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Humans Invent Stories About Gods Creating Them.

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Region

Culture

Creation Story

1

Meso-America

Aztec Mythology (Huitzilopochtli):

In Aztec mythology, Huitzilopochtli, the god of the sun and war, played a central role in the creation of the world. According to the Aztec belief, the gods Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl created the first sun, but it was unsuccessful as it was too dim. Huitzilopochtli, the sun god, was born fully grown and armed, representing a new and stronger sun. To sustain the sun and the world, Huitzilopochtli needed continuous human sacrifice, which led to the practice of offering hearts to the god.

2

Meso-America

Maya Mythology (Popol Vuh):

The Popol Vuh is a sacred book of the Maya civilization, which recounts their creation myth. According to the Popol Vuh, the gods first attempted to create humans using mud, but these creations lacked intelligence and reverence. The gods then used wood, which also proved unsuccessful. Finally, they succeeded in creating humans from maize (corn), which became the sustenance of humanity.

3

Meso-America

Mixtec Mythology (Cosmogony of the Mixtecs):

The Mixtec people of ancient Mexico had a creation myth involving a celestial god called  (Nuu Dzaui). This god created the first humans from a mixture of maize dough and blood, symbolizing the union of the gods and the people.

4

Meso-America

Zapotec Mythology (Cosmogony of the Zapotecs):

In Zapotec mythology, the god  (Cocijo) and the goddess  (Xilonen) played significant roles in the creation of the world and humanity. Cocijo is associated with rain and thunder, while Xilonen represents fertility and corn.

5

Meso-America

Teotihuacan Mythology (Pyramid of the Sun and the Moon):

The ancient city of Teotihuacan had its cosmogony reflected in its monumental architecture. The Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon were symbolic structures representing the creation of the universe. The gods and goddesses associated with these pyramids were thought to have played key roles in the creation of the world and humanity.

6

North America

Navajo Mythology (Emergence):

The Navajo creation myth, known as the  or  describes how the Navajo people came into being. According to the myth, the first beings emerged from four lower worlds through a series of reeds. Each world was plagued by different challenges, such as floods and droughts, until they reached the present world, where they settled and established their homeland.

7

North America

Hopi Mythology (Emergence and Migration):

The Hopi creation myth also involves the theme of emergence. According to their beliefs, the Hopi people emerged from the underworld through a sipapu (a small hole or portal) into the current world. After their emergence, the Hopi went through a series of migrations guided by the Maasaw, the earth guardian and deity of death and fire.

8

North America

Iroquois Mythology (Sky Woman and the Turtle's Back):

The Iroquois creation myth centers around Sky Woman, who fell from the celestial realm and landed on the back of a giant turtle. Animals from the underwater world dove deep to retrieve mud to build land on the turtle's back, creating the Earth. Sky Woman gave birth to twins, who later shaped the world and established the Iroquois nation.

9

North America

Blackfoot Mythology (Old Man and Old Woman):

In Blackfoot mythology, the creator figures are referred to as Old Man and Old Woman. They molded clay figures and brought them to life by breathing on them. These clay figures became the first humans, and Old Man and Old Woman taught them how to live in harmony with the Earth.

10

North America

Cherokee Mythology (Buzzard's Creation):

The Cherokee creation myth involves the water beetle diving to the depths of the primordial waters to bring up mud. The mud was spread across the water's surface, and the land began to grow. Animals then danced on the newly formed land, creating mountains, valleys, and rivers.

11

North America

Mi'kmaq Mythology (Glooscap and the Creation of People):

In Mi'kmaq mythology, the powerful cultural hero Glooscap shaped humans from clay. He then brought them to life and taught them how to live and survive in their environment.

12

North America

Ojibwe Mythology (Nanabozho):

The Ojibwe creation myth involves the trickster figure Nanabozho, who shaped the world and brought plants, animals, and humans into existence. Nanabozho played a significant role in the creation of the Earth and the establishment of Ojibwe cultural practices.

13

East Asia

Chinese Mythology (Pangu):

In Chinese mythology, the creation myth of Pangu describes how the universe came into existence. Pangu, a primordial being, emerged from chaos and began to separate Yin and Yang, creating the Earth and the sky. Pangu continued to grow for 18,000 years, stretching the heavens and solidifying the Earth. When he died, his body transformed into various elements of nature, such as mountains and rivers, and his breath became the wind and clouds.

