Origin Myth

Creation Myth

Myth:

The world

’

s oldest stories

•

From the Greek word

muthos

for story.

•

Origins are uncertain because they are

anonymous

, generated and perpetuated by

cultures through the

oral tradition

.

•

Not intended to be recorded history of

events…

–

…but rather of a people and culture, of values

and beliefs.

Myth:

The world

’

s oldest stories

•

People have always tired to figure out

common questions like who made the

universe or what causes a storm.

•

Myth

is what

answers these

questions

.

Myth Provides Answers for the

Following:

•

Explain the origins of the

universe and life

•

Explain a natural

phenomenon

—

why is the

sky blue, what are stars.

•

Explain

the human

condition

—

flaws,

suffering, death

…

•

Explain

historical events

.

•

Teach

morality

.

Myth Provides Answers for the

Following:

•

Myths explain these elements through the

involvement of a

pantheon of deities (gods

and goddesses),

providing a system of

religious beliefs and practices

.

•

These myths are passed along by leaders and

priests.

Origin Myths and Archetypes

•

An Archetype

: a pattern or model that

serves as the basis for different but related

versions of a character, plot, or theme.

•

Origin stories explain how

events, actions, or

objects

came into being, featuring common

archetypes found universally in myths from

around the world.

Familiar Archetypes:

•

Creator figure (god

or goddess)

•

Water

•

Golden Age

•

A Trickster

•

Talking Animals

(spiritual guides)

•

Sibling Rivals and/or

Sibling Mates

Familiar Archetypes:

•

Fall From Grace

(loss of paradise)

•

Great Destruction

•

Female Earth

•

Creation From Body

Parts

•

Perfect Numbers (2,

3, 4, 7, 12)

Sample Archetypes:

•

Fall From Grace

•

Trickster

•

Great Destruction

•

Golden Age

•

Adam and Eve, Satan,

Anakin Skywalker

•

Loki, the serpent, Bugs

Bunny, Merlin

•

Flood, SkyNet,

Armageddon

•

Asgard, Middle

-

earth

Origin Myths give people a sense

of their place in the universe…

•

Who they are

•

Where they come from

•

What’s their destiny

will be