Geomythology in the Mëllerdall UNESCO Global Geopark (Grand Duchy of Luxembourg) and Adjacent Areas: Inventory and Assessment of Geotouristic Potential
摘要
Historically, societies have relied on myths, folklore, and legends to interpret and process the natural world and the geological phenomena surrounding them. By bridging cultural narratives with scientific understanding, the geomythological approach has the potential to strengthen the relationship between scientists and the public, making geological phenomena more accessible to non-specialists. In this paper we examine several sites in the Mëllerdall UNESCO Global Geopark in eastern Luxembourg (and neighbouring areas with similar geological features) and their associated legends: here, the Luxembourg Sandstone and other rocks play a prominent role to demonstrate how geomythology can link geological heritage sites to local legends involving the devil, knights, princesses and witches. We then assess the geosites and show how these narratives not only enrich regional identity but also enhance the experience of geotourism by adding significance to geological heritage, making it more accessible to the general public visiting the Mëllerdall UNESCO Global Geopark.