Creation myths are stories used to explain the origins of the world and people’s roles in it, found in almost every culture. They often involve nature, supernatural beings, and conflict, and are closely related to dominant religions. Despite their subjective nature, they have shaped cultural formation and social ordering.
A creation myth is a story that is used to explain the creation of the world or people’s roles in it, often using imagery and allegory. Almost every culture, both ancient and modern, has some explanation for how it came to be or why it exists. The vast majority of creation myths derive from secular cultures, and many have been recorded on tablets, scrolls, or incorporated as part of a cultural literature passed down from generation to generation. It is often easier in the modern age to identify theories or reasons for existence outside of myth and legend. Ancient mythology is not concerned with theory, but rather with colorful explanations.
Almost every ancient culture used folklore to explain and interpret the world around it. A creation myth is a specific type of story specifically focused on the origins, usually of people, of the Earth, and sometimes of supernatural beings such as gods and goddesses. Creation myths tend to be very unique in different traditions, although some similar elements occur almost predictably in most of them.
A creation myth almost always has a strong focus on nature and the natural world. The stories strive to explain how the islands were formed, how the trees got so tall, or why birds can fly. They also usually outline the difference between men and women and how that difference came about. Most stories also involve at least one supreme being, often incorporating the language of divine creation into the narrative. There is also almost always some strife or conflict, between creators or within creation.
In most cultures, the creation myth is closely related to the dominant religion or common faith belief of the people. Creation stories were told both as a way to make sense of the unknown and as a means of reinforcing commonly understood truths. More often than not, a creation myth has been presented as a true account, though scholars often wonder how many ancient gods actually believed in the veracity of their vast legendary literature.
Despite subjective beliefs, creation myths have long been regarded as important aspects of cultural formation and social ordering. Many ancient cultures oriented themselves away from their mythology, living the truths, balances and distinctions set forth in the stories. Gender roles, respect for nature, and caring for animals are just a few of the mores that, once embodied in the ancient creation myth tradition, can still be seen manifesting in the outward appearances of many cultures.
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