14

East Asia

Japanese Mythology (Izanagi and Izanami):

In Japanese mythology, the gods Izanagi and Izanami stood on the floating bridge of heaven and stirred the primordial sea with a jeweled spear. When they lifted the spear, drops of saltwater formed an island, which became the foundation of Japan. They later created the various kami (deities) and the first humans.

15

East Asia

Korean Mythology (Hwanung and Dangun):

In Korean mythology, the god Hwanung descended from heaven to Mount Taebaek and transformed himself into a human. He settled with a bear and a tiger in a cave and prayed for 100 days to become human. The bear could not endure the hardships and left, but the tiger persevered. When Hwanung became human, he married the grateful tiger and gave birth to a son named Dangun, who later became the legendary founder of Korea.

16

East Asia

Vietnamese Mythology (Lạc Long Quân and Âu CÆ¡):

According to Vietnamese mythology, the dragon god Lạc Long Quân and the fairy Âu CÆ¡ fell in love and gave birth to 100 children. Half of the children followed Lạc Long Quân to the sea, becoming the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. The other half stayed with Âu CÆ¡ in the mountains, becoming the ancestors of the highlanders.

17

East Asia

Tibetan Mythology (Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi):

In Tibetan Buddhism, the primordial deities Chakrasamvara and Vajravarahi represent the union of wisdom and compassion. Their union symbolizes the dynamic energy that gave rise to the universe and all living beings.

18

East Asia

Mongolian Mythology (Eej Khartsaga and Yeretsgi Gazar):

In Mongolian mythology, the god Eej Khartsaga, representing the heavens, and the goddess Yeretsgi Gazar, representing the Earth, created the world and all living beings.

19

East Asia

Manchu Mythology (Maka and Ukshe):

In Manchu mythology, Maka, the goddess of Earth, and Ukshe, the sky god, worked together to shape the world and create the first humans.

20

Central Asia

Turkic Mythology (Ergenekon):

The Turkic people have a creation myth known as Ergenekon. According to this myth, the ancestors of the Turks were trapped in a deep valley, surrounded by high mountains. They survived there for centuries until a blacksmith, Kırgız, created a magical, silver-gray wolf. The wolf led them to break free from the valley, and they eventually established the Turkic homeland.

21

Central Asia

Kazakh Mythology (Legend of Alpamys and Alzhan):

The Kazakh people have a creation myth called the Legend of Alpamys and Alzhan. In this myth, Alpamys is the hero who brings light and warmth to the world. He fights against a dragon called Aydar, which symbolizes darkness and coldness. Alpamys eventually triumphs, and light prevails over darkness, giving birth to life and humanity.

22

Central Asia

Sogdian Mythology (Creation of Human Beings):

The ancient Sogdian people of Central Asia believed that the gods created the first human beings from clay and breathed life into them.

23

Central Asia

Buryat Mythology (Bai Ulgen and Mother Ezen):

The Buryat people of Central Asia have a creation myth involving the god Bai Ulgen and the goddess Mother Ezen. Bai Ulgen, a divine being, creates the world and all living beings. He then gives life to the first humans, who are born from the womb of Mother Ezen.

24

Central Asia

Uyghur Mythology (Erlik and Umay):

The Uyghur people have a creation myth involving Erlik, the ruler of the underworld, and Umay, the goddess of the sky. Erlik attempts to create the world by bringing mud from the underworld, but Umay intervenes, and the world is shaped from pieces of mud.

25

Polynesia

Hawaiian Mythology (Kumulipo):

The Kumulipo is a Hawaiian creation chant that traces the genealogy of the Hawaiian royal families and the creation of the world. It describes the birth of the universe, starting from darkness and the emergence of celestial bodies, plants, and animals, culminating in the birth of the first humans.

26

Polynesia

Maori Mythology (Te Kore and Te Po):

In Maori mythology, the world begins with Te Kore, the state of potential being, followed by Te Po, the state of darkness and chaos. From Te Po, the gods Ranginui (Sky Father) and Papatuanuku (Earth Mother) are born, who later give birth to their offspring, including the first humans.

27

Polynesia

Tahitian Mythology (Te Fatu and Ta'aroa):

According to Tahitian mythology, the world originated from the cosmic egg, Te Fatu, which contained all living things. The god Ta'aroa broke the cosmic egg, releasing the elements of the world, and created the islands and humans.

28

Polynesia

Tongan Mythology (Takalaua and Eiki):

Tongan mythology tells of Takalaua, the first human, who emerged from the sky and was cared for by the god Eiki. Eiki provided Takalaua with various gifts and taught him the arts of civilization.

