Changes

The term ''creation myth'' is sometimes used in a derogatory way to describe stories which are still believed today, as the term ''[[wikt:myth|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.

The term ''creation myth'' is sometimes used in a derogatory way to describe stories which are still believed today, as the term ''[[wikt:myth|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.

==Africa==

===Africa===

===Bakuba===

====Bakuba====

The [[Kuba Kingdom|Bakuba]] account of [[demiurge]] is as follows. Originally, the Earth was nothing but water and darkness. [[Mbombo]], the white giant, ruled over this [[chaos]]. One day, he felt a terrible pain in his stomach, and vomited the sun, the moon, and the stars. The sun shone fiercely and water steamed up in clouds. Gradually, the dry hills appeared. Mbombo vomited again, this time the trees came out of his stomach, and animals, and people, and many other things: the first woman, the leopard, the eagle, the anvil, the monkey, Fumu, the first man, the firmament, medicine, and lighting. Nchienge, the woman of the waters, lived in the East. She had a son, Woto, and a daughter, Labama. [[Woto]] was the first king of the Bakuba.<ref name="african_mythology">{{cite book | first= Sandra | last= Giddens | authorlink= Sandra Giddens | coauthors= Owen Giddens | year= 2006 | title= African Mythology | publisher= The Rosen Publishing Group | isbn= 1404207686 | pages= 22 }}</ref>

The [[Kuba Kingdom|Bakuba]] account of [[demiurge]] is as follows. Originally, the Earth was nothing but water and darkness. [[Mbombo]], the white giant, ruled over this [[chaos]]. One day, he felt a terrible pain in his stomach, and vomited the sun, the moon, and the stars. The sun shone fiercely and water steamed up in clouds. Gradually, the dry hills appeared. Mbombo vomited again, this time the trees came out of his stomach, and animals, and people, and many other things: the first woman, the leopard, the eagle, the anvil, the monkey, Fumu, the first man, the firmament, medicine, and lighting. Nchienge, the woman of the waters, lived in the East. She had a son, Woto, and a daughter, Labama. [[Woto]] was the first king of the Bakuba.<ref name="african_mythology">{{cite book | first= Sandra | last= Giddens | authorlink= Sandra Giddens | coauthors= Owen Giddens | year= 2006 | title= African Mythology | publisher= The Rosen Publishing Group | isbn= 1404207686 | pages= 22 }}</ref>

===Maasai===

====Maasai====

The [[Maasai]] of [[Kenya]] in their creation narrative recount the origin of humanity to be fashioned by the Creator deity from a single tree or leg which split into three pieces. To the first father of the Maasai, he gave a stick. To the first father of the [[Kikuyu]], he gave a hoe. To the first father of the [[Kamba]], he gave a bow and arrow. Each son survived in the wild. The first father of the Maasai used his stick to herd animals. The first father of the Kikuyu used his hoe to cultivate the ground. The first father of the Kamba used his bow and arrow to hunt.

The [[Maasai]] of [[Kenya]] in their creation narrative recount the origin of humanity to be fashioned by the Creator deity from a single tree or leg which split into three pieces. To the first father of the Maasai, he gave a stick. To the first father of the [[Kikuyu]], he gave a hoe. To the first father of the [[Kamba]], he gave a bow and arrow. Each son survived in the wild. The first father of the Maasai used his stick to herd animals. The first father of the Kikuyu used his hoe to cultivate the ground. The first father of the Kamba used his bow and arrow to hunt.

===Mandinka===

====Mandinka====

The traditional creation narrative of the [[Mandinka people]] of southern [[Mali]] begins with [[Mangala]], a singular, powerful being who is perceived to be a round, energetic presence. Within Mangala existed four divisions, which were symbolic of, among many things, the four days of the week (time), the [[four elements]] (matter), and the [[four directions]] (space). Mangala also contained two sets of dual gendered twins. Mangala was tired of keeping all of this matter inside, so the god removed it and compiled it into a seed. The seed was his creation of the world. The seed however did not hold together well and blew up. Mangala was disappointed with this and destroyed the world he created.

The traditional creation narrative of the [[Mandinka people]] of southern [[Mali]] begins with [[Mangala]], a singular, powerful being who is perceived to be a round, energetic presence. Within Mangala existed four divisions, which were symbolic of, among many things, the four days of the week (time), the [[four elements]] (matter), and the [[four directions]] (space). Mangala also contained two sets of dual gendered twins. Mangala was tired of keeping all of this matter inside, so the god removed it and compiled it into a seed. The seed was his creation of the world. The seed however did not hold together well and blew up. Mangala was disappointed with this and destroyed the world he created.

Next, a being named [[Sourakata]] arrived from the sky with the first sacred drum, hammer, and the sacrificed skull of Farro. Sourakata began to play on the drum and sang for the first rain to come. Sourakata is a magical being who can control nature, and he taught Farro and his followers.

Next, a being named [[Sourakata]] arrived from the sky with the first sacred drum, hammer, and the sacrificed skull of Farro. Sourakata began to play on the drum and sang for the first rain to come. Sourakata is a magical being who can control nature, and he taught Farro and his followers.

===Voodoo===

====Voodoo====

[[Damballah]] (Sky-serpent loa and wise and loving Father archetype) created all the waters of the earth. In the form of a serpent, the movement of his 7,000 coils formed hills and valleys on earth and brought forth stars and planets in the cosmos. He forged metals from heat and sent forth lightning bolts to form the sacred rocks and stones.  

[[Damballah]] (Sky-serpent loa and wise and loving Father archetype) created all the waters of the earth. In the form of a serpent, the movement of his 7,000 coils formed hills and valleys on earth and brought forth stars and planets in the cosmos. He forged metals from heat and sent forth lightning bolts to form the sacred rocks and stones.  

The revelations of the [[loa]] (deity) descended upon the first faithful in [[Ifé]], a legendary city located in [[Nigeria]]. Therefore, everything in life and all spiritual strength comes from Ifé. The homeland of all [[West African Vodun|voodoo]] devotees, where Ifé is located, is [[Ginen]], from where they were forced to flee in the [[African Diaspora]]. In death, the higher soul will return to Ginen (the [[world of the dead]], said to be under the water below the earth) to reside with the loa and the ancestral [[spirit]]s. Because of this, all practitioners of voodoo refer to themselves as ''[[ti guinin]]'', sons or daughters of Ginen.

The revelations of the [[loa]] (deity) descended upon the first faithful in [[Ifé]], a legendary city located in [[Nigeria]]. Therefore, everything in life and all spiritual strength comes from Ifé. The homeland of all [[West African Vodun|voodoo]] devotees, where Ifé is located, is [[Ginen]], from where they were forced to flee in the [[African Diaspora]]. In death, the higher soul will return to Ginen (the [[world of the dead]], said to be under the water below the earth) to reside with the loa and the ancestral [[spirit]]s. Because of this, all practitioners of voodoo refer to themselves as ''[[ti guinin]]'', sons or daughters of Ginen.

