Creation Myth Greek / Genesis

CREATION MYTH COMPARISON: GREEK / HINDU

UNIVERISTY OF PHOENIX

HUM / 105

World Mythology

Introduction

“From nothing” or “darkness” and then, something “happens”…. Greek creation myths, Indian creation myths, even Biblical accounts and the Big Bang Theory all begin the same…”void” of formation.

A creation myth is commonly used to substantiate how a particular group of people came into civilization and how the universe was formed. These myths began as story telling, orally handed down from generation to generation, until writing instruments were invented and these myths were able to survive, in writing, thus allowing these myths to be preserved throughout the ages. In conjunction with these writings have been archeological proof collaborating portions of some of these seemingly “tall tales.” Creation myths give hope in areas where humans are unable to recreate. The beginning of time and the formation of Earth, gravity, water, etc. have eluded the mental capacity of human intelligence. The earth, sky, sea and all the unexplainable matters that complete the universe, each have been the base of a creation myth. In each religion, culture, race, gender and region of the world, a creation myth is present, with the earth, sky and sea being present and more often than not, the myth is worded to highlight the importance of that specific religion, culture, race, gender and or religion in the universe.

Greek Creation Myth

Greek creation myths, surround cosmic wonders, gods, goddesses, and heroes. The sky and underworld are represented in Greek mythology as opposing elements. The underworld is dark and filled with doom and gloom and the gods of the darkness inflict pain and payback to those who go against the “light”, which is represented by the sky or “day” which is considered love and purity, from which many good things live and come from. In Greek creation myths the “creators” are male and the significance of gender is a crucial component of the...