29

Polynesia

Samoan Mythology (Tuna and Taema and Tilafaiga):

In Samoan mythology, the goddess Tilafaiga, in the form of a flying fox, created the first humans, Taema and Tilafaiga. They were formed from the breadfruit tree, and their creation marks the beginning of human life on Earth.

30

Polynesia

Tuvaluan Mythology (Nanumea Creation Myth):

The Nanumea Creation Myth from Tuvalu describes the divine being Tefolaha as the creator who shaped the land, ocean, and various creatures, including humans.

31

Polynesia

Marquesan Mythology (Ao and Po):

Marquesan mythology tells of Ao, the god of light and life, and Po, the goddess of darkness and death. Ao creates the land and plants, while Po gives birth to the first humans and other creatures.

32

Scandinavia

Creation of the World (Ginnungagap and Ymir):

In Norse mythology, before the world's creation, there was a vast void called Ginnungagap, which separated the fiery realm of Muspelheim from the icy realm of Niflheim. When the two realms collided, the frost giant Ymir emerged from the ice. As he slept, he sweated and gave birth to other giants. From the primordial cow Audumla's licking, Buri, the first of the gods, emerged. Buri's descendants, including Odin, Vili, and Ve, eventually killed Ymir and used his body to create the world. Ymir's flesh became the Earth, his blood the oceans, and his bones the mountains.

33

Scandinavia

Creation of Humans (Ask and Embla):

After creating the world, Odin, Vili, and Ve found two logs washed ashore on the beach. They fashioned these logs into the first humans, a man named Ask and a woman named Embla. Odin gave them breath and life, Vili gave them consciousness and emotions, and Ve endowed them with physical features and senses.

34

Scandinavia

The World Tree (Yggdrasil):

In Norse mythology, the cosmic ash tree Yggdrasil stands at the center of the universe, connecting the nine realms of existence. Its roots reach into the realms of the gods, giants, and the dead. The trunk represents the physical world, while its branches extend into the heavenly realm and its roots delve into the underworld.

35

Scandinavia

Ragnarok (The End of the World):

One of the most significant events in Norse mythology is Ragnarok, the final battle between the gods and giants. It marks the end of the world and the beginning of a new cycle. In Ragnarok, many gods and giants, including Odin, Thor, Loki, and Fenrir the wolf, perish, leading to the destruction and rebirth of the world.

36

Scandinavia

Creation of the Dwarves and Elves:

In addition to the creation of humans, Norse mythology features stories of other beings, such as dwarves and elves. The dwarves were said to be crafted by the gods from the earth itself and were skilled craftsmen. The elves were believed to be nature spirits and supernatural beings closely connected to the forces of nature.

37

Europe

Greek Mythology (Chaos and the Titans):

In Greek mythology, the world began with Chaos, a formless void. From Chaos emerged Gaia (Earth), Tartarus (the underworld), and Eros (Love). Gaia gave birth to the Titans, powerful divine beings who ruled before the Olympian gods. The Titans were eventually overthrown by the Olympians, led by Zeus.

38

Europe

Roman Mythology (Romulus and Remus):

According to Roman mythology, Rome was founded by Romulus and Remus, twin brothers believed to be the offspring of the god Mars and a mortal princess. The brothers were abandoned and raised by a she-wolf before founding the city of Rome.

39

Europe

Norse Mythology (Ymir and the Creation of the World):

As mentioned earlier, Norse mythology tells of the creation of the world from the primordial giant Ymir's body. The gods fashioned the Earth, the oceans, and the sky from his remains.

40

Europe

Celtic Mythology (Danu and the Tuatha Dé Danann):

In Celtic mythology, the goddess Danu is associated with the creation of the Tuatha Dé Danann, a group of divine beings who became the supernatural inhabitants of Ireland.

41

Europe

Slavic Mythology (Rod and Rodnovery):

In Slavic mythology, Rod is the god of creation, the progenitor of all living beings. Rodnovery is a modern revival of Slavic paganism that emphasizes ancestral and natural connections.

42

Europe

Finnish Mythology (Väinämöinen and the Creation of the World):

In Finnish mythology, the world is created through the actions of Väinämöinen, a wise and powerful hero. The Kalevala, Finland's national epic, contains many stories of creation and mythical heroes.

43

Europe

Welsh Mythology (Gwydion and Math):

In Welsh mythology, Gwydion, a powerful magician, helps create the first humans through his sorcery. Welsh mythology is rich in magical tales and legends.

