Can you envision a time when knowledge was transmitted through spoken tales, weaving vivid narratives of celestial battles, earth-shaking eruptions, and oceans drained by mythical beings? A recent study published in Oral Tradition sheds light on how memories of a volcanic eruption in Fiji, approximately 2500 years ago, were intricately encoded in oral traditions. Far from mere fanciful stories, these narratives served as a foundation providing invaluable insights into the ancient community's understanding of natural phenomena.

At the western tip of Kadavu Island in Fiji, the landscape underwent a dramatic transformation. The ground trembled, the ocean roared, and the sky filled with billowing smoke and ash. When the clouds dispersed, a new mountain, resembling a yam mound, stood in place — Nabukelevu, the giant yam mound, later renamed Mount Washington during colonial times.

The profound impact of this volcanic eruption spurred the creation of enduring stories, passed down through approximately 100 generations across more than two millennia. These narratives, once dismissed as myths, are now recognised as authentic memories of past events, encoded in oral traditions that mirror the worldview of ancient communities. Central to these oral traditions is the story of Tanovo, a "god" from the island of Ono, and the eruption's antagonist. Tanovo, enraged by the newly formed volcanic dome, engaged in a cosmic battle described as "driva qele" or stealing earth. The confrontation with Nabukelevu's own deity, Tautaumolau, led to a chase through the sky, with falling earth creating islands below. Remarkably, the oral traditions not only recount the eruption but also reveal geological details that modern science might struggle to deduce. The sequence of island creation aligns with the likely movement of the ash plume, while tales of gods hiding beneath the sea and tsunamis unveil hidden facets of the eruption's impact.

This study contributes to a growing body of research highlighting the factual basis within "myths" and "legends." The Kadavu volcano stories indicate that ancient societies were just as risk-aware as contemporary ones, emphasising the importance of preserving memories to navigate hazards. In a conversation with Ratu Petero Uluinaceva, a custodian of these oral traditions, the timeless nature of these stories was affirmed. Their ancient history remains an integral part of the cultural fabric, revealing that literacy, or lack thereof, does not diminish the depth and resilience of oral traditions.

As we unravel the narratives of the past, we gain a deeper appreciation for the ways in which communities, both ancient and modern, navigate the challenges posed by the natural world.