1. Creation Myth

3. Myth: The world ’ s oldest stories From the Greek word muthos for story.From the Greek word muthos for story. Origins are uncertain because they are anonymous, generated and perpetuated by cultures through the oral tradition.Origins are uncertain because they are anonymous, generated and perpetuated by cultures through the oral tradition. Not intended to be recorded history of events…Not intended to be recorded history of events… –…but rather of a people and culture, of values and beliefs.

4. Myth: The world ’ s oldest stories People have always tired to figure out common questions like who made the universe or what causes a storm.People have always tired to figure out common questions like who made the universe or what causes a storm. Myth is whatMyth is what answers these answers these questions. questions.

5. Myth Provides Answers for the Following: Explain the origins of the universe and lifeExplain the origins of the universe and life Explain a natural phenomenon—why is the sky blue, what are stars.Explain a natural phenomenon—why is the sky blue, what are stars. Explain the humanExplain the human condition—flaws, condition—flaws, suffering, death… suffering, death… Explain historical events.Explain historical events. Teach morality.Teach morality.

6. Myth Provides Answers for the Following: Myths explain these elements through the involvement of a pantheon of deities (gods and goddesses), providing a system of religious beliefs and practices.Myths explain these elements through the involvement of a pantheon of deities (gods and goddesses), providing a system of religious beliefs and practices. These myths are passed along by leaders and priests.These myths are passed along by leaders and priests.

7. Origin Myths and Archetypes An Archetype: a pattern or model that serves as the basis for different but related versions of a character, plot, or theme.An Archetype: a pattern or model that serves as the basis for different but related versions of a character, plot, or theme. Origin stories explain how events, actions, or objects came into being, featuring common archetypes found universally in myths from around the world.Origin stories explain how events, actions, or objects came into being, featuring common archetypes found universally in myths from around the world.

8. Familiar Archetypes: Creator figure (god or goddess)Creator figure (god or goddess) WaterWater Golden AgeGolden Age A TricksterA Trickster Talking Animals (spiritual guides)Talking Animals (spiritual guides) Sibling Rivals and/or Sibling MatesSibling Rivals and/or Sibling Mates

9. Familiar Archetypes: Fall From Grace (loss of paradise)Fall From Grace (loss of paradise) Great DestructionGreat Destruction Female EarthFemale Earth Creation From Body PartsCreation From Body Parts Perfect Numbers (2, 3, 4, 7, 12)Perfect Numbers (2, 3, 4, 7, 12)

10. Sample Archetypes: Fall From GraceFall From Grace TricksterTrickster Great DestructionGreat Destruction Golden AgeGolden Age Adam and Eve, Satan, Anakin SkywalkerAdam and Eve, Satan, Anakin Skywalker Loki, the serpent, Bugs Bunny, MerlinLoki, the serpent, Bugs Bunny, Merlin Flood, SkyNet, ArmageddonFlood, SkyNet, Armageddon Asgard, Middle-earthAsgard, Middle-earth

11. Origin Myths give people a sense of their place in the universe… Who they areWho they are Where they come fromWhere they come from What’s their destiny will beWhat’s their destiny will be