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Open Country: The Northern Lights at Christmas

The Northern Lights at Christmas

17/12/2015

BBC Radio 4 - Open Country, The Northern Lights at Christmas

Helen Mark visits Swedish Lapland to discover the myths and magic of the Northern Lights.

The Northern Lights have been seen as fire-breathing dragons or the souls of the dead. Helen Mark visits Abisko in Sweden to discover the science and myth behind this phenomenon.

For a Christmas special Helen Mark visits the snow covered landscape of Swedish Lapland in search of the mythical, and often elusive, Northern Lights or Aurora Borealis. In Sami culture the lights are thought to emanate from the souls of the dead and must be treated with immense respect. Traditionally the Sami remained indoors during a display but today the chance of seeing the Northern Lights brings many visitors to this remote part of Sweden. Helen Mark hears about the mythology which surrounds the Aurora and travels by sled, snowmobile and foot to try to catch a glimpse for herself. Along the way she uncovers a dramatic mountainous landscape.

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