Eco-Lore: Some Mythic and Folkloric Roots

Abstract

The energies and elements of the natural world have often been personified as nature spirits and deities. Here we will examine this nature-oriented aspect of myth, legend and folklore, and interpret it as a store of Eco-lore that communicates with us about ways we can enter into a gentler relationship with our planet. At the same time we see that these traditions have preserved data, often in symbolic form, about past human interactions with nature. We engage with specific mythic traditions to explore this Eco-lore, considering first the ancient Celtic and Greek myths, and then engaging with the mediaeval figures of Merlin and the Green Man. The fruitfulness of analysing the Eco-lore of various mythic traditions is demonstrated, as is the contribution these can make to helping us now to think differently about the natural world, and to find again the ability to honour the life force energy of nature, as those of the past knew how to do appropriately.