The myth of Ragnarök might stem from a catastrophic Icelandic eruption in the ninth century, writes author Alexandra Witze on her blog..
The post, published yesterday (September 15), discusses the possibility that an Icelandic volcanic eruption in 879 might have influenced the tales of Ragnarök, which tell of various natural disasters and the world’s rebirth.
Witz contacted geologist and historian Jelle Zeilinger de Boer, author of the book Volcanoes in Human History, who believes the theory could very well be true.
“(De Boer) told me via email that it fits his theories “in which destructive events are followed for years and decades by psychological, socio-economic and especially political aftereffects.” It makes sense. Sulfur particles belched out by eruptions can cool the climate for years. And Iceland did experience a massive eruption around the year 870, when Vikings arrived to settle the island.”
The eruption in question occurred in Bárðarbunga – the same Icelandic volcano system erupting right now.
Danish scholar Mathias Nordvig argues that the Ragnarök myth could be linked with another eruption. Namely the tremendous 934 eruption of Eldgjá.
The myth of Ragnarök might stem from a catastrophic Icelandic eruption in the ninth century, writes author Alexandra Witze on her blog..
The post, published yesterday (September 15), discusses the possibility that an Icelandic volcanic eruption in 879 might have influenced the tales of Ragnarök, which tell of various natural disasters and the world’s rebirth.
Witz contacted geologist and historian Jelle Zeilinger de Boer, author of the book Volcanoes in Human History, who believes the theory could very well be true.
“(De Boer) told me via email that it fits his theories “in which destructive events are followed for years and decades by psychological, socio-economic and especially political aftereffects.” It makes sense. Sulfur particles belched out by eruptions can cool the climate for years. And Iceland did experience a massive eruption around the year 870, when Vikings arrived to settle the island.”
The eruption in question occurred in Bárðarbunga – the same Icelandic volcano system erupting right now.
Danish scholar Mathias Nordvig argues that the Ragnarök myth could be linked with another eruption. Namely the tremendous 934 eruption of Eldgjá.
