Beyond Vikings and Volcanoes: The Geomythology of Iceland.

Catalog description

The island nation of Iceland offers a unique study in geomythology: the relationship between the myths the early settlers carried with them from mainland Scandinavia (Odin, Thor, Loki, to name a few) and the land they encountered (volcanoes, glaciers, waterfalls, and more). Iceland also illustrates the impact of humans on the environment, most notably, deforestation and the disappearance of animal species since Iceland’s settlement, asking the ultimate question: How can we cultivate a mutually beneficial relationship between humans and the natural world? Spring. Prerequisites: ENG 101 .