The OLDEST Creation MYTH in World, and its Origins
Crecganford・27 minutes read
Creation myths from various cultures worldwide reveal beliefs about the universe's origins and human creation, often tracing back to the Earth Diver motif symbolizing land emerging from the sea. These myths, rooted in chaos, primordial elements, and the concept of a world tree, offer insights into ancient beliefs about Earth's origins and humanity's creation.
Insights
- Creation myths are essential for understanding ancient beliefs about the universe's beginnings, encompassing human creation and the formation of the cosmos, gods, and Earth.
- The Earth Diver motif, present in various creation myths globally, symbolizes the emergence of land from the sea and likely originated in African myths around 75,000 years ago, evolving over time to include elements like the Bird Scout motif and psychological symbolism.
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Recent questions
What are creation myths?
Creation myths are narratives that explain the origins of the universe, Earth, humans, and gods before their existence. These myths often consist of two parts, detailing human creation and the formation of the cosmos, gods, and Earth. They vary across cultures, some focusing solely on human creation while others elaborate on the genesis of the world.
How do researchers study creation myths?
Researchers study creation myths by utilizing statistical modeling based on genetic, archaeological, and linguistic data to trace mythological origins and migrations. This methodology helps in understanding the evolution and dissemination of these myths across different cultures and regions.
What is the Earth Diver motif?
The Earth Diver motif is a common theme in creation myths symbolizing a creature diving into the sea to bring up mud, transforming it into land. This motif evolved from earlier myths of humans emerging from the underworld, indicating a shift in storytelling over time.
What do flood myths represent?
Flood myths may represent a reset world myth or a reflex of the creation myth, where water is poured over land to re-establish it. These myths often symbolize purification, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life and creation.
Why are creation myths significant?
Creation myths are significant as they provide insights into ancient beliefs about the origins of the universe, Earth, humanity, and gods. They reflect cultural values, cosmological views, and the human quest to understand the mysteries of existence. By studying creation myths, researchers can unravel the complexities of human imagination, storytelling, and the evolution of mythological narratives across diverse societies.
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Summary
00:00
"Exploring Creation Myths Across Cultures"
- Creation myths are crucial in understanding ancient beliefs about the universe's origins before humans, Earth, and even gods existed.
- These myths often split into two parts: one detailing human creation and the other explaining the cosmos, gods, and Earth's formation.
- Various cultures worldwide have distinct creation myths, with some focusing solely on human creation while others elaborate on the world's genesis.
- An example from New Zealand's creation myth illustrates the concept of creation from nothing, emphasizing the absence of gods or significant events.
- Research methodology involves statistical modeling based on genetic, archaeological, and linguistic data to trace mythological origins and migrations.
- The Earth Diver motif, common in creation myths, symbolizes a creature diving into the sea to bring up mud, transforming it into land.
- The Earth Diver motif evolved from earlier myths of humans emerging from the underworld, indicating a shift in storytelling over time.
- The motif transitioned into the Bird Scout motif, exemplified by the biblical story of Noah releasing a dove to find land after the flood.
- The Earth Diver motif's probable origin in African myths suggests its antiquity, possibly dating back to 75,000 years ago.
- Creation myths often involve chaotic waters, voids, and the concept of a world tree or tree of life, reflecting ancient beliefs in the origins of Earth and humanity.
16:41
"Global Creation Myths: Earth Diver Motif"
- The motif in folk tales is older and found in Africa, Oceana, and Australia, initially supporting the land and sky, evolving into pillars and a world mountain.
- The tree motif transitions into a source for older humans from the underworld, contributing to a complete creation myth understanding.
- Components of a void, primordial sea, land formation, tree supporting the sky, and human origin are crucial for a creation myth.
- The Earth diver motif addresses the emergence of land from the sea, a fundamental question in early mythologies.
- Flood myths may be a reset world myth or a reflex of the creation myth, with water poured over land to re-establish it.
- Various mythologies and motifs globally suggest an African origin for the Earth diver motif around 75,000 years ago.
- The motif of creating land from mud or sand in a primordial sea has psychological significance and is seen in various creation myths.
- The motif's evolution involves elements like fingernails, excrement, and wind, influencing the creation of the world in different cultures.
- A reconstruction of the earliest creation myth based on the Earth diver motif involves the void, water, night, land formation, and human emergence.