===Yoruba===

====Yoruba====

The [[Yoruba people|Yoruba]] creator is called [[Olorun]] or [[Olodumare]] and is often assisted by the spirit, or "lesser god", [[Obatala]]. In the beginning, there was only water and chaos. The supreme being sent Obatala or [[Orishanla]] down from the sky to create some land out of the chaos. He descended on a long chain (umbilical cord) and brought with him a rooster, some iron, and a palm kernel. First, he put the metal on the earth and the rooster on top of that. The rooster scratched the metal and spread it out to create land. Then he planted the palm seed and from it grew the earth's vegetation. Olurun named earth "Ife" and the first city "Ile-Ife." Orshilana created humans out of the earth and got Olurun to blow life into them.

The [[Yoruba people|Yoruba]] creator is called [[Olorun]] or [[Olodumare]] and is often assisted by the spirit, or "lesser god", [[Obatala]]. In the beginning, there was only water and chaos. The supreme being sent Obatala or [[Orishanla]] down from the sky to create some land out of the chaos. He descended on a long chain (umbilical cord) and brought with him a rooster, some iron, and a palm kernel. First, he put the metal on the earth and the rooster on top of that. The rooster scratched the metal and spread it out to create land. Then he planted the palm seed and from it grew the earth's vegetation. Olurun named earth "Ife" and the first city "Ile-Ife." Orshilana created humans out of the earth and got Olurun to blow life into them.

===Zulu===

====Zulu====

The Ancient One, known as [[Unkulunkulu]], is the [[Zulu]] creator. He came from the reeds and from them he brought forth the people and the cattle. He created everything that is: mountains, streams, snakes, etc. He taught the Zulu how to hunt, how to make fire, and how to grow food.

The Ancient One, known as [[Unkulunkulu]], is the [[Zulu]] creator. He came from the reeds and from them he brought forth the people and the cattle. He created everything that is: mountains, streams, snakes, etc. He taught the Zulu how to hunt, how to make fire, and how to grow food.

==Asia==

==Asia==

===Ainu===

===India===

The [[Ainu people]] of [[Hokkaidō]] recount the [[demiurge]] with a cosmology consisting of six [[heaven]]s and six [[hell]]s where [[deity|gods]], [[demon]]s, and animals lived. Demons lived in the lower heavens. Amongst the [[star]]s and the [[clouds]] lived the lesser gods. In [[highest heaven]] lived [[Kamui]], the creator god, and his servants. His realm was surrounded by a mighty metal wall and the only entrance was through a great iron gate.  

====Buddhist====

[[Buddhism]] itself generally ignores the question regarding the origin of life. The [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] regarding the origin of life has said "Conjecture about [the origin, etc., of] the world is an unconjecturable that is not to be conjectured about, that would bring madness & vexation to anyone who conjectured about it."[http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sutta/anguttara/an04-077.html AN IV.77], and in regard to ignoring the question of the origin of life the Buddha has said "And why are they undeclared by me? Because they are not connected with the goal, are not fundamental to the holy life. They do not lead to [[disenchantment]], dispassion, cessation, calming, direct knowledge, self-awakening, Unbinding. That's why they are undeclared by me."<ref>http://www.accesstoinsight.org/canon/sutta/majjhima/mn-063-tb0.html MN 63</ref>.  The Buddha also compared the question of the origin of life - as well as many other [[metaphysics|metaphysical]] questions - to the parable of the poison arrow: a man is shot with a poison arrow, but before the doctor pulls it out, he wants to know who shot it (arguing the existence of God), where the arrow came from (where the universe and/or God came from) why that person shot it (why God created the universe), etc. If the man keeps asking these questions before the arrow is pulled out, the Buddha reasoned, he will die before he gets the answers. Buddhism is less concerned with answering questions like the origin of life, and more concerned with the goal of saving oneself and other beings from suffering by attaining [[Nirvana]] (Enlightenment). However, the esoteric Buddhist teaching, the ''[[Kalachakra]] Tantra'', deals with the formation and functioning of reality. Modern day Buddhists such as the [[Dalai Lama]] don't perceive a conflict between Buddhism and science and consider they are complementary means of understanding the world around us.<ref>[http://www.boston.com/news/globe/ideas/articles/2003/09/14/the_buddha_of_suburbia/ Boston.com / News / Boston Globe / Ideas / The Buddha of suburbia<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Kamui made this world as a vast round ocean resting on the backbone of an enormous [[trout]]. This fish sucks in the ocean and spits it out again to make the tides; when it moves it causes earthquakes.  

In the Buddhist scriptures, there is a story in the [[Digha Nikaya|Dīgha Nikā ya]] about how this world has come about. It is in the 27th Sutta, the Aggañña Sutta, and the Buddha uses it to explain how [[caste]]s have come about, and why one caste is not really any better than the other<ref>M. Walshe: ''The Long Discourses of the Buddha'', p. 407: "''On Knowledge of Beginnings''", Somerville, MASS, 1995.</ref>. At a point in time, this world contracts. When it expands again, beings are being reincarnated in it. All is water, and it is dark, but the beings are luminous. Later, earth is formed on the surface of the water. The beings start to eat from it, because this is tasty earth. Doing this, however, their own light disappears, and sun, moon, days and nights and seasons come into existence. The beings continue eating from the earth. They degenerate further: ugly ones and handsome ones come into existence. On top of that, the handsome ones get a bit arrogant. All of this makes the tasty earth disappear. Nice mushrooms take its place. The degeneration continues: beings become coarser, arrogant, and mushrooms are replaced by plants, and, then, good, ready-to-eat rice. Beings do still get coarser. They also become male or female. Sex is frowned upon, so people build shelter to be discrete. The next step is when people start to gather rice for a few meals at a time. Now, the rice's quality starts to deteriorate, and it does not grow back immediately. Later, people create rice fields with boundaries. This is the origin of theft and crime. To combat this crime, they offer a share of the rice to one of them to be their leader. In the end, all the different castes come about, originating from the same kind of beings.

One day Kamui looked down on the watery world and decided to make something of it. He sent down a [[wagtail|water wagtail]] to do the work. By fluttering over the waters with its wings and by trampling the sand with its feet and beating it with its tail, the wagtail created patches of dry land. In this way [[island]]s were raised to float upon the [[ocean]].  

