Nicola here, just back from a cruise along the coast of Norway taking in some spectacular scenery and the stunning beauty of the Northern Lights. Standing on the deck on the ship at 2am in temperatures of -13, it did occur to me to wonder what our ancestors had made of the extraordinary phenomena of the aurora. It’s so beautiful and other-worldly that even in these days when it can all be explained by science, it’s still pretty mind-blowing. How did people view the aurora in the past? Fortunately there was an excellent lecture on the ship that covered everything to do with the Northern Lights and it was so interesting that I thought I would blog about it here.
This is possibly the first picture of the Northern Lights, a cave painting from about 30 000 BC in France. The first written record of 
them dates from a Chinese manuscript of 2600 BC: “"Fu-Pao, the mother of the Yellow Empire Shuan-Yuan, saw strong lightning moving around the star Su, which belongs to the constellation of Bei-Dou, and the light illuminated the whole area." The Chinese tended to refer to the lights in terminology related to fire and animals, especially dragons.
In the days when the world was believed to be flat there was a theory that there was a tunnel that went through the middle of the earth from the North to the South Pole. This allowed the aurora to be explained as sunshine from the other side of the world reflected down the tube between the two which is a beautifully imaginative explanation!
There is a very specific record of the northern lights being seen on the 5th day of the 4th month in 593 BC. The philosopher Xenofanes wrote of “the accumulation of moving and burning clouds”. Plutarch’s description of them in 467 BC was very detailed: “During seventy days there was an enormous and furious figure in the sky. It was like a flaming cloud, which did not stay at its position but moved windingly and regularly, so that the glowing fragments were flying in all directions and fire was blazing as the comets do. Those fragments came loose during rushing and unexpected movements.” The northern lights are recorded as occurring up to three times per decade on the horizon of ancient Greece so pretty far South! The Romans also recorded them and often associated them with events such as death and battle, drawing the connection between the lights as harbingers of destruction or sometimes good fortune.
There are very few references to the Northern Lights in the European records of the Middle Ages. Possibly the sun was in a quiet phase and so the lights were not visible very far south. They are mentioned as a portent of evil at the time of the murder of Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury in 1177 and there are also records from Scotland in the Dark Ages. Naturally they were an important feature of the Viking Age, and there are many many accounts of them from the Nordic cultures. In Scandinavia children were not allowed outside when the Northern Lights were seen for fear that the lights would spirit them away. The Vikings considered them to be the sky bridge between the Gods and the Earth. The Norse God of the Northern Lights was Heimdall (you might have seen Idris Elba in the role in the Thor films!)
Whilst in more southerly climes the lights were often depicted as fire, and they were in this 16th century drawing of them as 
candles burning above the clouds, in the Far North they had associations with dance because of the shimmering and weaving qualities of the patterns they made. There is also a tradition in the Sami culture that you can hear the aurora as music which fits rather nicely with the dancing theme. I must admit I couldn't hear anything when we saw the lights ourselves but that was possibly because the noise of the ship drowned them out!
The term "aurora borealis" was coined by Galileo in 1619. He named them for the goddess Aurora, the Roman Goddess of morning. Following a number of vivid sightings at the beginning of the 17th century, however, there was a long fallow period with no record of the lights; this coincided with a period when no sunspots were observed although of course at the time people were not certain of the connection between the two. This quiet period ended in spectacular fashion on the 17th March 1716 with an enormous display! This was the beginning of the era when scientific theories started to understand and explain the aurora.
Interestingly, the Northern Lights do not always appear as shifting lights but sometimes as a bow across the sky, known as the 
auroral arc. We saw them like that on the voyage – a huge green rainbow arcing above our heads!
Our ship was, appropriately, named the Nordlys, meaning North Light, and had wonderful prints of the Northern Lights on the walls.
The lights, in all their glory, have inspired art,music, jewellery,storytelling, legends and much more for so many years and no doubt will continue to do so long into the future. Even though we know the scientific cause of them now it in no way diminishes their beauty!
