Tristan Hughes

And then combining that with mythology to learn more about how these people lived and how they viewed the polar world around them.

Our guest for this episode is Dr. Asta Munstul.

She is an archaeologist from Greenland.

She also specialises in the mythology as well.

She was so wonderful to talk to, so warm and lovely and really shines a light on the people of Greenland and their long, long history.

I really do hope you enjoy.

Let's go.

It's 800 years ago.

High up in the Arctic, a fire burns brightly, nurtured within a building made of stone and bone.

Animal skins insulate the interior.

The house is well built for the cold climate.

The fire's heat does not escape.

This winter house is home to several families, their wet outdoor clothes drying on racks above.

Now they come together around the fireplace to eat and tell stories.

Children run around, as they do, until they're finally told to sit and take their place.

The storytelling is about to begin.

Forward steps the Shaman, a leading figure in their small community and the deliverer of tonight's tale.

What was it to be tonight?

Perhaps the story of the heroic hunter who slew the great whale many moons ago that still provides food for this community.

Or perhaps a myth steeped in survival knowledge, lessons for the young to take heed of in this snowy landscape.