In [[Hinduism|Hindu]] philosophy, the existence of the universe is governed by the [[Trimurti]] of [[Brahma (god)|Brahma]] (the Creator), [[Vishnu]] (the Sustainer) and  [[Shiva]] (the Destroyer). The sequence of [[Avatar]]s of Vishnu - the [[Dasavatara]] ({{lang-sa|Dasa}}—ten, {{lang|sa|Avatara}}—divine descents) is generally accepted by most Hindus today as correlating well with Darwin's theory of evolution i.e. the first Avatar generating from the environment of water. Hindus believe that the universe was created from the Word ([[Aum]]/OM : ॐ) - the sacred sound uttered by every human being at the time of birth. The first five great elements or [[Panchamahabhuta]] ({{lang-sa|Pancha}}—five + ''Maha''—great + ''Bhuta''—elements) are: [[Akasha]], [[Vayu]], [[Agni]], [[Ap (water)|Ap]], and [[Prithvi]].

When the animals who lived up in the heavens saw how beautiful the world was, they begged Kamui to let them go and live on it, and he did. But Kamui also made many other creatures especially for the world. The first people, the Ainu, had bodies of earth, hair of chickweed, and spines made from sticks of willow. Kamui sent [[Aioina]], the divine man, down from heaven to teach the Ainu how to hunt and to cook.

Hindus believe that the cycle of creation, preservation, and destruction has no beginning, ''Anadi''. Hindus thus do not see much conflict between creation and evolution. Another reason for this could also be the Hindu concept of cyclic time, such as [[yuga]]s, or days of Brahma.  A [[Day of Brahma]] lasts 4.32 billion years and the night of Brahma also lasts for 4.32 billion years. Days and nights follow in cycles (unlike the concept of [[linear time]] in many other religions). In fact, time is represented as ''[[Kāla (time)|{{IAST|Kālá}}]] [[Chakra]]'', the [[wheel of time]].  

In earlier Vedic thinking, the universe emanated from a [[cosmic egg]], [[Hiranyagarbha]] (literally, 'the golden embryo'). [[Prajapati]] was born from the Hiranyagarbha [[world egg]]. Prajapati was later identified in the [[Puranas]] with the [[Demiurge]] [[Brahma]]. Various [[deva (Hinduism)|devas]] are credited with certain acts of the process of creation, as personified entities representing the laws governing the universe. For instance, the act of propping apart the [[Dyaus|Sky]] and the [[Prithvi|Earth]] suggests early ideas of an expanding universe. The [[Purusha Sukta]] hymn of [[Rig Veda]] further personifies and describes the story of the creation of the universe from the remains of a gigantic primaeval Cosmic Man, [[Purusha]], sacrificed at the [[Purushamedha]] [[yajna]].  

According to [[Hmong people|Hmong]] tradition, a long time ago the rivers and ocean covered the Earth. A brother and sister were locked in a yellow wooden drum. The Sky People looked out and saw the Earth. Everything was dead. Only a yellow wooden drum was left on the water.

"Punch holes in the Earth so the water will drain away," said the King above the Sky.

In Hinduism, nature and all of God's creations are manifestations of Him. He is within and without His creations, pervading the entire universe and also observing it externally. Hence all animals and humans have a divine element in them that is covered by the ignorance and illusions of material or mundane existence, as a result of [[avidya]] (ignorance).  

The water went down. Finally, the drum bumped against the ground. The brother and sister came out of the drum and looked around. Everything was still dead.

Several scholars have attempted breaking the code of [[cosmogenesis]] of the [[Rig Veda]]. According to Rig Veda, creation happened gradually. The universe in its primitive form was made up of [[Ishwar]] [[Tattva]], which primarily spread homogeneously throughout the universe. The complete equilibrium and homogeneity, when broke, arose an inhomogenous state of the primordial fluid, [[Ap (water)|Ap]]. With the transformation of undifferentiated primordial fluid into differentiated fluid through polarization of opposites, the universe moved from a homogenous to inhomogenous state when particles were formed first.

"Where are the people?" asked the sister.

According to Jain beliefs, the [[universe]] was never created, nor will it ever cease to exist. It is eternal but not unchangeable, because it passes through an endless series of cycles. Each of these upward or downward cycles is divided into six world ages ([[yugas]]). The present world age is the fifth age of one of these "cycles", which is in a downward movement. These ages are known as "Aaro" as in "''Pehela Aara''" or First Age, "''Doosra Aara''" or Second Age and so on. The last one is the "''Chhatha Aara''" or Sixth Age. All these ages have fixed time durations of thousands of years.

But the brother had an idea. "All the people on Earth are gone. Marry me, we can have children."

When this reaches its lowest level, even Jainism itself will be lost in its entirety. Then, in the course of the next upswing, the Jain religion will be rediscovered and reintroduced by new leaders called ''Tirthankaras'' (literally "Crossing Makers" or "Ford Finders"), only to be lost again at the end of the next downswing, and so on.  

"I can't marry you, we are brother and sister."

The [[Sikh]] Scripture, [[Sri Guru Granth Sahib]] (SGGS), recorded in the 16th century CE, details include planning and execution by the Creator and are briefly as follows, (pages are those of SGGS): prior to creation, all that existed was God ([[Waheguru|Vāhigurū]]) and his will ([[hukam]]). God contemplated over myriad ages in utter darkness when he alone existed.<ref>{{cite book | last = Dev | first = Nanak | authorlink = Guru Nanak | title = Gurū Granth Sāhib | url=http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=1035&punjabi=t#l44288 | accessdate=2006-06-15 | pages=1023 and 1035 | quote=For endless eons, there was only utter darkness. There was no earth or sky; there was only the <s>infinite</s> Command of His Hukam. }}</ref> When the planning was complete all the resources required were created and enclosed in a shell like that of an [[cosmic egg|egg]]. When God willed, the entire cosmos was created as the shell was burst and all elements of the universe started moving away from the point of bursting (P 839). It has been stated that in the process of creation involved first the creation of the ability for the living creatures and then the creatures came into being (P 130). From these beginnings, God nurtured "enticement and attachment" to ''[[Maya (illusion)|māyā]]'', or the human perception of reality.<ref>{{cite book | last = Dev | first = Nanak | authorlink = Guru Nanak | title = Gurū Granth Sāhib | url=http://www.srigranth.org/servlet/gurbani.gurbani?Action=Page&Param=1036&punjabi=t#l44327 | accessdate=2006-06-15 | pages=1036 | quote=When He so willed, He created the world. Without any supporting power, He sustained the universe. He created Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva; He fostered enticement and attachment to Maya. | unused_data = |14}}</ref>

 

Surat Shabda Yoga [[cosmology#Esoteric cosmology|cosmology]] depicts the whole of creation (the [[macrocosm]]) as being [[Emanationism|emanated]] and arranged in a spiritually differentiated hierarchy, often referred to as eggs, regions, or [[Plane (cosmology)|planes]]. Typically, eight spiritual levels are described above the physical plane, although names and subdivisions within these levels will vary to some extent by mission and Master. (One version of the creation from a Surat Shabda Yoga perspective is depicted at the Sant Ajaib Singh Ji Memorial Site in [http://www.santji.allegre.ca/planes-640.jpg “The Grand Scheme of All Creation”].) All planes below the purely spiritual regions are subject to cycles of creation and dissolution (pralya) or grand dissolution (maha pralya).