44

Europe

Etruscan Mythology (Tinia, Uni, and Menrva):

Etruscan mythology features the three principal gods Tinia (equivalent to Jupiter), Uni (equivalent to Juno), and Menrva (equivalent to Minerva). Their interactions and actions influenced the creation and events in the world.

45

North Africa

Ancient Egyptian Mythology (Atum and the Ogdoad):

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the creation myth involves the god Atum, who arose from the primordial waters of chaos. Atum was considered the first god and the source of all creation. He later created the Ogdoad, a group of eight deities, who represented the aspects of chaos and order. Together, they formed the foundation of the world and brought order to the universe.

46

North Africa

Berber Mythology (Taautos and the Cosmic Egg):

Among some Berber communities, there is a creation myth that speaks of the god Taautos, who fashioned the universe out of a cosmic egg. From this egg emerged the Earth, the sky, and all living beings.

47

North Africa

Carthaginian Mythology (Tanit and Baal Hammon):

In Carthaginian mythology, the goddess Tanit and the god Baal Hammon were central deities associated with fertility and creation. They were revered by the Carthaginians, who believed that their worship ensured the prosperity of their civilization.

48

North Africa

Libyan Mythology (Garamas and Garamantes):

The Garamantes, an ancient North African civilization in the Sahara region, had their own creation myths that are less well-documented. They revered Garamas, their mythical ancestor, and had various beliefs about the origin of their people and their place in the world.

49

North Africa

Nubian Mythology (Nu and Nut):

In Nubian mythology, the god Nu and the goddess Nut played significant roles in the creation of the world. Nut, representing the sky, was depicted as a heavenly cow who gave birth to the stars and celestial bodies.

50

Africa

Yoruba Mythology (Obatala and Oduduwa):

In Yoruba mythology, the Supreme God, Olodumare, sent the primordial god Obatala to create the Earth. Obatala descended from the heavens on a chain and carried a bag of sand, a hen, and a palm nut. He poured the sand onto the waters to form land, and then he released the hen, which scratched the land to create valleys and hills. Finally, he planted the palm nut, and it grew into a vast tree, providing food and shelter. Later, Oduduwa, another deity, became the ancestor of the Yoruba people.

51

Africa

Zulu Mythology (Unkulunkulu):

In Zulu mythology, Unkulunkulu is the creator god and the first ancestor of the Zulu people. He is said to have emerged from a reed and created all living beings, including humans.

52

Africa

Ancient Egyptian Mythology (Atum and Ptah):

In ancient Egyptian mythology, the creation myth involves different gods depending on the region and time period. In some versions, the god Atum is the first god to emerge from the primordial waters, and he creates the world and other deities. In other versions, Ptah, the god of craftsmanship, is believed to have created the world through his creative power and divine will.

53

Africa

San Mythology (Mantis and the Moon):

Among the San people of Southern Africa, there is a creation myth involving the trickster figure Mantis. According to the myth, Mantis created the world by throwing a mantis egg into the sky, which became the Moon. He then formed the land, plants, and animals using his magic.

54

Africa

Dogon Mythology (Nommo):

Among the Dogon people of Mali, the creation myth involves the Nommo, ancestral beings associated with water and fertility. The Nommo were believed to have descended from the sky in a vessel and taught the Dogon people various cultural practices.

55

Africa

Khoikhoi Mythology (Heitsi-Eibib):

The Khoikhoi people of Southern Africa have creation myths featuring the culture hero Heitsi-Eibib, who is associated with the establishment of their society and the creation of humans.

56

Africa

Ashanti Mythology (Nyame):

In Ashanti mythology, Nyame is the supreme god who created the universe and bestowed various gifts upon the world and humanity.

57

Australia

Dreamtime (Various Aboriginal Cultures):

The Dreamtime, also known as the Dreaming, is a fundamental concept in Aboriginal mythology, encompassing a vast array of creation stories and ancestral beings. According to the Dreamtime, ancestral beings, often taking the form of animals or humans, traveled across the land and shaped the landscape, plants, animals, and humans. They also established laws, customs, and rituals that guide the Indigenous communities to this day. Each tribe has its own specific Dreamtime stories, and these narratives are central to their cultural identity and spiritual connection to the land.

