Creation myth
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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A creation myth is a supernatural mytho-religious story or explanation that describes the beginnings of humanity, earth, life, and the universe (cosmogony), usually as a deliberate act of "creation" by one or more deities.
Many creation myths share broadly similar themes. Common motifs include the fractionation of the things of the world from a primordial chaos; the separation of the mother and father gods; land emerging from an infinite and timeless ocean; or creation ex nihilo.
The term creation myth is sometimes used in a derogatory way to describe stories which are still believed today, as the term myth may suggest something which is absurd or fictional. While these beliefs and stories need not be a literal account of actual events, they may yet express ideas that are perceived by some people and cultures to be truths at a deeper or more symbolic level. Author Daniel Quinn notes that in this sense creation myths need not be religious in nature, and they have secular analogues in modern cultures.
Alternative creation myths abound in fantasy literature. J.R.R. Tolkien has his version in the Silmarillion; C.S. Lewis has both a Creation and an End in his Narnia sequence (Magician's Nephew and Last Battle). Also David Eddings Belgariad; Robert Heinlein Job and The Cat who walks through Walls; Lois McMaster Bujold 'Chalion'; Charles Harness 'The New Reality'; Michael Moorcock and numerous others offer huge variety. Both monotheist and multitheist versions abound. The struggle between 'good' and 'evil' concept of Abrahamic religions is also a frequent element.
