Icelandic author Andri Snær Magnason discusses the importance of mythology and the shaking of fundament during mythological times. The podcast explores the impact of blackouts on stargazing, reflections on deep time, the presence of microplastics in the environment, reconnecting with nature through simplicity, and the loss of the OAK Glacier due to climate change.
Mythology serves as a reflection of fundamental aspects of existence, contrasting history focused on ideas and culture.
The urgent need to reevaluate human interactions with nature and adopt sustainable practices amid anthropogenic transformations.
Deep dives
Perceptions of the Night Sky and Human Existence
The podcast delves into the profound impact of the night sky on human consciousness, describing a childhood memory that highlighted the stark contrast between natural phenomena and human-created environments. The speakers, rooted in Iceland and Scotland, contemplate the diminishing visibility of the night sky due to light pollution. They ponder the significance of being the first generation deprived of experiencing the dark sky, which has historically influenced human creativity, science, and spirituality.
Artistic Expressions of Geological Time and Environmental Change
The discussion moves towards the representation of deep time and environmental alterations through artistic endeavors. Antris Nair Magnusson, a writer from Iceland, reflects on the familial connections to glacier exploration and the evolving landscape of Iceland. The collaborative project of integrating materials from the Earth's history, including ancient meteorite remains and survivor tree branches, underlines the drastic impact of human activities on the planet.
Climate Change and Mythological Perspectives
The podcast transitions to the urgent topic of climate change and its mythological magnitude. Highlighting the significance of linguistic framing in conveying environmental crises, the speakers question the adequacy of terms like 'climate change' to captivate the gravity of the situation. By drawing parallels between mythology and the current reality of anthropogenic transformations, they emphasize the necessity of reevaluating human interactions with nature and adopting sustainable practices to mitigate ecological disruptions.
"I noticed that language seems to fail us. How do you write about the foundations of our existence? That is how mythology enters very naturally into the story, because history is about ideas, religions, empires, wars and culture. Mythology is about the fundaments. Sun, moon, wind, oceans, great floods and tragic gods... We are living in mythological times, where we are shaking the fundaments." - Andri Snær Magnason
Drawing on ideas in his book, On Time and Water, the Icelandic writer Andri Snær Magnason and the Scottish artist Katie Paterson explore how our imagination can help us hold the moment we live in. From handfuls of dust to watching geological time mark the landscape, this documentary flows from the night skies into the deepest known point in our oceans.
Archive recording from Raddir - Voices: Recordings of Folk Songs courtesy of the Árni Magnússon Institute
'Vatnajökull (the sound of)' recording courtesy of Katie Paterson
Recording of the journey to Okjökull by Guðni Tómasson
Music composed and performed by Phil Smith and Zac Gvi
Produced by Eleanor McDowall
A Falling Tree production for BBC Radio 4
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