58

Australia

Rainbow Serpent (Various Aboriginal Cultures):

The Rainbow Serpent is a prominent figure in many Aboriginal creation myths. It is a powerful and often benevolent deity associated with water, fertility, and creation. According to some stories, the Rainbow Serpent emerged from the ground, shaping the land's features, rivers, and waterholes. It is believed to bring life and fertility to the land and is revered as a guardian and creator.

59

Australia

Baiame (Wiradjuri People):

Baiame is a significant ancestral being in Wiradjuri mythology, the largest Indigenous group in New South Wales. Baiame is the Sky Father and the creator of humanity. He is depicted with emu feet, the creator of all the rivers, and is associated with rain, the life-giving force for the land and its inhabitants.

60

Australia

Tiddalik the Frog (Koori People):

Tiddalik the Frog is a popular creation story among various Koori tribes. According to the story, Tiddalik drank all the water in the world, causing a severe drought. The other animals gathered to devise a plan to make Tiddalik laugh, causing him to release the water and restore balance to the land.

61

Australia

How the Birds Got Their Colors (Various Aboriginal Cultures):

This story tells how the birds, originally plain and colorless, received their vibrant feathers. The story varies between different tribes, with different birds playing unique roles in the tale.

62

South America

Inca Mythology (Viracocha):

In Inca mythology, Viracocha is the supreme god and creator deity. According to some myths, Viracocha emerged from Lake Titicaca, one of the most sacred sites in the Andes, and created the first humans by breathing life into stone statues. He is often depicted as a bearded man holding a staff and wearing a robe.

63

South America

Mapuche Mythology (Elkantun):

The Mapuche people of Chile have a creation myth centered around the celestial body Elkantun. According to the myth, Elkantun, a woman, fell from the sky and transformed into the Moon. From the Moon, she created the first people, animals, and plants.

64

South America

Guarani Mythology (Tupã and Jacy):

In Guarani mythology, Tupã is the god of thunder and creator of all living beings. He is associated with life, fertility, and rain. Jacy, the Moon goddess, is often depicted as his wife, and together, they are the creators of all things.

65

South America

Aymara Mythology (Wak'a Pacha):

The Aymara people of Bolivia and Peru have a belief system called Wak'a Pacha, which refers to the realm of the spirits and the sacred places of the land. According to Aymara cosmology, the universe is composed of three realms: the upper world, the middle world (where humans live), and the underworld. The gods and spirits interact with humans and play a vital role in the creation and order of the world.

66

South America

Yanomami Mythology (Omama and Yoasi):

Among the Yanomami people of the Amazon rainforest, Omama is a powerful god and creator figure. He created the first humans from clay and taught them how to live in harmony with nature. Yoasi is another important deity associated with fertility and rain.

67

South America

Chibcha Mythology (Chiminigagua):

In Chibcha mythology of Colombia, Chiminigagua is the creator god and cosmic force associated with the origin of the world and the first humans.

68

Middle East

Jewish Mythology (Genesis in the Hebrew Bible):

In Jewish mythology, the creation story is found in the book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible. According to this narrative, the Hebrew god Elohim, or Yahweh, created the universe in six days. On the first day, Yahweh created light and separated it from darkness. On the second day, he created the sky. On the third day, Yahweh separated the waters to create dry land and vegetation. On the fourth day, he created the sun, moon, and stars. On the fifth day, Yahweh created sea creatures and birds. On the sixth day, Yahweh created land animals and humans, forming the first man, Adam, from the dust of the ground, and the first woman, Eve, from one of Adam's ribs.

69

Middle East

Christian Mythology (Genesis in the Bible):

Christianity shares the same creation story as Judaism, as it also draws from the book of Genesis in the Bible.   According to this narrative, the Hebrew (or Jewish) god Elohim, or Yahweh, created the universe in six days. On the first day, Yahweh created light and separated it from darkness. On the second day, he created the sky. On the third day, Yahweh separated the waters to create dry land and vegetation. On the fourth day, he created the sun, moon, and stars. On the fifth day, Yahweh created sea creatures and birds. On the sixth day, Yahweh created land animals and humans, forming the first man, Adam, from the dust of the ground, and the first woman, Eve, from one of Adam's ribs. 

70

Middle East

Islamic Mythology (Surah Al-A'raf in the Quran):

In Islamic mythology, the creation story is found in Surah Al-A'raf in the Quran. It shares similarities with the creation stories in Judaism and Christianity. God is seen as the sole creator of the universe, and the creation of Adam and Eve is also mentioned, albeit with some differences in details from the biblical account.

