...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Stephanie Smith HUM/105 August 18, 2014 Kwajalein Harmon Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Creation myths are stories told throughout time to describe how the world was formed and began. They also tell how the first people came to inhabit it. There are different myths for different cultures. The Native Americans have several myths. The Seminole Indians believe in the Creator who is also known as the Grandfather of all things. They believed the Creator made the earth. He then made all the animals of the world. The next step in his creation was to place all living things in a shell and placed it beside a tree. The Creator was hoping that the panther would be the first one to leave the shell. However, the shell sat for a long time. Over time the root of the tree formed with the shell and finally a crack appeared. Then the winds helped to make the crack wider. The bird began to peck at the crack until finally the panther emerged from the shell. The rest of the animals followed after that and they all went out to find their proper place on Earth. (nativeamcreation.html, 2015) The creator in this myth is a man. There does not seem to be any significance to this. One can only assume that man was always considered the greater being. The Zulu myth begins with just one seed that fell to the Earth. Once the seed took root in the earth, Uthlanga began to grow. These are long reeds that mean “the source of all things”. The first one...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Vanessa Pomi HUM 105 December 1, 2014 Christa Menninger Cosmic Creation Myths There are several creation myths across different cultures. Every different culture has its own unique creation myth that explains how the world and life came to be (Leonard & McClure, 2004). Although each culture has a different way of explaining the creation story, there are similarities and differences among them. Two of the myths that are more divergent in content are the Eddas creation myth from Norse culture and the Genesis creation myth from Hebrew culture. Although both creation stories have more than one realm, they differ in how they break each area down. Both creation myths also have a god or gods as the beginning creators. All cultures have their own creation myths and it is interesting to see the similarities and differences between them. There are many worlds or realms to take into consideration when discussing the Norse creation myth. In the beginning there was a realm called Muspell which was made of fire, and a realm called Niflheim which was made of ice (Leonard & McClure, 2004). Between both of these realms was a sea of emptiness called Ginnungagap (Leonard & McClure, 2004). All three of the realms were not considered to be part of the heavens or the earth but rather before earth. These realms were the beginning or pre-worlds of the Norse creation myths. According to Norse mythology there were two main creators, Ymir and Audumla (Leonard...
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...“Cosmic Creation Myths across Cultures” Karen Brown HUM/105 February 02, 2012 Instructor: Mr. Gifford University of Phoenix Introduction Myths are said to be the answers as to how and when our world first was created and from this evolution was the birth of life on to the planet. Many different cultures have came about by the telling of these fables to the next generation and also sets the stage for who actually brought forth the creation of human being, the Greenland, the watery plain, animals and other elements of nature into view. In this paper it will have for discussion the description of two creation myths and their cultural surrounding, which world(s) are presented in the myths like the sky, earth, and the underworld along with the elements of these worlds. Whether or not there are significance gender and if the creator are male or female, description of what was created and the steps or cycle of creation, the role of cosmic occurrences, and then compare the similarities and differences of the two myths. Creators of the World For centuries there has been the burning question of who were our creators. There have been ancient narratives or passages written over time about how the world was formed and that the gods saw fit to brought about life into universe, one account is quoted from the book of Genesis contain written knowledge as one god, but no say as to if the gender was male or female but a spirit that shaped and molded the heavens and earth...
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...Mackey How is the word myth used popularly? For a long time I avoided using the word myth because it means so many different things to different people. Academic experts on myth debate heatedly about what a myth is and how it functions in human life. In fact, with so many conflicting meanings and so much debate, some scholars have declared the word meaningless and abandoned it altogether. (Word press 2014) For example, what does the statement, "It's a myth" mean? “Myth” is derived from the Greek word mythos, which can mean tale, or story, and that is essentially what a myth is: a story. For many, such a general definition proves to be of no real service, and some would add the qualification that a myth must be a “traditional” tale or story, one that has proved of so lasting a value that it is continually retold, through whatever medium the artist/storyteller chooses to employ. In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? Myth is used in many ways and is something to keep you thinking and on your toes. It’s used to look at things different ways like the most recent dress that was going on line, is the dress blue and black or white and gold? Just from asking most of my friends and family it was just about 50/50. Now you have to ask yourself what is the real color. After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words? To me a myth is something made up but can be very real and has...
