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Echoes of Myth : Reviewing Human-Nature Connectedness through Ancient Narratives

Doyle, Killian L. (2025) Echoes of Myth : Reviewing Human-Nature Connectedness through Ancient Narratives.

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Abstract:This study reviews literature investigating the complex relationships between cultural narratives and Human-Nature Connectedness (HNC), with a particular focus on how mythology and folklore shape these dynamics. HNC is a multidimensional concept that describes ways in which individuals and communities are connected with the natural world on psychological, spiritual, and ecological dimensions. The present study follows an integrative approach to explore how these connections are informed by mythologies and folklore from diverse cultures. It identifies significant themes namely, “Spiritual and Sacred Relationships with Nature”, “Ethical and Reciprocal Relationships with Nature”, “Interconnectedness of Humans and Nature”, “Consequences of Environmental Exploitation”, and “Cultural Transmission of Environmental Knowledge” and synthesizes them into a theoretical framework. The framework presented in this study depicts the cyclical relationships between these themes that reoccur in mythology and folklore. The model further looks toward traditional narratives to foster deep and action-oriented knowledge of HNC, hence strengthen sustainability and ecological coexistence. This paper provides reasons to believe that the integration of such stories into educational curricula, conservation strategies, and policies can cultivate coexistence that is more respectful and integrated among humans and nature.
Item Type:Essay (Master)
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology MSc (66604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/104965
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