CREATION MYTHS STORIES THAT EXPLAIN LIFE, THE UNIVERSE, AND EVERYTHING

CREATION MYTHS Asking questions, looking for answers Origins of humanity, th Earth, animals, plants, and other elements of nature Cultures invent stories to make sense of the world for their times

COMMON THEMES Creation Myths from around the world have some similar themes. Modern scholars have observed these themes. Individual myths do not exactly fit with modern stereotypes. Each creation myth contains several common thematic features. We will examine interesting similarities and differences.

COMMON ELEMENTS: CREATION/GEOGRAPHY Beginnings Often a jumbled mass of components which serve as the first elements of life Formation of the Gods Male or Female gods give birth to children Natural Unusual Explanations for the formation of mountains, valleys, oceans, rivers, etc.

First gods born did not always create the world. Often, their children decided to fill the world with life. Creates a hierarchy. COMMON ELEMENTS: GENEALOGY

Polytheistic Monotheistic COMMON ELEMENTS: SUPREME BEINGS

Created by a god or supernatural being Establishes : links between humanity beings and the supernatural world continues the hierarchy COMMON ELEMENTS: CREATION OF HUMANITY

Animals played key roles in many Creation Myths Sometimes viewed as equal to humans often reflect feelings of culture for animals Account for the existence of the forms of life that inhabit the planet. Might explain physical characteristics of the animals. COMMON ELEMENTS: ANIMAL/HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS

Night & Fear the setting of the sun brought on fear and chaos Instruction & Fire Divine tutoring Fire: Dual Nature Sin & Consequences Brings pain, suffering, illness, etc. into the world OTHER COMMON ELEMENTS: NIGHT, FEAR, FIRE, INSTRUCTION, SIN, CONSEQUENCES

Humankind continues to answer origin questions. For some, scientific evidence serves as a basis for creation stories For others, deeply rooted ancient beliefs remain the cornerstone in their own theories CREATION MYTHS