Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures

Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures

Pick two creation myths from this list.

• Amma and Nummo prepare the world
• Out of the Blue
• The Creation of Ulligara and Zalgarra
• Genesis: The Creation Account
• The Popul Vu
• The Creation Death and Rebirth of the Universe from Northern Europe

Write a minimum of 700 words addressing the following:

• Identify the creators and briefly describe the worlds.

• Based on information from Myth and Knowing and the categories of creation describe the style of creation (e.g. secretion, ex nihilo, etc.).  Explain why the style of creation is significant to the culture that created it.

• Identify elements of the natural life cycle in the creation myth.

• Compare important features of your two myths.  Explain major similarities and differences between the creators the style of creation and the purposes of these myths in their respective cultures.

Important:  Do not simply summarize two myths from the readings.  Read the myths, understand them, and use specific details from them to address the required elements above.

Format your citations and references consistent with APA guidelines.

Foundations of Mythology

Write 150- to 200-word responses to each of the following.  This is a short answer assignment, not a paper.  Just copy and paste the questions into a MS Word document and type out your answers.  Support your responses with examples from the required readings.  Follow proper APA formatting for quotations, citations, and references.

• How is the word myth used popularly? For example, consider the statement , “It’s a myth that…” In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words.

• Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes?

• What is the relationship between mythology and religion? Where do mythology and religion intersect? Where do they diverge?

• How would you defend mythology’s relevance in contemporary culture? Think about familial and cultural traditions. Also, consider how mythology is used in the arts and in advertising to typify human experience.