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...Cosmic Creations Myths Across Cultures Theresa Buff HUM 105 November 29, 2014 Cheryl Anderson Cosmic Creations Myths across Cultures For this paper I chose the Navajo and the Zulu creation myths. Navajo because they are widely known to the Americas. Zulu I picked because I liked the name. After reading a little about their cultures I became more interested in them. The myths of their creations seem to be far from the myths most of us were told for our creations. The Navajo and the Zulu believed in their worlds being the earth. The Navajo traveled worlds by the reeds and the Zulu people and all their things were a product of the reeds. The beings with the Navajo were the elements, First man and woman, Salt Woman, Fire God, Coyote and Begochiddy, and the child of the Sun. The elements of the Zulu Uthlana which was the source of all things. It was a seed that grew a reed that produced the creator that fell to earth and created all things. All elements came from reeds. The creator for the Zulu according to the myth was Unkulunkulu. It was said that he was a man and he was the creator of all things. He was grown from the reed and fell to the earth. He broke off the people from the reeds and the medicine men and their dreams. He pulled off cattle and fish and birds and fierce creatures. It was said that Unkulunkulu created everything we see around us today like mountains and streams rain and sun and moon. The only destroyer for the Zulu was death. The Navajo...
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...Smith Foundations of Mythology Myths are the tales that human beings pass one from one generation to another. The interesting fact is that in the most cultures myths are similar based on concerns and everyday life issues. Myths can be considered as the heritage from our ancestors and the way they understood the cosmos, its fundamental questions. An example of a common myth would be about black cats being evil or will bring bad luck if they cross your path in the wrong direction. Another one would be opening an umbrella indoors. The whole term myth can be used and references to something that is imaginary, false or simply a legend. Over the century people have created a host of myths that permit man to explain the world and understand his own existence through tales and allegories. Each society identifies itself with a creation myth. We continue to create myths today. The main overall idea of what is Mythology, is that they are stories which in symbolic form have encoded in them some of the answers to the great philosophical and religious questions that people have come up with through the ages. Whether strictly science or religiously based, research and studies have shown that an individual, regardless of his or her gender, orientation, skin colour, or national background will have the same mindsets given the same experiences and surroundings. Many Greeks hold to the myths as real. Myth mixes real detail with the magical. We...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Arthil Valena Hum 105 May 23, 2016 David Hudson Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures There are many creation myths that originate from different cultures. Every culture has its own unique myth that explains creation and how the world and life came to be (Leonard & McClure, 2004). Although each culture has a different way of explaining the story of creation, there are some similarities and differences among them. Two of the myths that are more divergent in content are the Edda creation myth from Norse culture and the Genesis creation myth from Hebrew culture. Although both creation stories have more than one realm, they differ in how they break each area down. Both creation myths also have a god or gods as the beginning creators. All cultures have their own creation myths and it is interesting to see the similarities and differences between Monotheistic and Polytheistic There are many worlds or realms to take into consideration when discussing the Norse creation myth. In the beginning there was a realm called Muspell which was made of fire, and a realm called Niflheim which was made of ice (Leonard & McClure, 2004). Between both of these realms was a sea of emptiness called Ginnungagap (Leonard & McClure, 2004). All three of the realms were not considered to be part of the heavens or the earth but rather before earth. These realms were the beginning or pre-worlds of the Norse creation myths. According...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths across Cultures Leroy Williams HUM/105 World Mythology August 19, 2015 Dr. Cheryl Lampshire Cosmic Creation Myths across Cultures Does anyone really know how the world was created? The creation of the world is a big mystery that may never be resolved. Many people mainly, religious believe that God created the world; and there are others that believe other creators were involved in the process of creating the world. I believe that creation is the most important subject in the myth culture. There are several meanings for creation but according to the dictionary "Creation" (n.d.), “creation is the act of producing or causing to exist; it is also the act of creating and engendering”. Creation myths describe the beginning of the world’s cosmic order. For many years there have been studies done, where scientist have been trying to decipher how the world was created and as of today there is no evidence that will help with its finding. With this paper I will discuss two myths the Aboriginal Myth and the Zulu Creation Myth. Which world or worlds, such as the earth, sky, and the underworld they represent, what the elements of these worlds are? Provide a description of the creators, where they female or male, and would gender actually make a difference? Additionally it will explain what they created, and will include the steps or cycles of creation. Will provide descriptions of any destruction or destroyers if necessary. The role of cosmic...