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Norse mythology’s climate lessons for the future | Lauren Fadiman

TED Talks Daily

2025/04/08
TED Talks Daily

TED Talks Daily

2025/04/08

Shownote

What if ancient myths are warnings for the future? Contemporary folklorist Lauren Fadiman explores how the Norse tale of Ragnarök may stem from real climate catastrophe, revealing how folklore preserves lessons of resilience and can guide how we adapt to o...

Highlights

In this podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of folklore and its relevance to modern environmental challenges. Lauren Fadiman, a contemporary folklorist, examines how ancient myths, such as the Norse tale of Ragnarök, might carry warnings from past climate catastrophes. By connecting these stories to real historical events, she reveals their potential to guide us in building resilience today.
00:01
Folklore provides unique perspectives on environmental challenges.
03:02
Ragnarök started with a volcanic eruption or meteor strike in 536 CE
06:26
Ragnarok, like the Great Flood, shows we're not first to face environmental catastrophe.

Chapters

How Can Ancient Stories Inform Modern Science?
00:00
What Did Ragnarök Reveal About Past Climate Disasters?
03:02
Can Myths Teach Us to Thrive in Times of Crisis?
06:26

Transcript

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