71

Middle East

Sumerian Mythology (Enuma Elish):

The ancient Sumerians, who lived in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq), had their own creation myth known as the Enuma Elish. According to this myth, the world began when the gods Apsu (freshwater) and Tiamat (saltwater) mixed, creating the gods and the universe. However, conflicts among the gods led to the rise of Marduk, who defeated Tiamat and used her body to create the heavens and the Earth.

72

Middle East

Babylonian Mythology (Epic of Gilgamesh):

The Epic of Gilgamesh, an ancient Mesopotamian poem, also contains elements of creation myths. It narrates the adventures of Gilgamesh, a legendary king, and includes references to the gods and their roles in shaping the world and humanity.

73

Mesopotamia

Enuma Elish (Babylonian Creation Myth):

The Enuma Elish is one of the most famous creation myths from Mesopotamia. It tells the story of how the world came into being through a series of cosmic battles between the gods. The myth begins with the primordial deities Apsu (freshwater) and Tiamat (saltwater) creating the gods. However, the younger gods' noise disturbs Apsu, leading to his plan to destroy them. His plan is thwarted by his great-grandson, the god Ea, who kills Apsu. This enrages Tiamat, who seeks vengeance against the younger gods. Marduk, the god of Babylon, emerges as the hero of the story. He defeats Tiamat, splitting her body to form the heavens and the Earth. Marduk then creates humanity to serve the gods.

74

Mesopotamia

Atrahasis Epic (Akkadian-Babylonian Myth):

The Atrahasis Epic is an Akkadian-Babylonian myth that recounts the creation of humans and the flood. The gods initially create humans to serve them, but as the human population grows, the noise and clamor become bothersome to the gods. In response, the gods send a series of plagues, but none diminishes human numbers. Finally, Enlil, the god of earth and wind, proposes to wipe out humanity with a great flood. However, Ea, the god of wisdom, warns one man, Atrahasis, of the impending flood and instructs him to build a boat to save himself and the animals.

75

Mesopotamia

Eridu Genesis (Sumerian Myth):

The Eridu Genesis is a Sumerian myth that tells the story of the creation of humanity and the establishment of the city of Eridu. According to the myth, the god Enki (Ea) created humanity to serve the gods and relieve them of their workload. Enki then founded the city of Eridu as the first city on Earth.

76

Mesopotamia

Sumerian King List (Sumerian Myth):

The Sumerian King List is an ancient text that combines history and mythology. It lists the kings of Sumer from the beginning of civilization, tracing their reigns to legendary figures and gods. Some of these kings are believed to have ruled for thousands of years, blending historical records with mythical elements.

77

South Asia (India etc.)

Hindu Mythology (Brahma and Purusha):

In Hindu mythology, the creation of the universe is attributed to Lord Brahma, the creator god. According to the Hindu scriptures, Brahma emerged from a lotus flower that sprouted from the navel of Lord Vishnu, the preserver god. Brahma is depicted with four heads, representing his ability to create the four Vedas, the sacred texts of Hinduism. He is responsible for the creation of the cosmos, gods, humans, animals, and everything else in the universe. Another creation story in Hindu mythology speaks of Purusha, the cosmic man, whose body parts become the elements of the universe, including the sky, Earth, and various life forms.

78

South Asia (India etc.)

Buddhist Mythology (The Wheel of Life):

Buddhism, which originated in South Asia, has a unique perspective on creation. In Buddhist mythology, the Wheel of Life (Bhavachakra) symbolizes the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara). The wheel depicts the six realms of existence, including gods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, hell beings, and jealous gods. The myth highlights the impermanence and interconnectedness of all life.

79

South Asia (India etc.)

Jain Mythology (The Universe and Tirthankaras):

In Jain mythology, the universe is believed to be eternal, without a specific beginning or end. It is divided into three realms—upper, middle, and lower—and each realm contains various celestial beings, humans, and infernal beings. Tirthankaras are spiritual teachers who guide humans towards liberation, and their lives and teachings are an essential aspect of Jain mythology.

80

South Asia (India etc.)

Sikh Mythology (Ik Onkar and Guru Nanak):

Sikhism, another major religion that originated in South Asia, believes in a formless, eternal, and omnipresent creator, known as Ik Onkar (One God). The opening phrase of the Sikh scriptures, Guru Granth Sahib, begins with "Ik Onkar," emphasizing the oneness of God and the interconnectedness of all existence. The founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak, taught about the unity of humanity and the divine.

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