Finally the brother said, "Let's carry the grindstones up the hill and roll them into the valley. If the stones land on top of each other, then you shall marry me."

 

The sister rolled her stone and then, as soon as the brother rolled his stone he ran as fast as he could down the hill and stacked the stones on top of each other.

 

When the sister saw the stones she cried. Finally she said, "I will marry you, because it was meant to be."

 

A year later the wife gave birth to a baby, but the baby was not a real baby. It had no arms or legs. It was just round like a pumpkin. The husband cut it up and threw the pieces away. One piece fell on the garden and it became the "Vang" clan because "Vang" sounds like the word for "garden" in Hmong. One piece fell on the goat house. Some pieces fell on the leaves and grass and they became the other Hmong clans. The Nhia, Mhoua, Pao, Ho, Xiong, Vue, and so on.

 

The next morning the village was full of houses. Everyone came to the husband and wife and said, "Mother and father, come have breakfast with us."

 

The husband said to his wife, "I asked you to marry me because all the people on Earth were dead. Now these people are our family -- our sons and daughters."

===Korea===

===Korea===

There were heavenly ones in the sky domain. JoMulJu created everything in the universe, and the heavenly ones had their own kingdom. The son of the Supreme Being (JoMulju or Hwan-in) came to the Earth with ministers (people and animals) who control rain, cloud, wind, and 360 kinds of things to govern the Earth, as he is in fact a human being as well as some kind of deity. A bear and a tiger wished to become humans. They prayed to the Supreme Being, Hwan-ung, and he gave them 20 cloves of [[garlic]] and a handful of [[mugwort]], and told them to live in a dark cave for 100 days. The bear was patient enough to withstand the hardship of the cave and the starvation from eating only garlic and mugwort, but the tiger failed at the last minute and ran out of the cave. The bear became a girl and wanted to have a child, so the son of the Supreme Being married her. The son was Dangun who established the kingdom of Korea.

There were heavenly ones in the sky domain. JoMulJu created everything in the universe, and the heavenly ones had their own kingdom. The son of the Supreme Being (JoMulju or Hwan-in) came to the Earth with ministers (people and animals) who control rain, cloud, wind, and 360 kinds of things to govern the Earth, as he is in fact a human being as well as some kind of deity. A bear and a tiger wished to become humans. They prayed to the Supreme Being, Hwan-ung, and he gave them 20 cloves of [[garlic]] and a handful of [[mugwort]], and told them to live in a dark cave for 100 days. The bear was patient enough to withstand the hardship of the cave and the starvation from eating only garlic and mugwort, but the tiger failed at the last minute and ran out of the cave. The bear became a girl and wanted to have a child, so the son of the Supreme Being married her. The son was Dangun who established the kingdom of Korea.

===Mansi===

===Mansi===

The traditional account of creation by the [[Mansi]] people of [[Siberia]] involved two [[loon]]s which dove to the bottom of primeval waters to retrieve a piece of the bottom and placed it on top of the water. From there the Earth grew. After a time, at the behest of his daughter, the spirit of the sky ordered his brother, the spirit of the lower world to create humanity. His brother made seven earthy, clay figures and which were quickened by the gods' sister, [[Mother Earth]].

The traditional account of creation by the [[Mansi]] people of [[Siberia]] involved two [[loon]]s which dove to the bottom of primeval waters to retrieve a piece of the bottom and placed it on top of the water. From there the Earth grew. After a time, at the behest of his daughter, the spirit of the sky ordered his brother, the spirit of the lower world to create humanity. His brother made seven earthy, clay figures and which were quickened by the gods' sister, [[Mother Earth]].

 

===Mongol===

====Mongol====

There is no singular [[Mongol]] account of the creation and the beginning of the world, but from a variety of accounts from Mongol tribes of Central Asia, a general outline can be made. The creation of the world is attributed to a [[lama]] named [[Udan]] who is sometimes also conflated with [[God]] or [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha Sakyamuni]] by the tribes influenced by [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. The primordial world is usually described as being covered in darkness with no separation between earth and sky. The construction of the cosmos proceeds in a variety of fashions. One account describes ninety-nine golden columns holding apart the sky and earth. In this description the world has three stories, the upper one being heaven where gods and goddesses live, the middle one being earth where man dwells, and the lower one being the place where man goes after death; heaven (sky) is the father and earth is the mother of man, animals, etc. Another narrative recounts that when the creator divided the heaven and earth he created a nine-story heaven, a nine-story earth, and nine rivers. In some accounts, the world first was a vast ocean, but dust and sand rose to cover the ocean surface and become earth. In another account, the land is placed on the back of a golden [[frog]] who was pierced with arrows causing fire and water to spew from him at various places  

There is no singular [[Mongol]] account of the creation and the beginning of the world, but from a variety of accounts from Mongol tribes of Central Asia, a general outline can be made. The creation of the world is attributed to a [[lama]] named [[Udan]] who is sometimes also conflated with [[God]] or [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha Sakyamuni]] by the tribes influenced by [[Tibetan Buddhism]]. The primordial world is usually described as being covered in darkness with no separation between earth and sky. The construction of the cosmos proceeds in a variety of fashions. One account describes ninety-nine golden columns holding apart the sky and earth. In this description the world has three stories, the upper one being heaven where gods and goddesses live, the middle one being earth where man dwells, and the lower one being the place where man goes after death; heaven (sky) is the father and earth is the mother of man, animals, etc. Another narrative recounts that when the creator divided the heaven and earth he created a nine-story heaven, a nine-story earth, and nine rivers. In some accounts, the world first was a vast ocean, but dust and sand rose to cover the ocean surface and become earth. In another account, the land is placed on the back of a golden [[frog]] who was pierced with arrows causing fire and water to spew from him at various places  

Another account tells that in the beginning, seven suns rose in the sky so that the rivers and vegetation on earth dried up, so the people asked the archer [[Erkei-Mergen]] to shoot the suns out of the sky. The archer shot down six, but while he was taking aim at the seventh a [[martin (bird)|martin]] flew in front of the sun and was shot in the tail. From then on, the martin had a forked tail and there was a single sun remaining in the sky. The archer was so distressed that he fled to the [[steppe]], cut off his thumbs in shame, and became the ancestor of the [[marmot]].