Have you ever seen the Northern Lights or are they on your bucket list? What did you think of them? Do they make you think of fire, or dancing, or something completely different?
You are so lucky to have seen the Northern Lights. Yes, I want to see them too!
You are so lucky to have seen the Northern Lights. Yes, I want to see them too!
You are so lucky to have seen the Northern Lights. Yes, I want to see them too!
You are so lucky to have seen the Northern Lights. Yes, I want to see them too!
You are so lucky to have seen the Northern Lights. Yes, I want to see them too!
Hi Susie
Thank you so much for dropping in to the blog. Yes, I think we were very lucky,particularly to have such amazing views. I know they are on a lot of people’s wish lists and I hope you get to see them too!
Hi Susie
Thank you so much for dropping in to the blog. Yes, I think we were very lucky,particularly to have such amazing views. I know they are on a lot of people’s wish lists and I hope you get to see them too!
Hi Susie
Thank you so much for dropping in to the blog. Yes, I think we were very lucky,particularly to have such amazing views. I know they are on a lot of people’s wish lists and I hope you get to see them too!
Hi Susie
Thank you so much for dropping in to the blog. Yes, I think we were very lucky,particularly to have such amazing views. I know they are on a lot of people’s wish lists and I hope you get to see them too!
Hi Susie
Thank you so much for dropping in to the blog. Yes, I think we were very lucky,particularly to have such amazing views. I know they are on a lot of people’s wish lists and I hope you get to see them too!
We can see them here in western Maine on occasion, but not as the brilliant display of the far north. It’s more like seeing a glow of greenish light on the horizon. You might think it came from the lights of a distant city, except that there are no cities north of here. Mostly just trees.
We can see them here in western Maine on occasion, but not as the brilliant display of the far north. It’s more like seeing a glow of greenish light on the horizon. You might think it came from the lights of a distant city, except that there are no cities north of here. Mostly just trees.
We can see them here in western Maine on occasion, but not as the brilliant display of the far north. It’s more like seeing a glow of greenish light on the horizon. You might think it came from the lights of a distant city, except that there are no cities north of here. Mostly just trees.
We can see them here in western Maine on occasion, but not as the brilliant display of the far north. It’s more like seeing a glow of greenish light on the horizon. You might think it came from the lights of a distant city, except that there are no cities north of here. Mostly just trees.
We can see them here in western Maine on occasion, but not as the brilliant display of the far north. It’s more like seeing a glow of greenish light on the horizon. You might think it came from the lights of a distant city, except that there are no cities north of here. Mostly just trees.
Nicola, this is a cruise I want to take!!! I’d love to see the Lights in full dance mode.
Nicola, this is a cruise I want to take!!! I’d love to see the Lights in full dance mode.
Nicola, this is a cruise I want to take!!! I’d love to see the Lights in full dance mode.
Nicola, this is a cruise I want to take!!! I’d love to see the Lights in full dance mode.
Nicola, this is a cruise I want to take!!! I’d love to see the Lights in full dance mode.
I have never seen them. For 7 years we lived in New Jersey (metropolitan NYC) which may have been far enough north for a good sighting. But the metropolitan lights blocked out any sight of them (if indeed any occurred).
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures.
I have never seen them. For 7 years we lived in New Jersey (metropolitan NYC) which may have been far enough north for a good sighting. But the metropolitan lights blocked out any sight of them (if indeed any occurred).
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures.
I have never seen them. For 7 years we lived in New Jersey (metropolitan NYC) which may have been far enough north for a good sighting. But the metropolitan lights blocked out any sight of them (if indeed any occurred).
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures.
I have never seen them. For 7 years we lived in New Jersey (metropolitan NYC) which may have been far enough north for a good sighting. But the metropolitan lights blocked out any sight of them (if indeed any occurred).
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures.
I have never seen them. For 7 years we lived in New Jersey (metropolitan NYC) which may have been far enough north for a good sighting. But the metropolitan lights blocked out any sight of them (if indeed any occurred).
