Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures

Cosmic Creation Myths across Cultures

Echelle Lofton

HUM/105

Christina Whitlock

11/3/2014

Creation myths have long been a part of many different cultures since the beginning of time, and have been the basis for many different stories that have been told down from generation to generation. Many different elements of the world, such as the earth, sea, and the sky are mentioned in many of the myths, and the role of gender plays an important part as well. These myths are important to a culture because it brings shape and information to it and it gives the members of the culture an idea of where they might come from.

The two creation myths that were chosen here are the Navajo creation myth and the Egyptian Creation myth. The Navajo creation myth started in darkness and emptiness with the exception of 6 beings, which are known as the First Man, First Woman, Salt Woman, Fire God, Coyote, and Begochiddy, who is also known as the child of the Sun. Begochiddy was also the one who created the first mountain as well, however, there was no light, and because of this, the first beings decided to leave the First World. At the center of the First World, Begochiddy planted a large seed that grew into a tall reed, and all his creations were collected and headed inside.

This reed that was planted grew out of the First World and into the Second World, which had light. The First Beings left the reed happy to find a new place to live, but this new Second World was already inhabited by the Cat People, and because of this, the two fought for years, but could never come to an agreement. Since there was no agreement, Begochiddy gathered up his beings again, and headed to the reed. This is when the Third World began, which was beautiful and yellow. The First Beings were extremely happy about this, and built many camps and had children.

In this new world, Begochiddy also created rivers and lakes, and many animals, and men and women continued to live there in joy....