Soon the Water Will Come

The Prose Edda, written by Snorri Sturluson, is a comprehensive guide to Norse mythology and Old Norse poetry. It consists of four sections: the Prologue, Gylfaginning, Skáldskaparmál, and Háttatal. The work preserves pre-Christian Scandinavian cultural heritage and serves as a textbook for understanding Norse poetry and mythology.

Ignatius Donnelly's "Atlantis, the Antediluvian World" is a significant work in the history of Atlantis theories. Published in 1882, it revived interest in the lost continent, proposing that Atlantis was the cradle of civilization. Donnelly connected various myths and legends to Atlantis, suggesting it as the origin of human culture and technology. The book's popularity fueled a renewed fascination with Atlantis, influencing popular culture and sparking further speculation. Despite its pseudoscientific nature, it remains a landmark text in the history of Atlantis studies.

In 'Timaeus,' Plato presents a detailed account of the formation of the universe. The dialogue is primarily delivered through long monologues by Timaeus and Critias. It describes the universe as the product of a rational, purposive, and beneficent agency, created by a divine Craftsman (Demiurge) who imitates an eternal and unchanging model. The work discusses the distinction between the eternal and the physical worlds, the composition of the four elements (earth, air, fire, and water) linked to Platonic solids, and the creation of the cosmic soul and its role in governing the universe. The dialogue also touches on various philosophical themes, including the nature of God, the distinction between the sensible and intellectual, and the concepts of time and space.

Written in 1516, 'Utopia' by Sir Thomas More is a seminal work of fiction that presents an ideal society on a fictional island. The book is divided into two parts: the first critiques the social and economic issues of early 16th-century England, while the second introduces the Utopian society as a potential solution. Utopia is characterized by communal property, no class distinctions or poverty, little crime, religious freedom, and a strict egalitarian system. More uses this imaginary society to highlight the flaws of European politics and society of his time, advocating for a more just and equal world. The work is notable for its influence on later socialist and communist thought and continues to be a subject of discussion in political theory and philosophy.

In 'Theory of the Earth,' Thomas Nail challenges traditional philosophical views of the Earth as a stable, static substance. Nail argues for a process-oriented approach, emphasizing the Earth's constant movement, transformation, and flow. He critiques the concept of uniformitarianism, which posits a gradual and uniform geological change, advocating instead for a dynamic understanding of Earth's history. The book draws on geology, physics, and philosophy to develop a comprehensive theory of the Earth as a complex, self-organizing system. Nail examines various Earth processes, such as plate tectonics, erosion, and climate change, to illustrate the Earth's inherent dynamism. He proposes a new materialism that recognizes the agency and creativity of the Earth, moving beyond anthropocentric perspectives. 'Theory of the Earth' offers a radical rethinking of our relationship with the planet, urging us to embrace a more dynamic and ecological worldview.

The Epic of Gilgamesh tells the story of Gilgamesh, the king of Uruk, who is two-thirds god and one-third human. The gods create Enkidu, a wild man, to counterbalance Gilgamesh's oppressive rule. Enkidu and Gilgamesh become friends after a trial of strength and embark on several adventures, including the slaying of the monster Humbaba and the killing of the Bull of Heaven. Following Enkidu's death, Gilgamesh sets out on a perilous journey to find Utnapishtim, the survivor of the Babylonian Flood, in search of the secret of eternal life. Despite his efforts, Gilgamesh learns that death is inevitable and returns to Uruk, reconciled to his mortality and appreciative of the enduring achievements of humanity.