A series of earth-shattering volcanic eruptions and scorching tides of lava swept over the island, in what scientists described as the biggest volcanic cataclysm of the Common Era. A team of researchers at the University of Cambridge have studied accounts of volcanic activity from the Middle Ages, back to the year 940 CE, to find links between the death of paganism and rise of Christianity. The researchers have suggested the eruption was associated with "Vǫluspá", a prominent medieval tale foretelling the downfall of the pagan gods. Part of "Vǫluspá", or "The prophecy of the seeress", foretells the arrival of a singular god to replace the old pantheon in what sounds eerily similar to a volcano erupting. The medieval poem reads: "The sun starts to turn black, land sinks into sea; the bright stars scatter from the sky. "Steam spurts up with what nourishes life, flame flies high against heaven itself." Dr Clive Oppenheimer, of Cambridge's Department of Geography, said the almost eye