Another account tells that in the beginning, seven suns rose in the sky so that the rivers and vegetation on earth dried up, so the people asked the archer [[Erkei-Mergen]] to shoot the suns out of the sky. The archer shot down six, but while he was taking aim at the seventh a [[martin (bird)|martin]] flew in front of the sun and was shot in the tail. From then on, the martin had a forked tail and there was a single sun remaining in the sky. The archer was so distressed that he fled to the [[steppe]], cut off his thumbs in shame, and became the ancestor of the [[marmot]].

===Orok===

====Taoism====

 

 

 

 

===Taoism===

[[Tao]] is the nameless void, the mother of the Ten Thousand Things.  Tao is considered by [[Laozi]] to be that which eternally gives without being depleted, and eternally receives without being filled.

[[Tao]] is the nameless void, the mother of the Ten Thousand Things.  Tao is considered by [[Laozi]] to be that which eternally gives without being depleted, and eternally receives without being filled.

That which does not exist for its own sake is able to endure.<ref>[[Tao Te Ching]] Ch 25: 有物混成，先天地生。寂兮寥兮，獨立而不改，周行而不殆，可以為天地母 。吾不知其名，強字之曰道。([[Ursula K. Le Guin#Translations and Renditions|rendition]]: There is something that contains everything. Before heaven and earth it is. Oh, it is still, unbodied, all on its own, unchanging, all-pervading, ever-moving. So it can act as the mother of all things. Not knowing its real name, we only call it the Way)</ref>

That which does not exist for its own sake is able to endure.<ref>[[Tao Te Ching]] Ch 25: 有物混成，先天地生。寂兮寥兮，獨立而不改，周行而不殆，可以為天地母 。吾不知其名，強字之曰道。([[Ursula K. Le Guin#Translations and Renditions|rendition]]: There is something that contains everything. Before heaven and earth it is. Oh, it is still, unbodied, all on its own, unchanging, all-pervading, ever-moving. So it can act as the mother of all things. Not knowing its real name, we only call it the Way)</ref>

A second version with metaphysical reference was given in a late 20th century book called ''Tiantang Yiuchi'' in which genesis was detailed, that out of Tao or ''Wuji'' came a non-being called Xuanxuan Shangren (玄玄上人) who hatched into the [[Three Pure Ones]] the Daoist Trinity and then the [[Five Supremes]].  Three of the Five Supremes incubated the [[first man and woman]] as well as all living beings.

A second version with metaphysical reference was given in a late 20th century book called ''Tiantang Yiuchi'' in which genesis was detailed, that out of Tao or ''Wuji'' came a non-being called Xuanxuan Shangren (玄玄上人) who hatched into the [[Three Pure Ones]] the Daoist Trinity and then the [[Five Supremes]].  Three of the Five Supremes incubated the [[first man and woman]] as well as all living beings.

==Europe==

===Europe===

===Finnish===

====Finnish====

Ancient Finns believed that the world was formed from an egg that was broken.

Ancient Finns believed that the world was formed from an egg that was broken.

A bird was flying above the sea, seeking a place to make a nest and lay her eggs. She searched everywhere, but found nothing but water. Then she noticed the first dry place. In some stories it was an island, in other stories it was a boat and in other stories it was a body part of a floating being, like the wizard [[Väinämöinen]]. The place was too unstable for a nest: a big wave came and broke the eggs, spreading their parts all over. However the eggs were not wasted: the upper part of egg covers formed the sky, yolk became the sun, and lower parts of egg formed the mother earth. The first human was [[Väinämöinen]], he was born from the maiden of air [[Ilmatar]] that was made pregnant by the sea. Väinämöinen ordered forests to be planted, and started human culture.

A bird was flying above the sea, seeking a place to make a nest and lay her eggs. She searched everywhere, but found nothing but water. Then she noticed the first dry place. In some stories it was an island, in other stories it was a boat and in other stories it was a body part of a floating being, like the wizard [[Väinämöinen]]. The place was too unstable for a nest: a big wave came and broke the eggs, spreading their parts all over. However the eggs were not wasted: the upper part of egg covers formed the sky, yolk became the sun, and lower parts of egg formed the mother earth. The first human was [[Väinämöinen]], he was born from the maiden of air [[Ilmatar]] that was made pregnant by the sea. Väinämöinen ordered forests to be planted, and started human culture.

===Greek (Classical)===

====Greek (Classical)====

[[Plato]], in his dialogue ''[[Timaeus (dialogue)|Timaeus]]'', describes a creation myth involving a being called the [[demiurge]].

[[Plato]], in his dialogue ''[[Timaeus (dialogue)|Timaeus]]'', describes a creation myth involving a being called the [[demiurge]].

[[Hesiod]], in his ''[[Theogony]]'', says that [[Chaos (mythology)|Chaos]] existed in the beginning, and then gave birth to [[Gaea]] (the Earth), [[Tartarus]] (the Underworld), [[Eros (god)|Eros]] (desire), [[Nyx (mythology)|Nyx]] (the darkness of the night) and [[Erebus]] (the darkness of the Underworld).  Gaea brought forth [[Uranus (mythology)|Ouranos]], the starry sky, her equal, to cover her, the hills, and the fruitless deep of the Sea, [[Pontus (mythology)|Pontus]], "without sweet union of love," out of her own self. But afterwards, Hesiod tells, she lay with Heaven and bore the World-Ocean [[Oceanus]], [[Coeus]] and [[Crius]] and the [[Titan (mythology)|Titans]] [[Hyperion (mythology)|Hyperion]] and [[Iapetus (mythology)|Iapetus]], [[Theia]] and [[Rhea (mythology)|Rhea]], [[Themis]] and [[Mnemosyne]] and [[Phoebe (mythology)|Phoebe]] of the golden crown and lovely [[Tethys (mythology)|Tethys]]. "After them was born [[Cronos]] the wily, youngest and most terrible of her children, and he hated his lusty sire."  Cronos, at Gaia's urging, castrates Uranus.  He marries [[Rhea (mythology)|Rhea]] who bears him [[Hestia]], [[Demeter]], [[Hera]], [[Hades]], [[Poseidon]], and [[Zeus]].  Zeus and his brothers overthrow Cronos and the other Titans, then draw lots to determine what each of them will rule.  Zeus draws the sky, Poseidon draws the sea, and Hades draws the underworld.

