5 Ancient Myths About Earthquakes

5 Ancient Myths About Earthquakes

1. In Japanese mythology, earthquakes were caused by a giant catfish called Namazu. He lives in the mud beneath Japan and the god, Kashima, restrains him with a stone. When Kashima is distracted, Namazu thrashes about and causes an earthquake. The Japan Meteorological Agency has a logo of a catfish for their Earthquake Early Warning devices.

2. In ancient Greece, it was Poseidon, the god of the sea, who caused earthquakes and, as such, his nickname was "Earth-Shaker". When Poseidon got angry, he'd strike the ground with his trident, the result being an earthquake.

3. In Hindu mythology, the Earth is held in place by eight massive elephants. These elephants are balanced on the back of a giant turtle, and the turtle stands on the coils of a snake. When any of these creatures moves a bit, the balance is upset, and an earthquake occurs.

4. In Peru mythology, they believed when a god visited Earth to count how many people there were, his footsteps would cause an earthquake. So, to shorten the amount of time he would visit, the people would run from their homes shouting, "I'm here. I'm here."

5. In Norse mythology, it was Loki, the Asgard god of mischief, who caused the earthquakes. When Loki killed Baldr, the god of light and purity, his punishment was to be bound inside a cave. A poisonous snake was hung over his head, dripping venom. Loki's wife, Sigyn, had to catch the venom inside a bowl, but when it was full, she had to empty it. Whilst she was gone, the venom dripped on Loki's face and he thrashed against his bonds, which caused the earthquakes.