believe that the inner world is home to a highly advanced civilization of supreme beings. These beings are thought to have evolved past the conflicts and struggles of the surface world, existing in a state of harmony and peace.

Dianne Robbins is a contemporary psychic and author who has written multiple books on the idea of a utopian society residing deep within the Earth. She claims to be the “channel” (voice) for Adama, the High Priest and Ascended Master of Telos.

Through her direct connection with Adama, Dianne was able to learn that the inhabitants of Agartha were once human but evolved into immortals over time.

4. The Inner Continent Is Like the Garden of Eden

In 1811, Olaf Jansen ventured into the Earth’s interior while sailing with his father, where he lived among the “superhuman” giants for two years before returning to the surface. Jansen described the inner world as a perfect paradise, reminiscent of the fabled Garden of Eden. The region was abundant with lush vegetation, crystal-clear rivers, and diverse wildlife, all carefully tended by these 12-foot (3.7-meter) tall humans.

Jansen's account also mentions the “City of Eden,” which sits atop the tallest plateau. Fast forward two centuries to Berkeley researchers who, using seismic scans, mapped Earth’s interior and discovered mountain ranges larger than Mt. Everest within the mantle. To Hollow Earth theorists, this serves as further confirmation that the Earth’s interior contains a varied and livable landscape.

3. The Guardians of the Planet

Move over, Chris Pratt! According to Hollow Earth believers, guardians of the galaxy already exist here on Earth. People who share the same belief as Cuff regard the inhabitants of the inner world as protectors of our planet. And those who claim to have met or lived with them confirm that they are exactly what they seem—guardians of Earth.

The people from the inner world are said to use their deep knowledge and advanced technology to shield Earth from outside threats while maintaining the planet's fragile balance. Hollow Earth advocates hold these unseen forces in great reverence for their role in safeguarding the planet. This raises a question for environmentalists: if these guardians are here to protect the Earth, why are they allowing humans to destroy it? According to many Hollow Earth theorists, the answer is simple: the world’s governments are hiding the truth.

2. UFOs Come from Within

Could the explanation behind the countless UFO sightings be that they’re actually coming from our own planet? A modern believer, Rodney Cuff, suggests that many of these unidentified flying objects originate from within Earth’s hollow interior. He claims these UFOs are piloted by members of a “superior” human race who use them to observe and monitor the surface world.

But why are they keeping an eye on us? Cuff believes that “they want to prevent us from starting a nuclear war.” While it’s unsettling to think we might be under surveillance, at least their intentions seem benevolent.

1. Or Perhaps There Are 100 Cities and Fewer Gardens

While some believe in a singular inner continent that resembles the Garden of Eden with one main city, others paint a very different picture. The Kingdom of Agartha is described as a network of 100 or more cities, all connected by tunnels and caves that stretch deep beneath the Earth's surface, forming a labyrinthine system.

These cities are thought to be highly advanced, inhabited by enlightened beings. As with most Hollow Earth theories, there is no universal agreement on the details, so it’s up to you to choose which version resonates with you the most.