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Paper short abstract

In an era deeply influenced by eco- and technological crises, this paper explores how narratives foster an ecohabitus. Grounded in ontological pluralism, it analyzes the prevalence of nature-deficit disorder in video games while examining the innovative reimagining of totems in art practices.

Paper long abstract

This paper investigates ontological pluralism through traditional folk narratives and beliefs, which extend beyond the human realm to encompass sacred woods, waters, stones, and totems, alongside their functional equivalents in contemporary practices and digital narratives, such as video games. Its primary aim is to examine how storytelling in, with, and about nature fosters an ecohabitus and enhances human well-being amid escalating ecological and technological crises. The study explores two key perspectives. First, it analyzes the digital transformation of folk narratives in video games, investigating how the "natures" of these narratives are reshaped by the media and ecologies they inhabit, through concepts like translocations and the phenomenology of technology (Rogers, 2018; Chang, 2019). It also addresses the risks of "nature-deficit disorder" (Chang, 2011), highlighting the consequences of diminished nature connections in digital spaces. Second, the paper examines the reimagination of totems in contemporary art and narratives, drawing on ontological pluralism (Descola). This approach reframes totems not as mere cultural symbols but as powerful spiritual conduits linking human consciousness to a mystical reality. By doing so, it revitalizes totemic practices as dynamic modes of ecological connection, challenging the entrenched nature-culture binary and promoting human well-being.Through these analyses, the paper underscores the transformative potential of narratives in cultivating ecological awareness and harmonious relationships with the environment, offering insights into how traditional and digital storytelling can address contemporary crises and foster a deeper connection to the natural world.