Exploring Our Beginnings Eagle’s Landing World Literature Creation Myths Exploring Our Beginnings Eagle’s Landing World Literature

Essential Questions What are the characteristics of a creation myth? How do different cultures explain their beginnings? What are the similarities and the differences in creation myths from around the world? What unique cultural traits are revealed throughout creation myths? What common symbols appear throughout creation myths?

Characteristics of Creation Myths Commonly deals with the themes of “birth” and “new beginnings” A Mother and Father figure are sometimes present in the myth There is a supreme being that is present in the myth (This is different from the Mother and Father figure). Creatures and humans live peacefully alongside one another. Innocence is ultimately lost and human history begins. Ygdrassil from Norse Mythology

Birth An Egg is a common symbol in Creation Myths. A young child is also a common symbol in Creation Myths. Both symbolize creation and new beginnings. Examples Japanese Myth-in the beginning, the universe was shaped like an egg Iroquois Myth-The Sky Woman gave birth to a child. Find a picture.

Mother and Father Figures Not always the creator(s) of the universe. Usually the Mother is represented by Earth. The Father is represented by the Sky. Examples Greek Mythology-Uranus (Father) and Gaia (Mother) Australian Aborigines-The Sun Mother and the Father of All Spirits Find a picture.

Supreme Beings Normally triggers the creation of life. The Supreme Beings were either “active” or “passive” Active-direct hand in shaping life on Earth Passive-directed other gods to create life on Earth Examples Greek Myth-Zeus (passive) orders his sons, Prometheus and Epimetheus (active), to create life on Earth. Reminder, there are a lot of different Greek Creation Myths. Find a picture.

Humans and Creatures Animals are often looked at as equal to humans. Humans rely on animals to survive in myths. Humans and animals lived together peacefully. Humans only hunted and killed what was necessary. Example African Myth-humans and animals live together underground and did not fear one another Find a picture.

Innocence Lost There are three phases in myths that attribute to lost innocence. An order from the supreme being. Humans disobeying the order. Humans must now face the consequences of their disobedience. Example Greek Myth-Pandora is instructed by Zeus to not open the box (order). Pandora opens the box (disobedience). Pain and hunger escape from the box and enter the world (consequence). Needs a slide after to generate some discussion with students.