[[Hesiod]], in his ''[[Theogony]]'', says that [[Chaos (mythology)|Chaos]] existed in the beginning, and then gave birth to [[Gaea]] (the Earth), [[Tartarus]] (the Underworld), [[Eros (god)|Eros]] (desire), [[Nyx (mythology)|Nyx]] (the darkness of the night) and [[Erebus]] (the darkness of the Underworld).  Gaea brought forth [[Uranus (mythology)|Ouranos]], the starry sky, her equal, to cover her, the hills, and the fruitless deep of the Sea, [[Pontus (mythology)|Pontus]], "without sweet union of love," out of her own self. But afterwards, Hesiod tells, she lay with Heaven and bore the World-Ocean [[Oceanus]], [[Coeus]] and [[Crius]] and the [[Titan (mythology)|Titans]] [[Hyperion (mythology)|Hyperion]] and [[Iapetus (mythology)|Iapetus]], [[Theia]] and [[Rhea (mythology)|Rhea]], [[Themis]] and [[Mnemosyne]] and [[Phoebe (mythology)|Phoebe]] of the golden crown and lovely [[Tethys (mythology)|Tethys]]. "After them was born [[Cronos]] the wily, youngest and most terrible of her children, and he hated his lusty sire."  Cronos, at Gaia's urging, castrates Uranus.  He marries [[Rhea (mythology)|Rhea]] who bears him [[Hestia]], [[Demeter]], [[Hera]], [[Hades]], [[Poseidon]], and [[Zeus]].  Zeus and his brothers overthrow Cronos and the other Titans, then draw lots to determine what each of them will rule.  Zeus draws the sky, Poseidon draws the sea, and Hades draws the underworld.

===Norse & Germanic===   

====Norse & Germanic====   

The [[Voluspa]] opens with the Norse account of the creation of the present universe :  

The [[Voluspa]] opens with the Norse account of the creation of the present universe :  

The gods regulated the passage of the days and nights, as well as the seasons. [[Sól (Sun)|Sól]] is the personified sun, a daughter of [[Mundilfari]], and wife of [[Glen (Norse mythology)|Glen]]. Every day, she rides through the sky on her chariot, pulled by two horses named [[Árvakr and Alsviðr]]. Sól is chased during the day by [[Sköll]], a wolf that wants to devour her. It is foretold that Sköll will eventually catch Sol and eat her during [[Ragnarök]]; however, she will first give birth to a daughter as fair as she. Sól's brother [[Máni]], the personified moon, is chased by [[Hati Hróðvitnisson]], another wolf. The earth is protected from the full heat of the sun by the shield [[Svalinn]], which is placed before Sól.

The gods regulated the passage of the days and nights, as well as the seasons. [[Sól (Sun)|Sól]] is the personified sun, a daughter of [[Mundilfari]], and wife of [[Glen (Norse mythology)|Glen]]. Every day, she rides through the sky on her chariot, pulled by two horses named [[Árvakr and Alsviðr]]. Sól is chased during the day by [[Sköll]], a wolf that wants to devour her. It is foretold that Sköll will eventually catch Sol and eat her during [[Ragnarök]]; however, she will first give birth to a daughter as fair as she. Sól's brother [[Máni]], the personified moon, is chased by [[Hati Hróðvitnisson]], another wolf. The earth is protected from the full heat of the sun by the shield [[Svalinn]], which is placed before Sól.

 

===Middle East===

==India==

====Sumerian====

===Buddhist===

 

 

===Hindu===

 

 

 

 

 

===Jainism===

 

 

 

 

 

===Sumerian===

The [[Sumerian creation myth]], the oldest known, was found on a fragmentary clay tablet known as the "[[Eridu Genesis]]", datable to ca. the 18th century BC. It also includes a [[Deluge (mythology)|flood myth]].

The [[Sumerian creation myth]], the oldest known, was found on a fragmentary clay tablet known as the "[[Eridu Genesis]]", datable to ca. the 18th century BC. It also includes a [[Deluge (mythology)|flood myth]].

After another break the text resumes, the flood is apparently over, the animals disembark and Zi-ud-sura prostrates himself before [[An (mythology)|An]] (sky-god) and [[Enlil]] (chief of the gods), who give him eternal life and take him to dwell in [[Dilmun]] for "preserving the animals and the seed of mankind". The remainder of the poem is lost. ([http://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=t.1.7.4 translation of the text])<ref>Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Fluckiger-Hawker, E, Robson, E., and Zólyomi, G. (1998) ''[http://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/ The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature]''. Oxford.</ref>

After another break the text resumes, the flood is apparently over, the animals disembark and Zi-ud-sura prostrates himself before [[An (mythology)|An]] (sky-god) and [[Enlil]] (chief of the gods), who give him eternal life and take him to dwell in [[Dilmun]] for "preserving the animals and the seed of mankind". The remainder of the poem is lost. ([http://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/cgi-bin/etcsl.cgi?text=t.1.7.4 translation of the text])<ref>Black, J.A., Cunningham, G., Fluckiger-Hawker, E, Robson, E., and Zólyomi, G. (1998) ''[http://etcsl.orinst.ox.ac.uk/ The Electronic Text Corpus of Sumerian Literature]''. Oxford.</ref>

===Babylonian===   

====Babylonian====   

The Babylonian creation myth is recounted in the "Epic of Creation" also known as the [[Enûma Elish]].  The Mesopotamian "Epic of Creation" dates to the late second millennium B.C.E.

The Babylonian creation myth is recounted in the "Epic of Creation" also known as the [[Enûma Elish]].  The Mesopotamian "Epic of Creation" dates to the late second millennium B.C.E.

In the poem,  the god [[Marduk]] (or Assur in the Assyrian versions of the poem) is created to defend the divine beings from an attack plotted by the ocean goddess [[Tiamat]].  The hero Marduk offers to save the gods only if he is appointed their supreme unquestioned leader and is allowed to remain so even after the threat passes.  The gods agree to  Marduk's terms.  Marduk challenges Tiamat to combat and destroys her. He then rips her corpse into two halves with which he fashions the earth and the skies.  Marduk then creates the calendar, organizes the planets, stars and regulates the moon, sun, and weather.  The gods pledge their allegiance to Marduk and he creates Babylon as the terrestrial counterpart to the realm of the gods.  Marduk then destroys Tiamat's husband,  [[Kingu]] using his blood to create humankind so that they can do the work of the gods.  (Sources, Foster, B.R., From Distant Days : Myths, Tales, and Poetry of Ancient Mesopotamia. 1995, Bethesda, Md.: CDL Press. vi, 438 p., Bottéro, J., Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia. 2004, Chicago: University of Chicago Press. x, 246 p., Jacobsen, T., The Treasures of Darkness : A History of Mesopotamian Religion. 1976, New Haven: Yale University Press. 273.)