Thank you so much for the beautiful pictures.
That sounds quite spooky, Kathy!
That sounds quite spooky, Kathy!
That sounds quite spooky, Kathy!
That sounds quite spooky, Kathy!
That sounds quite spooky, Kathy!
I think you would love it, Mary Jo. Great food on the ship too!
I think you would love it, Mary Jo. Great food on the ship too!
I think you would love it, Mary Jo. Great food on the ship too!
I think you would love it, Mary Jo. Great food on the ship too!
I think you would love it, Mary Jo. Great food on the ship too!
Thank you, Sue, I’m so glad you liked the pictures. Yes, I do think you need dark skies to see them properly. Even in Norway, when we were in port the city lights made them very pale.
Thank you, Sue, I’m so glad you liked the pictures. Yes, I do think you need dark skies to see them properly. Even in Norway, when we were in port the city lights made them very pale.
Thank you, Sue, I’m so glad you liked the pictures. Yes, I do think you need dark skies to see them properly. Even in Norway, when we were in port the city lights made them very pale.
Thank you, Sue, I’m so glad you liked the pictures. Yes, I do think you need dark skies to see them properly. Even in Norway, when we were in port the city lights made them very pale.
Thank you, Sue, I’m so glad you liked the pictures. Yes, I do think you need dark skies to see them properly. Even in Norway, when we were in port the city lights made them very pale.
Wonderful blog, Nicola. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights. And these photos are stunning.
Wonderful blog, Nicola. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights. And these photos are stunning.
Wonderful blog, Nicola. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights. And these photos are stunning.
Wonderful blog, Nicola. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights. And these photos are stunning.
Wonderful blog, Nicola. I’ve always wanted to see the Northern Lights. And these photos are stunning.
I spent 3 years in Northern British Columbia, Canada and loved to see the Northern Lights. One night my Brother-in-law came home and told us we had to look outside! The Northern Lights were so bright they were unbelievable. Huge bands of light like big circles of light circling a central point in the sky almost like ripples in a pond when you drop a stone in. I stood outside until I was almost frozen and then went back inside; got warm and then went back outside until I was almost numb again. I did this over and over again. I couldn’t hear them but they were an amazing yellowish green. Thirty odd years later the memory of that night is still vivid.
I spent 3 years in Northern British Columbia, Canada and loved to see the Northern Lights. One night my Brother-in-law came home and told us we had to look outside! The Northern Lights were so bright they were unbelievable. Huge bands of light like big circles of light circling a central point in the sky almost like ripples in a pond when you drop a stone in. I stood outside until I was almost frozen and then went back inside; got warm and then went back outside until I was almost numb again. I did this over and over again. I couldn’t hear them but they were an amazing yellowish green. Thirty odd years later the memory of that night is still vivid.
I spent 3 years in Northern British Columbia, Canada and loved to see the Northern Lights. One night my Brother-in-law came home and told us we had to look outside! The Northern Lights were so bright they were unbelievable. Huge bands of light like big circles of light circling a central point in the sky almost like ripples in a pond when you drop a stone in. I stood outside until I was almost frozen and then went back inside; got warm and then went back outside until I was almost numb again. I did this over and over again. I couldn’t hear them but they were an amazing yellowish green. Thirty odd years later the memory of that night is still vivid.
I spent 3 years in Northern British Columbia, Canada and loved to see the Northern Lights. One night my Brother-in-law came home and told us we had to look outside! The Northern Lights were so bright they were unbelievable. Huge bands of light like big circles of light circling a central point in the sky almost like ripples in a pond when you drop a stone in. I stood outside until I was almost frozen and then went back inside; got warm and then went back outside until I was almost numb again. I did this over and over again. I couldn’t hear them but they were an amazing yellowish green. Thirty odd years later the memory of that night is still vivid.
