Children: Creation myths
"The Dreaming" can refer to several concepts, depending on the context: 1. **Aboriginal Australian Concept**: In Aboriginal Australian cultures, "The Dreaming" (or "The Dreamtime") refers to a foundational religious and spiritual concept encompassing the creation stories, beliefs, and cultural practices of the Aboriginal people. It describes the time when ancestral spirits created the world, establishing the laws of existence, social structure, and relationships between people and the land.
"Theft of fire" is a concept that primarily originates from Greek mythology, particularly the story of Prometheus. In this myth, Prometheus, a Titan, is said to have stolen fire from the gods and given it to humanity, symbolizing the gift of knowledge and enlightenment. This act of defiance against the divine order represents themes of rebellion, creativity, and the quest for progress, but it also comes with consequences, as Prometheus is punished by the gods for his transgression.
"Tohu wa-bohu" is a Hebrew phrase that appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis (Genesis 1:2). The phrase is typically translated as "formless and void" or "chaos and desolation." In this context, it describes the state of the earth before God's creation of the world, indicating a primordial chaos or emptiness. The terms "tohu" and "bohu" convey a sense of disorder and uninhabited space.
The Tungusic peoples, who inhabit regions of Siberia and parts of northeastern China, have various creation myths and stories that are rich in symbolism and reflect their deep connection to nature and the spiritual world. While there may be variations among different Tungusic groups, some common themes can be found. One widely recognized element of Tungusic creation myths involves the concept of a primal being or deity who creates the world.
The Turkic creation myth encompasses various narratives and beliefs held by different Turkic peoples. While there is no single, universally accepted myth, many share similar themes and character elements. One common theme is the story of the creation of the universe and humanity. In some versions, the universe originates from a cosmic entity or primordial being.
Turtle Island is a term commonly used in Indigenous North American folklore to refer to North America itself. The concept originates from various Indigenous creation stories, particularly among some Native American and First Nations cultures. In these narratives, the land is often depicted as being formed on the back of a giant turtle. One of the most well-known creation stories involves a woman known as Sky Woman, who falls from the sky and lands on the back of a great turtle.
In mythology, Uranus is the personification of the sky in ancient Greek religion. He is often depicted as the primordial deity representing the heavens, and his name literally means "sky" in Greek. Uranus is considered one of the first gods in the Greek creation myth. According to mythological accounts, Uranus was born from Gaia, the Earth, and together they produced many offspring, including the Titans, the Cyclopes, and the Hecatoncheires (the hundred-handed ones).
Vietnamese creation myths are rich in symbolism and reflect the cultural and historical context of the country. One of the most prominent myths involves the legendary figures of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, who are considered the mythical ancestors of the Vietnamese people. ### Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ 1. **Lạc Long Quân**: Often described as a dragon lord, Lạc Long Quân is believed to be a son of the sea.
Viracocha is a prominent deity in Inca mythology, revered as the creator god who is associated with creation, civilization, and the celestial aspects of the universe. He is often depicted as a figure who emerged from the waters, symbolizing the creation of the world and its inhabitants. Viracocha is believed to have created the sun, moon, stars, and humans, and is often associated with the concepts of order, civilization, and culture.
Väinämöinen is a central character in Finnish mythology and is often associated with wisdom, poetry, and magic. He is a hero and a sage in the Finnish epic, the "Kalevala," which was compiled by Elias Lönnrot in the 19th century. Väinämöinen is typically depicted as an old man with a long beard, possessing great knowledge and the ability to heal, among other magical powers.
The Wessobrunn Prayer is an ancient Christian prayer that originates from the Wessobrunn Monastery in Bavaria, Germany. It is written in Old High German and is considered one of the earliest known prayers in the German language. The prayer is notable for its poetic structure and its reflection of early medieval Christian thought. The text of the prayer emphasizes the creation of the world, the presence of God, and the interconnectedness of all things.
"World Egg" can refer to various concepts depending on the context. In mythological and philosophical contexts, it often refers to a cosmic egg that symbolizes the beginning of the universe or creation. For instance, in several creation myths, the universe is said to have originated from a cosmic egg, which embodies potential and the universe's formative elements. In a broader cultural context, it might represent concepts of birth, potential, and the interconnectedness of life.
Xenu is a figure referenced in the teachings of the Church of Scientology, which was founded by L. Ron Hubbard in the early 1950s. According to Scientology doctrines, particularly in the advanced levels known as the "Operating Thetan" levels, Xenu is described as an extraterrestrial being who played a significant role in an event known as the "Incident II.
The Yuma creation myth, originating from the Yuma people, a Native American tribe in the southwestern United States, recounts the origins of the world and humanity from their cultural perspective. While there are variations within the stories, a common theme includes the presence of a creator deity or force, often depicted in various forms, who shapes the earth and the beings that inhabit it.