Researchers from the Polish Academy of Sciences have unveiled a groundbreaking cartometric map connecting local folklore to supernatural accounts, showcasing the rich oral traditions of Pomerania and Mecklenburg. Published in the Journal of Maps, this unique study melds folkloric narratives of mythical creatures with advanced cartographic techniques, presenting the histories of these regions at a scale of 1:720,000.
The study is not merely about geography; it aims to explore the intersection of art and science within the field of cartography. By utilizing modern GIS tools alongside historical cartographic aesthetics, the researchers pinpoint tales of werewolves, devils, dragons, and other legendary figures as captured by 19th and early 20th-century folklorists.
Dr. Robert Piotrowski, an ethnologist with the Interdisciplinary Anthropocene Research Team at the Institute of Geography and Spatial Organisation, explains the essence behind the research: “We were mainly interested in local stories about uncanny events associated with a specific place. For example, religious legends about witches meeting on this mountain, or how this boulder was once thrown by a giant.”
The researchers amassed over 1,200 accounts of supernatural events, associable with 600 unique locations within the region. Each tale is intricately tied to specific landscapes, showcasing how folklore shapes, and is shaped by, geographical features. The map serves as both a historical artifact and as contemporary research, reminding us how intertwined our narratives are with the places we inhabit.
Artistic inspiration for the project is drawn heavily from the Italian Renaissance, known for its masterful maps—a blend of art and science. Dr. Dariusz Brykała, a geographer specializing in the history of cartography, states, “These maps were created not just for navigation but also as artistic expressions, often depicting monsters and mythological creatures to fill unknown territories.”
This study proposes to explore how the artistic and symbolic elements found on these Renaissance maps can be applied to modern geographical representations, transforming them from mere tools for navigation to visual art forms. By doing so, the researchers highlight the evolution of cartography from its historical roots through to the digital age.
Remarkably, this cartometric map will be accessible online for free as part of the study published in the Journal of Maps, enabling scholars, students, and folklore enthusiasts to explore these stories visually. The authors believe the juxtaposition of contemporary technology with historical practices enriches our comprehension of both folklore and geography.
With this map, the vibrant folkloric culture of the Pomeranian and Mecklenburg regions is not only preserved but also brought to new life, inviting curious minds to ponder the connections between myth and place. For anyone interested in the shadowy figures of local myth, or simply the art of cartography, this intersection provides endless paths to exploration.
The project embodies the spirit of how folklore informs our sense of place, showing us there's more to the land than meets the eye. This rich tradition of storytelling continues to resonate, reflecting our collective imagination and the spaces we inhabit.