In the poem,  the god [[Marduk]] (or Assur in the Assyrian versions of the poem) is created to defend the divine beings from an attack plotted by the ocean goddess [[Tiamat]].  The hero Marduk offers to save the gods only if he is appointed their supreme unquestioned leader and is allowed to remain so even after the threat passes.  The gods agree to  Marduk's terms.  Marduk challenges Tiamat to combat and destroys her. He then rips her corpse into two halves with which he fashions the earth and the skies.  Marduk then creates the calendar, organizes the planets, stars and regulates the moon, sun, and weather.  The gods pledge their allegiance to Marduk and he creates Babylon as the terrestrial counterpart to the realm of the gods.  Marduk then destroys Tiamat's husband,  [[Kingu]] using his blood to create humankind so that they can do the work of the gods.  (Sources, Foster, B.R., From Distant Days : Myths, Tales, and Poetry of Ancient Mesopotamia. 1995, Bethesda, Md.: CDL Press. vi, 438 p., Bottéro, J., Religion in Ancient Mesopotamia. 2004, Chicago: University of Chicago Press. x, 246 p., Jacobsen, T., The Treasures of Darkness : A History of Mesopotamian Religion. 1976, New Haven: Yale University Press. 273.)

===Bahá'í===

====Bahá'í====

[[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'ís]] believe that humanity,<ref> Bahá'u'lláh, The Hidden Words, Arabic #3 [http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/HW/hw-4.html] </ref> the universe and everything therein are creations of God and were both formed and developed by him.<ref> Bahá'u'lláh, Lawh-i-Hikmat p140-142 [http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/TB/tb-10.html], [[`Abdu'l-Bahá]], Promulgation of Universal Peace p47 [http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PUP/pup-19.html] </ref> However, creation is not seen to be confined to the material universe, and individual material objects, such as the Earth, are seen to come into being at particular moment and then subsequently break down into their constituent parts.<ref name="cebf">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Smith |first= Peter |encyclopedia= A concise encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith |title= creation |year= 2000 |publisher=Oneworld Publications |location= Oxford |id= ISBN 1-85168-184-1 |pages= p. 116}}</ref>  Thus the current universe is seen as a result of a long-lasting process (cosmological time scales), evolving to its current state.<ref>{{cite web | title = Originality of Species | date = 1998-03-08 | accessdate = 2008-04-13 | first = Eberhard | last = von Kitzing | url = http://bahai-library.com/unpubl.articles/originality/species.html}}</ref> Bahá'ís believe that humanity was created to know God and to serve his purpose.<ref> Bahá’í World Centre, One Common Faith p30-31 [http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/bic/OCF/ocf-8.html.iso8859-1?#gr2]</ref>

[[Bahá'í Faith|Bahá'ís]] believe that humanity,<ref> Bahá'u'lláh, The Hidden Words, Arabic #3 [http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/HW/hw-4.html] </ref> the universe and everything therein are creations of God and were both formed and developed by him.<ref> Bahá'u'lláh, Lawh-i-Hikmat p140-142 [http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/b/TB/tb-10.html], [[`Abdu'l-Bahá]], Promulgation of Universal Peace p47 [http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/ab/PUP/pup-19.html] </ref> However, creation is not seen to be confined to the material universe, and individual material objects, such as the Earth, are seen to come into being at particular moment and then subsequently break down into their constituent parts.<ref name="cebf">{{cite encyclopedia |last= Smith |first= Peter |encyclopedia= A concise encyclopedia of the Bahá'í Faith |title= creation |year= 2000 |publisher=Oneworld Publications |location= Oxford |id= ISBN 1-85168-184-1 |pages= p. 116}}</ref>  Thus the current universe is seen as a result of a long-lasting process (cosmological time scales), evolving to its current state.<ref>{{cite web | title = Originality of Species | date = 1998-03-08 | accessdate = 2008-04-13 | first = Eberhard | last = von Kitzing | url = http://bahai-library.com/unpubl.articles/originality/species.html}}</ref> Bahá'ís believe that humanity was created to know God and to serve his purpose.<ref> Bahá’í World Centre, One Common Faith p30-31 [http://reference.bahai.org/en/t/bic/OCF/ocf-8.html.iso8859-1?#gr2]</ref>

Regarding the mechanisms or time frame of creation acts or processes, Bahá'ís refer to the religion's teachings on the [[Bahá'í Faith and science|harmony of science and religion]].

Regarding the mechanisms or time frame of creation acts or processes, Bahá'ís refer to the religion's teachings on the [[Bahá'í Faith and science|harmony of science and religion]].

===Egyptian===

====Egyptian====

There were at least three separate [[cosmogeny|cosmogenies]] in [[Egyptian mythology]], corresponding to at least three separate groups of worshippers.

There were at least three separate [[cosmogeny|cosmogenies]] in [[Egyptian mythology]], corresponding to at least three separate groups of worshippers.

*The [[Ennead]], in which [[Atum]] arose from the primordial waters ([[Neith]]), and [[masturbation|masturbated]] to relieve his loneliness. His [[semen]] and [[breath]] became [[Tefnut]] (moisture) and [[shu (Egyptian deity)|Shu]] ([[dryness]]), respectively. From Shu and Tefnut, were born [[Geb]] ([[earth]]), and [[Nut (goddess)|Nut]] ([[sky]]), who were born in a state of permanent copulation. Shu separated them, and their children were Ausare ([[Osiris]]; [[death]]), [[Set (god)|Set]] ([[desert]]), Aset ([[Isis]]; [[life]]), and Nebet Het ([[Nephthys]]; [[fertility|fertile]] [[landform|land]]). Osiris and Isis were a couple, as were Nepthys and Set.

*The [[Ennead]], in which [[Atum]] arose from the primordial waters ([[Neith]]), and [[masturbation|masturbated]] to relieve his loneliness. His [[semen]] and [[breath]] became [[Tefnut]] (moisture) and [[shu (Egyptian deity)|Shu]] ([[dryness]]), respectively. From Shu and Tefnut, were born [[Geb]] ([[earth]]), and [[Nut (goddess)|Nut]] ([[sky]]), who were born in a state of permanent copulation. Shu separated them, and their children were Ausare ([[Osiris]]; [[death]]), [[Set (god)|Set]] ([[desert]]), Aset ([[Isis]]; [[life]]), and Nebet Het ([[Nephthys]]; [[fertility|fertile]] [[landform|land]]). Osiris and Isis were a couple, as were Nepthys and Set.

A late version of the narrative has it that the Supreme Being (God) was Atum-Raa and he uttered the words of creation to create the Primordial water of Nu (The celestial Ocean) [[Naunet]]. Naunet contained everything in embrionic form. From this, Atum-Raa uttered the words of creation to bring life into the world. This life took the form of an [[cosmic egg|egg]]. From this egg came Raa, the light of God who caused all life to come into existence. Raa was represented by the Egyptian solar disk (also symbolised in Nordic, Germanic, Greek & Vedic tradition by a [[Sun chariot]] as well as referenced by biblical texts [[Elijah (prophet)]]). Raa, the light of God in nature, later became manifest on earth through the disc of the sun (eten) & appeared in the form of Dosher - the sunrise at the beginning of life on earth.

