Rune Hjarnø Rasmussen, a Ph.D. specializing in the History of Religions and Brazilian orisha traditions, delves into the intersection of mythology and ecology. He discusses how Nordic modernity and nationalism have sidelined animist practices, advocating for a reclamation of cultural heritage. The conversation explores how myths can foster emotional connections to nature amidst the climate crisis and critiques the impact of nationalism on traditional knowledge. Rasmussen also highlights the importance of inclusive cultural initiatives and the resurgence of animism for sustainable Earth stewardship.
Mythology serves as an emotional and instinctual language, enhancing our relational understanding of environmental issues and promoting sustainability.
Reclaiming ancestral Euro-animistic knowledge is crucial for fostering kinship with nature, countering modern detachment and extremist narratives.
Deep dives
The Role of Mythology in Environmental Awareness
The podcast emphasizes the significance of mythology as a tool for fostering relational understanding within the context of environmental issues. Traditional climate reports often fall short as they communicate in a technical and disconnected language that fails to engage the public’s emotions, leaving many unable to relate to the severity of the climate crisis. In contrast, mythology, by appealing to our instincts and emotions, can create a deeper connection to environmental narratives, promoting an understanding of the interconnectivity within nature. This relational knowledge enhances our comprehension of the climate crisis, thereby encouraging a collective cultural shift towards more sustainable practices.
The Impact of Cultural Heritage on Modern Kinship
The discussion explores how reconnecting with ancestral knowledge, particularly through Euro-animism, can facilitate a healthier relationship with the environment. The host and guest highlight the need to reclaim and engage with traditional cultural practices that promote kinship with all living beings, countering the modern detached worldview. This process of rediscovery is vital for addressing contemporary ecological challenges, as it fosters a sense of stewardship and responsibility towards nature. The podcast also addresses the necessity of separating this traditional approach from the extremist narratives that have co-opted aspects of cultural heritage, advocating for a diverse understanding of what it means to belong to a specific cultural lineage.
Conspiracies and Collective Disconnection
The episode delves into the phenomenon of conspiracy theories as a byproduct of contemporary humans' longing for meaning and connection in an increasingly disconnected world. In animistic traditions, events are viewed through the lens of intentionality, which shapes how people understand their relationships with their surroundings. However, when modern perspectives overlook the animistic connections to nature, individuals may gravitate toward unfounded conspiracy theories to fill their need for explanation and accountability. This reflection highlights the importance of nurturing relationships with our environment to prevent the emergence of harmful narratives that distract from real-world issues.
Dynamic Traditional Knowledge and Its Relevance Today
The podcast stresses the importance of viewing traditional knowledge as fluid and adaptable rather than static relics of the past. Engaging with heritage should involve a dynamic interplay with contemporary realities and challenges, allowing for the evolution of stories and practices in light of current issues, particularly environmental ones. The conversation underscores the necessity of incorporating modern contexts into traditional narratives for them to remain relevant and impactful. By reframing our understanding of tradition to promote continual growth and adaptation, communities can foster healthier relationships with the Earth and each other.
“Mythology is a language that places knowledge of relation into relation with people—[in a] way that appeals to our emotions and imaginations. It is a language that reaches deep into our instinctual system and our whole human constitution in order to make relational knowledge workable for us.”
In this episode, we welcome Rune Hjarnø Rasmussen, a Ph.D in History of Religions, researching Brazilian orisha religion. He has lived in a number of countries in Europe, Africa North- and South America. His present work focuses on the rejected animist landconnectedness ecological knowledge and kinship with the greater community of beings in North European Traditional knowledge.
Some of the topics we explore in this conversation include how the construction of Nordic modernity and nationalism led to a rejection of animism in Northern Europe, reclaiming Euro- ‘traditionalism’ from right-wing extremism, understanding myths as stories that produce relations, and more.
(The musical offering featured in this episode is Tear Down The Wall by Forest Veil. The episode-inspired artwork is by Isadora Machado.)
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