I spent 3 years in Northern British Columbia, Canada and loved to see the Northern Lights. One night my Brother-in-law came home and told us we had to look outside! The Northern Lights were so bright they were unbelievable. Huge bands of light like big circles of light circling a central point in the sky almost like ripples in a pond when you drop a stone in. I stood outside until I was almost frozen and then went back inside; got warm and then went back outside until I was almost numb again. I did this over and over again. I couldn’t hear them but they were an amazing yellowish green. Thirty odd years later the memory of that night is still vivid.
Thank you, Anne! I’ve often wondered about the Southern Lights as well and if they are too far south for most people to see them.
Thank you, Anne! I’ve often wondered about the Southern Lights as well and if they are too far south for most people to see them.
Thank you, Anne! I’ve often wondered about the Southern Lights as well and if they are too far south for most people to see them.
Thank you, Anne! I’ve often wondered about the Southern Lights as well and if they are too far south for most people to see them.
Thank you, Anne! I’ve often wondered about the Southern Lights as well and if they are too far south for most people to see them.
Thank you for the beautiful description. Karen! They sound amazing and no wonder they made such a lasting impression on you.
Thank you for the beautiful description. Karen! They sound amazing and no wonder they made such a lasting impression on you.
Thank you for the beautiful description. Karen! They sound amazing and no wonder they made such a lasting impression on you.
Thank you for the beautiful description. Karen! They sound amazing and no wonder they made such a lasting impression on you.
Thank you for the beautiful description. Karen! They sound amazing and no wonder they made such a lasting impression on you.
Grew up in the northern part of lower Michigan. Would see the northern lights a lot, especially on a extremely cold, still (no wind) winter night. They were never the same, you would see different colors each night. A lovely memory. Thank you for helping me remember.
Grew up in the northern part of lower Michigan. Would see the northern lights a lot, especially on a extremely cold, still (no wind) winter night. They were never the same, you would see different colors each night. A lovely memory. Thank you for helping me remember.
Grew up in the northern part of lower Michigan. Would see the northern lights a lot, especially on a extremely cold, still (no wind) winter night. They were never the same, you would see different colors each night. A lovely memory. Thank you for helping me remember.
Grew up in the northern part of lower Michigan. Would see the northern lights a lot, especially on a extremely cold, still (no wind) winter night. They were never the same, you would see different colors each night. A lovely memory. Thank you for helping me remember.
Grew up in the northern part of lower Michigan. Would see the northern lights a lot, especially on a extremely cold, still (no wind) winter night. They were never the same, you would see different colors each night. A lovely memory. Thank you for helping me remember.
Beautiful photos. Thank you – in Texas we don’t see the Northern lights. We have the Marfa Lights but they are not beautiful, just weird.
Beautiful photos. Thank you – in Texas we don’t see the Northern lights. We have the Marfa Lights but they are not beautiful, just weird.
Beautiful photos. Thank you – in Texas we don’t see the Northern lights. We have the Marfa Lights but they are not beautiful, just weird.
Beautiful photos. Thank you – in Texas we don’t see the Northern lights. We have the Marfa Lights but they are not beautiful, just weird.
Beautiful photos. Thank you – in Texas we don’t see the Northern lights. We have the Marfa Lights but they are not beautiful, just weird.
