Creation Myths

Many similarities can be seen throughout the Creation Myths. The first being that a Higher Being or Creator is present in all the stories; each culture realizes that the earth could not all of the sudden possess life without the help of someone or something superior. These creators set the world in motion and their respective religions.

The second common factor is that a snake can be seen in three of the four stories. In the Genesis account the serpent is evil and introduces sin into the world but in the Aborigine and Mayan accounts, the serpent serves as the creator of life. Even though snakes are not always the symbol of life in the 21st century many civilizations hold snakes in high regard.

Another pattern that is reflected across these accounts is the dissatisfaction of the gods with their creation in humans. Seemingly the gods create man but a serious issue arises which push the creator to destroy his creation. Therefore, the gods learned from their mistakes in order to create a better, more obedient, less arrogant human race.

The last predominant theme that can be observed in three of the accounts is the existence of the food chain according to each one’s kind. In the Aborigine, Mayan and Genesis accounts, an emphasis is placed on not eating of one’s own kind. This trend reveals the culture of the people who believe these stories because they are not cannibalistic or irrational people groups.

While there are similarities, some differences can also be observed. A trinity creator is present in the Genesis and Gabon accounts but the triunes are different. The Hebrew trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit are equal and important. But in the Gabon version of Creation, one is superior to the other members. Whereas Yahweh himself observes that his creation was good, Nzame seeks Mebere and Nkwa’s opinion on his creation. A pattern that represents differences in all four accounts is the gods who created the earth. The powers the god...