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Understanding Creation Myths/What is a Creation Myth?

< Understanding Creation Myths

In this lesson, you will begin to understand what a creation myth is, and where they can be found in ancient civilizations.

Introduction

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A creation myth is a myth dedicated to explaining the creation of the universe, humanity and other key factors. Creation myths were widely believed in the classical world, and remain popular as stories today.

Lesson

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Key Features of a Creation Myth

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Creation myths in the classical world are very similar. Most involve the following key features:-

  • A state of chaos
  • The arrival of an organized, ordered, all-powerful being
  • The creation of the Earth, stars, etc, by this all-powerful being

Ancient Civilisations with Creation Myths

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Egyptian Creation

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Though you will not be tested on the Egyptian stories of creation, it is good to understand that the Egyptians had a detailed story of creation, similar to other ancient civilizations. In Egyptian mythology, a pyramid-shaped mound (a benben) rose out a sea of chaos called "Nu". From this point on, the story was different. In one of the most popular versions, on top of the mound stood the sun-god Ra, the most powerful of all the Egyptian gods.

Greek Creation

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