1. Today's Task
First, take notes on this PowerPoint, as you will need the info to compose your own Creation Myth
Then, begin working on your own Creation Myth

2. CREATION
“Every culture has a story that tries to explain its human origins. This is simply a normal human phenomenon.” Stan Mulder

3. So What Are Creation Myths?
They are attempts at stories to explain WHERE we came from and HOW we got here.
They exist in almost every culture
They reflect the culture in which they originated (agriculture, money, landscape, etc)
No matter the culture, there are common elements and themes in ALL creation myths

4. Motifs & Symbols Golden chain Egg (life form)
Floods (washing away of innocence)
Sun
Moon
A Seed
Fire

5. Numbers of Significance
Often there are recurring numbers in Creation Myths
Examples: 7 and 8
7 monsters, 7 angels, 7 mountains, 7 gates into Hades, 8 fingers, 8 years, 7 pupils in the eye, 8 islands …

6. CREATION THEMES/ ELEMENTS
Wars and violence
Human nature
Birth and rebirth
World Development
Land, water, animals
Survival
Cosmic architecture
Mother/Father

7. The theme of BIRTH
INDIA AZTEC

8. MOTHER-FATHER THEME FATHER: USUALLY SKY MOTHER : USUALLY EARTH
Sense of unity (like matrimony) with Mother Earth
MOTHER : USUALLY EARTH
Ancient people mystified by birth – found links between mothers and Mother Earth

9. The Creation Theme of WORLD DEVELOPMENT
Most myths show the development and/or formation of the world
Some have more detail than others

10. SUPREME BEING THEME
NEARLY ALL ANCIENT CREATION MYTHS INCLUDE SOME TYPE OF SUPREME BEING/GOD
This supreme being was responsible for creating world
Some ordered it done
Some had a lesser god do the work
Some created everything by hand

11. ANIMAL THEME Animals played key roles in creation myths
Often viewed as equals by humans
Man and animal lived together
Aborigine

12. Creation Myths Process Overview
1. First, conjure up your own Creation Myth
to become acquainted with the elements
of World Creation Myths (use template)
2. Then, (Friday & next week) in your assigned group, you will read and take notes on a selected world creation myth.
3. Then, your group will present the creation myth to the rest of the class using a multimedia presentation (you'll get the assignment sheet). You will take notes on these.
4. Finally, each student will compose a compare/contrast essay on two myths of your choice.