Façonné par le feu ou comment les phénomènes volcaniques construisent les récits mythologiques
Résumé
Catastrophic events have left scars not only in the environment, but also in collective memory. As the Mediterranean basin is a geographic area subject to relatively frequent volcanic activities, it is no surprise to find multiple explanations to these phenomena in ancient cultural products. Myths have been among the tools used throughout history to preserve and transmit knowledge about dangerous geological phenomena, allowing ancient populations to conceptualize and somehow analyse catastrophic events. This paper proposes a discussion starting from the definition adopted by Vitaliano in 1973 of ‘geo-myths’ as specific myths/tales that contain not only clear references to geological phenomena, but wherein memories of past catastrophic events play a central role in the plot. Three case studies selected from Sicily and the from the Phlegrean Fields are analysed through the words of Graeco-Roman historiographers and mythographers to highlight the geological core of those tales. The contribution ultimately aims to develop a ground-based approach to the study of geo-myths as indispensable tools adopted by ancient communities to explore and exploit the environment.