Ragnarok: The Age of Fire and Gravel

Aug 21, 2026

Ignatius Donnelly's "Ragnarok: The Age of Fire and Gravel," published in 1882, presents a radical theory about Earth's history, suggesting that catastrophic cosmic events, specifically a comet impact, were responsible for widespread destruction and the near-extinction of humanity. Donnelly, author of "Atlantis: The Antediluvian World," draws upon geological evidence, mythology, and biblical accounts to support his hypothesis that a comet struck the Earth thousands of years ago, causing immense geological upheaval, dramatic climate changes, and societal collapse. He posits that this cataclysm is the origin of many global myths and legends of floods, fires, and falling stars, and that surviving human populations, fragmented and scattered, were forced to rebuild civilization from the ashes. The book delves into ancient cosmologies and the oral traditions of various cultures, interpreting them as echoes of this primeval disaster. Donnelly's work is a compelling, albeit speculative, exploration of early human history and the potential impact of celestial phenomena on terrestrial life, challenging conventional scientific and historical timelines of its era with its bold and comprehensive narrative.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryLiterature

FormatPDF

Pages476

Reading Time12 h 13 min

AccessFree to download

RAGNAROK:

THE AGE OF FIRE AND GRAVEL

FAQs

What is the central hypothesis of Ignatius Donnelly's "Ragnarok: The Age of Fire and Gravel"?

The central hypothesis is that a comet impacted the Earth thousands of years ago, causing widespread destruction, climate change, and societal collapse, which is the root of many ancient myths.

What evidence does Donnelly use to support his theory?

Donnelly draws upon geological evidence, global mythology, ancient cosmologies, and biblical accounts to support his theory of a cataclysmic comet impact.

What is the significance of the title "Ragnarok" in the context of the book?

The title "Ragnarok" refers to the Norse myth of a world-ending battle and destruction, which Donnelly interprets as a symbolic representation of the ancient cataclysm he describes.

Aug 21, 2026

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