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Culture Kaydiann A. Davis Hum/105 October 15, 2015 Leif Olson Cosmic Creation Myths Across Culture Creation and cosmic myths have been active across different cultures for many years, and from the beginning of time; they were created to help humankind comprehend and explain the dimensions and connections to the sky, earth, or underworld. All three worlds are considered imperative to the sustenance and maintenance of human existence within the universe. Although there are many myths existing in today's world; the Vishnu myth from the Hindu creation, and the Egyptian myth of Osiris, Isis, and Horus which created hope for Egyptians assuring them, that if they live well with one another on earth they will live a life of peace and tranquility after death. To understand these myths we have first to identify the worlds and the element embedded in those worlds, define the creators, describe what they created, and the process of creation. Then compare these components, and analyze the role of cosmic occurrence, and the elements presented in both myths. Finally assessing the importance of creation and cosmic myths, and the core values they represent in our existence today. The Vishnu creation myth is represented by earth and sky worlds, with Vishnu having a direct correlation to the sun, which represents the sky world. Then there is the earth world that is represented by Rudha, the destructive side of Vishnu that erects storms and create floods destroying...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Ricky Gonzales HUM/105 December 14, 2015 Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Creation myths are stories told throughout time to describe how the world was formed and began. They also tell how the first people came to inhabit it. There are different myths for different cultures. The Native Americans have several myths. The Seminole Indians believe in the Creator who is also known as the Grandfather of all things. They believed the Creator made the earth. He then made all the animals of the world. The next step in his creation was to place all living things in a shell and placed it beside a tree. The Creator was hoping that the panther would be the first one to leave the shell. However, the shell sat for a long time. Over time the root of the tree formed with the shell and finally a crack appeared. Then the winds helped to make the crack wider. The bird began to peck at the crack until finally the panther emerged from the shell. The rest of the animals followed after that and they all went out to find their proper place on Earth. (nativeamcreation.html, 2015) The creator in this myth is a man. There does not seem to be any significance to this. One can only assume that man was always considered the greater being. The Zulu myth begins with just one seed that fell to the Earth. Once the seed took root in the earth, Uthlanga began to grow. These are long reeds that mean “the source of all things”...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Jessica McTavish HUM 105 January 21, 2013 Roxanne Russell Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Myths are everywhere and so it seems there are many different cultures have their own beliefs of how they were created. There is a significant amount of importance of how certain cultures worlds were created and what they need to continue to believe so that nothing changes with the cycles of how they live. The creators of the myths that are with the different cultures have Gods that they praise and believe in so that they have what they need and if they would not worship the creators there would be problems the people would have to face. Inca Creation Pachacamac was the brightest creator that the Incans worship and follow. Pachacamac is the sun and he was the brightest in the sky that no one could see anything else. The night skies were very dark so he created the stars, plants and the moon, which the moon was Pachamama and she became his wife. Pachacamac and Pachamama created a son and daughter which were created out of pity to help the people. The son helped teach the people how to plow and plant the fields and how to build houses. The daughter taught the women the art of weaving and how to prepare food. The children spoke highly of Pachacamac and the rules, along with be fair and kind to one another and to not forget their creator. With everything they were taught all Inca cities were divided into northern and southern halves, representing...