Here in Eastern part of Finland I’ve seen them quite a few times. Around here they are called “revontulet”, which means fires of the fox or fox fires: http://www.athropolis.com/arctic-facts/fact-revontulet.htm
Here in Eastern part of Finland I’ve seen them quite a few times. Around here they are called “revontulet”, which means fires of the fox or fox fires: http://www.athropolis.com/arctic-facts/fact-revontulet.htm
Here in Eastern part of Finland I’ve seen them quite a few times. Around here they are called “revontulet”, which means fires of the fox or fox fires: http://www.athropolis.com/arctic-facts/fact-revontulet.htm
Here in Eastern part of Finland I’ve seen them quite a few times. Around here they are called “revontulet”, which means fires of the fox or fox fires: http://www.athropolis.com/arctic-facts/fact-revontulet.htm
Here in Eastern part of Finland I’ve seen them quite a few times. Around here they are called “revontulet”, which means fires of the fox or fox fires: http://www.athropolis.com/arctic-facts/fact-revontulet.htm
What a wonderful post, Nicola. I’ve never seen the Northern lights, but it’s possible I saw the z Southern lights as a child. Here’s an article with some beautiful pictures — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/best-places-see-southern-lights-180964246/
What a wonderful post, Nicola. I’ve never seen the Northern lights, but it’s possible I saw the z Southern lights as a child. Here’s an article with some beautiful pictures — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/best-places-see-southern-lights-180964246/
What a wonderful post, Nicola. I’ve never seen the Northern lights, but it’s possible I saw the z Southern lights as a child. Here’s an article with some beautiful pictures — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/best-places-see-southern-lights-180964246/
What a wonderful post, Nicola. I’ve never seen the Northern lights, but it’s possible I saw the z Southern lights as a child. Here’s an article with some beautiful pictures — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/best-places-see-southern-lights-180964246/
What a wonderful post, Nicola. I’ve never seen the Northern lights, but it’s possible I saw the z Southern lights as a child. Here’s an article with some beautiful pictures — https://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/best-places-see-southern-lights-180964246/
How lovely, Lola! We saw white, green and purple/pink lights and it was amazing. It’s interesting that you mention the wind – we were told that wind isn’t good for the lights although I’m not sure why. I love that you remember it so vividly!
How lovely, Lola! We saw white, green and purple/pink lights and it was amazing. It’s interesting that you mention the wind – we were told that wind isn’t good for the lights although I’m not sure why. I love that you remember it so vividly!
How lovely, Lola! We saw white, green and purple/pink lights and it was amazing. It’s interesting that you mention the wind – we were told that wind isn’t good for the lights although I’m not sure why. I love that you remember it so vividly!
How lovely, Lola! We saw white, green and purple/pink lights and it was amazing. It’s interesting that you mention the wind – we were told that wind isn’t good for the lights although I’m not sure why. I love that you remember it so vividly!
How lovely, Lola! We saw white, green and purple/pink lights and it was amazing. It’s interesting that you mention the wind – we were told that wind isn’t good for the lights although I’m not sure why. I love that you remember it so vividly!
I hadn’t heard of the Marfa Lights, Annette and went to look them up. They sound rather intriguing!
I hadn’t heard of the Marfa Lights, Annette and went to look them up. They sound rather intriguing!
I hadn’t heard of the Marfa Lights, Annette and went to look them up. They sound rather intriguing!
I hadn’t heard of the Marfa Lights, Annette and went to look them up. They sound rather intriguing!
I hadn’t heard of the Marfa Lights, Annette and went to look them up. They sound rather intriguing!
Fox fires! How fabulously poetic! Thank you, Minna.
Fox fires! How fabulously poetic! Thank you, Minna.
Fox fires! How fabulously poetic! Thank you, Minna.
Fox fires! How fabulously poetic! Thank you, Minna.
Fox fires! How fabulously poetic! Thank you, Minna.
Thank you for the link, Kareni. It would be amazing to see the Southern Lights as well one day!
Thank you for the link, Kareni. It would be amazing to see the Southern Lights as well one day!
Thank you for the link, Kareni. It would be amazing to see the Southern Lights as well one day!
Thank you for the link, Kareni. It would be amazing to see the Southern Lights as well one day!
Thank you for the link, Kareni. It would be amazing to see the Southern Lights as well one day!
I would love to see them! I’ve seen sort of a shimmering in the sky in upstate New York, but never the full-fledged Northern Lights.
I would love to see them! I’ve seen sort of a shimmering in the sky in upstate New York, but never the full-fledged Northern Lights.
I would love to see them! I’ve seen sort of a shimmering in the sky in upstate New York, but never the full-fledged Northern Lights.
I would love to see them! I’ve seen sort of a shimmering in the sky in upstate New York, but never the full-fledged Northern Lights.
I would love to see them! I’ve seen sort of a shimmering in the sky in upstate New York, but never the full-fledged Northern Lights.