This session explores mythogenic landscapes as environments that generate and shape the creation, form, and content of myths, imaginaries, beliefs, and local narratives. In doing so, they exert a profound influence on communities and cultures. Within this context, one can refer to an abiotic cultural factor – the impact of geodiversity on humans and their cultural expressions. This factor often gives rise to distinctive forms of relationships between humans and the environment, operating at both symbolic and utilitarian levels. Mythogenic landscapes have shaped imaginaries and beliefs expressed in both verbal and non-verbal forms. Interpretations of extreme events and ideas about the origins of geomorphological features have contributed to the development of local geofolklore, including geomyths. Such cultural expressions form an important part of the intangible dimension of geoheritage, which should be evaluated not only in terms of scientific values but also for their cultural and culture-shaping significance. Traditional interpretations of the origins of landforms and geomorphological processes, geohazards and the causes of hydrometeorological events – together with the myths and legends associated with them – create a network of interrelations that vividly illustrate human and environment interactions. This synergy has strengthened the once-overlooked, but now increasingly recognized, need to protect geoheritage. Incorporating a humanities perspective into the study of geological processes, landforms, and hydrometeorological phenomena enhances the value of geosites as elements of the geo-cultural heritage of civilization. Such an approach not only supports the development of geotourism but also holds significant potential for geoeducation.
Proposed session topics
1. Meteor impacts, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions in myths and oral traditions.
2. Local knowledge of landforms, hydrographic features, geological processes, and hydrometeorological phenomena.
3. Oral traditions as empirical evidence for dating geomorphological processes (e.g. rockfalls, landslides, extreme floods, karst phenomena, hailstorms).
4. Geomythical perspectives in oral traditions and cultural narratives.
5. From geomythology to geoheritage: exploring the symbolic meanings of geosites.
6. Geo-mytho-tourism: developing new local and regional geo-brands.
7. The potential of geomyths for geoeducation and public engagement.