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Carolyn Scott HUM/105 April 28, 2014 Kerry Jones Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures For the assignment this week, I’ve chosen the Hawaiian creation myth and the Navajo creation myth. In the Hawaiian myth, there was only endless darkness with 2 beings, Kumulipo and Po’ele, they created the creatures that live in the pure darkness. They also gave birth to 2 new beings, who created the almost darkness creatures. They gave birth to two more beings who gave birth to two more until the final 5th couple was born. As each couple created animals and plants, the world began to lighten slowly. Soon the first man and first woman were created and they gave birth to more humans. As they were created right before dawn, their skin was very dark. As they had more generations of children, the children became lighter and lighter until they became the color they are now ("The Hawaiian Creation", 2015). In the Navajo myth, there are 4 worlds. There were 6 beings that lived in this dark and small place. As they grew tired of the darkness, they left that world and went to the 2nd world. They lived peacefully in the 2nd world until they were banished and left for the 3rd world. This was the place where the Dine were born and learned how to pray and were taught many rituals. They finally made it to the 4th world where First Man and First Woman built the first hogan and the Wind God carried their people all over. While both creation myths have a higher...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Darrell Jones HUM/105 June 20, 2012 Mary Worley Cosmic Creation Myths across Cultures Myths vary a great deal from various cultures around the world. Although these myths differ, they all share one same common theme – a story based on creation. Myths from the Roman/Greek and Nordic cultures are no different. Both of these cultures believed in some form of creation that defined and shaped their world through cosmic occurrences or natural phenomenon, while sharing similarities and differences in the creators of the worlds and the steps these worlds were created. Roman/Greek gods lived in various worlds. This mythological world was born out of emptiness, or Chaos. The gods themselves lived on Mount Olympus. Uranus, Father Sky, ruled over all worlds with Gaea, Mother Earth, by his side. Tartarus ruled the deepest part of the underworld. Their son, Cronus, and their grandson, Zeus, both take turns ruling over the worlds after Uranus. Two of Uranus and Gaea’s other children were gods of other worldly elements: Helios, god of sun; and Selene, god of Moon. Cronus and Rhea produced the second generation of gods who ruled over other elements, including: Zeus, lord of the sky and god of thunder; Poseidon, lord of the seas; and Hades, ruler of the underworld and lord of the dead. Individuals who believed in Roman/Greek mythology believed these gods shaped their world and ruled over the elements. A titan named Atlas was condemned by Zeus to...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Every culture has a myth that has been told about the development of that particular culture. For example how beings first got on earth, how they were created, how the earth and sky were created and even how the animals were created. The Navajo culture resides over the areas of Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. The Egyptian culture resides in Egypt which is located in northeastern Africa. The Navajo and Egyptian creation myths share some similarities and also some differences. Both of these creation myths go into to extensive detail about the cycle of creation. The creator for the Egyptian Atum was neither male nor female. The significance of his gender was that he could join himself to produce his own children. Atum joined with his shadow to give birth to his son Shu whom he had spit up and made the god of air. Atum also gave birth to a daughter Tefnut whom he had vomited up and made god of mist and moisture. While the Egyptian creation myth goes into detail about how the creator Atum created his children the Navajo creation myth does not. It is told that when the Navajos came out of the first world they consisted of six beings. Begochiddy child of the sun was the creator of all things and his beings were first man, first woman, salt woman, fire god, and coyote. The development of these two cultures differs because they Navajo went through many different underworlds before finding stability while...
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...Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Alexi LaBrenz HUM 105 Professor Jordan “Chris” April 10, 2016 Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures When discussing different cosmic creation myths, something to remember is the style of creation myth it is. There are nine different styles of myths when talking about creation: accretion or conjunction, secretion, sacrifice, division or consummation, earth-diver, emergence, two creators, deus faber, and ex nihillo. For the purpose of discussing the Norse creation myth, and the Genesis myth focus will be on secretion, division or consummation, deus faber and ex nihillo (Leonard, 2004). Genesis: The Creation Account Arguably one of the most well-known mythological account of how the world came to be is the story of Genesis. Before divulging into the myth itself, there are two different styles of creation presented. The first is deus faber - wonder of nature, intricacy and complexity of life, and secondly, ex nihillo – of god, creating out of chaos (Leonard, 2004). In the beginning of the world, according to Genesis, there was nothing but God. Then God took seven days, which symbolize the seven days of our week. On the first day, Sunday, God created heaven and earth. Not finished with his creation, he created light on the second day, and with light came darkness, this is what is now know as night and day. On the third day he created water and land, followed by vegetation. On the fourth he created the stars to give light to...
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