Interpreting the Great Flood: Climate Anxieties and Adaptation Strategies in Mythologies Using Corpus Analysis

Abstract

The Great Flood myth, one of the most enduring and widespread narratives across various cultures, provides a profound lens through which to explore humanity's relationship with the environment. This paper examines the representation of the Great Flood within Hindu mythology, Anglo-Saxon civilization, the mythology of Gilgamesh, and the sacred scriptures of Christianity and Islam, reflecting climate anxieties and adaptation strategies through interdisciplinary methodologies, including eco-criticism and corpus linguistics. Using the corpus software Sketch Engine, the analysis begins with a quantitative approach and transitions to a qualitative discussion. By comparing versions of the myth from these diverse traditions, this study identifies common themes of divine retribution, survival, and renewal. Corpus tools are employed to analyze the geographical spread and historical evolution of the myth, revealing its global significance and local adaptations. This detailed analysis underscores the importance of folklore in shaping cultural resilience and informing sustainable practices. The findings suggest that the Great Flood myth not only encapsulates ancient environmental wisdom but also offers valuable insights for contemporary climate change discourse and policy-making. By integrating traditional ecological knowledge embedded in folklore, we can enhance our understanding of human-environment interactions and develop more effective strategies for climate adaptation and mitigation.