Journal article
On the convergence of myth and reality: Examples from the Pacific Islands
Geographical Journal, Vol.167(2), pp.125-138
2001
Abstract
Various (groups of) myths from the Pacific Islands are discussed. Generic groups considered are diluvian myths, myths involving abrupt subsidence, abrupt uplift, and simultaneous abrupt subsidence and uplift. Specific myths, recently validated, illustrate the superiority of the mythic explanation for recent volcanism over available geological information, and the possibility of myth recalling a migration which took place nearly 3000 years ago. The implications of the correct interpretation of the geographical basis of myths for an understanding of environmental change in the Pacific are explored. Particularly in a region where written history is relatively recent, myths have the potential for extending available chronologies of particular phenomena and allow consideration of issues such as the role of infrequent catastrophic events in landscape evolution and the role of (rapid) environmental change in cultural transformation to be considered more fully.
Details
- Title
- On the convergence of myth and reality: Examples from the Pacific Islands
- Authors
- Patrick Nunn (Author) - University of the South Pacific, Fiji
- Publication details
- Geographical Journal, Vol.167(2), pp.125-138
- Publisher
- Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Ltd.
- Date published
- 2001
- DOI
- 10.1111/1475-4959.00012
- ISSN
- 0016-7398
- Organisation Unit
- Indigenous and Transcultural Research Centre; Australian Centre for Pacific Islands Research; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Law and Society; Sustainability Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450541902621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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