A late version of the narrative has it that the Supreme Being (God) was Atum-Raa and he uttered the words of creation to create the Primordial water of Nu (The celestial Ocean) [[Naunet]]. Naunet contained everything in embrionic form. From this, Atum-Raa uttered the words of creation to bring life into the world. This life took the form of an [[cosmic egg|egg]]. From this egg came Raa, the light of God who caused all life to come into existence. Raa was represented by the Egyptian solar disk (also symbolised in Nordic, Germanic, Greek & Vedic tradition by a [[Sun chariot]] as well as referenced by biblical texts [[Elijah (prophet)]]). Raa, the light of God in nature, later became manifest on earth through the disc of the sun (eten) & appeared in the form of Dosher - the sunrise at the beginning of life on earth.

===Hermeticism===

====Hermeticism====

In [[Hermeticism]], the origin belief is not taken literally{{Fact|date=August 2007}}, but an attempt is made to understand it metaphorically.  Not all Hermeticists understand it in the same way, and it is mainly up to personal understanding.  The tale is given in the first book of the [[Corpus Hermeticum]] by [[The All|God's]] [[Nous]] to [[Hermes Trismegistus]] after much meditation.  Also, not all Hermeticists put much weight on the symbolic texts, and may be unaware of the story.

In [[Hermeticism]], the origin belief is not taken literally{{Fact|date=August 2007}}, but an attempt is made to understand it metaphorically.  Not all Hermeticists understand it in the same way, and it is mainly up to personal understanding.  The tale is given in the first book of the [[Corpus Hermeticum]] by [[The All|God's]] [[Nous]] to [[Hermes Trismegistus]] after much meditation.  Also, not all Hermeticists put much weight on the symbolic texts, and may be unaware of the story.

The tale does not specifically contradict the theory of [[evolution]]{{Fact|date=August 2007}}, other than for Man, but most Hermeticists fully accept evolutionary theory as a solid grounding for the creation of everything from base matter to Man.{{Fact|date=August 2007}}

The tale does not specifically contradict the theory of [[evolution]]{{Fact|date=August 2007}}, other than for Man, but most Hermeticists fully accept evolutionary theory as a solid grounding for the creation of everything from base matter to Man.{{Fact|date=August 2007}}

===Islam===

====Islam====

The creation narrative of [[Islam]] is split among many verses in the [[Qur'an]]. This narrative is similar to the Judeo-Christian accounts of creation. According to the Qur'an, the skies and the earth were joined together as one "unit of creation", after which they were "cloved asunder".<ref name = "atarmw">{{cite quran|21|30|style=nosup}}</ref>

The creation narrative of [[Islam]] is split among many verses in the [[Qur'an]]. This narrative is similar to the Judeo-Christian accounts of creation. According to the Qur'an, the skies and the earth were joined together as one "unit of creation", after which they were "cloved asunder".<ref name = "atarmw">{{cite quran|21|30|style=nosup}}</ref>

God placed the couple in a beautiful garden in Paradise, telling them that they could eat whatever they wanted except the fruit of a forbidden tree. But Iblis (Satan) tempted them to disobey God, and eat the fruit. When God knew that Adam and Eve had disobeyed him, he cast them out of Paradise.

God placed the couple in a beautiful garden in Paradise, telling them that they could eat whatever they wanted except the fruit of a forbidden tree. But Iblis (Satan) tempted them to disobey God, and eat the fruit. When God knew that Adam and Eve had disobeyed him, he cast them out of Paradise.

===Judaism and Christianity===

====Judaism and Christianity====

Beliefs regarding creation differ among Judeo-Christian groups, both today and in the past. The grammar of the opening verse of Genesis is ambiguous, and can be read as either "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, and the earth was without form, and void..." ([[King James Version]]), or, equally valid, as "At the beginning of the making of heaven and earth, when the earth was unformed and void..."([[Rashi]], and with variations [[Ibn Ezra]] and [[Bereshith Rabba]]). The second reading, which supposes a pre-existing cosmos which God uses as the raw material for his work, is preferred by most scholars on a number of grounds{{Fact|date=November 2008}}: the phrase "heaven and earth", for example, is  a set phrase in Hebrew denoting "everything," and the word commonly translated as "created" (in "God created the Heavens and the earth") is commonly associated with molding something from already-existing raw material.

Beliefs regarding creation differ among Judeo-Christian groups, both today and in the past. The grammar of the opening verse of Genesis is ambiguous, and can be read as either "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth, and the earth was without form, and void..." ([[King James Version]]), or, equally valid, as "At the beginning of the making of heaven and earth, when the earth was unformed and void..."([[Rashi]], and with variations [[Ibn Ezra]] and [[Bereshith Rabba]]). The second reading, which supposes a pre-existing cosmos which God uses as the raw material for his work, is preferred by most scholars on a number of grounds{{Fact|date=November 2008}}: the phrase "heaven and earth", for example, is  a set phrase in Hebrew denoting "everything," and the word commonly translated as "created" (in "God created the Heavens and the earth") is commonly associated with molding something from already-existing raw material.

The Church was not, however, [[biblical literalism|literalist]], and Biblical commentators throughout the ages discussed the degree to which the accounts of Creation were to be taken literally or allegorically.  [[Maimonides]]<ref>''Guide to the Perplexed'' 2:17</ref> and [[Gersonides]],<ref>''[[Jewish_philosophy#Jewish_philosophy_after_Maimonides|Milchamot Hashem]]'' 6:8</ref> in particular, commented that the account of Creation should not be taken literally.  More recently, such Torah scholars as [[Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler|Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler]] also supported a non-literal approach to the opening chapters of Genesis.<ref>''[[Eliyahu_Eliezer_Dessler#Influence_and_ideas|Strive for Truth]]'', V.II p 151</ref>

The Church was not, however, [[biblical literalism|literalist]], and Biblical commentators throughout the ages discussed the degree to which the accounts of Creation were to be taken literally or allegorically.  [[Maimonides]]<ref>''Guide to the Perplexed'' 2:17</ref> and [[Gersonides]],<ref>''[[Jewish_philosophy#Jewish_philosophy_after_Maimonides|Milchamot Hashem]]'' 6:8</ref> in particular, commented that the account of Creation should not be taken literally.  More recently, such Torah scholars as [[Eliyahu Eliezer Dessler|Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler]] also supported a non-literal approach to the opening chapters of Genesis.<ref>''[[Eliyahu_Eliezer_Dessler#Influence_and_ideas|Strive for Truth]]'', V.II p 151</ref>

===Mandaeism===

====Mandaeism====

According to the traditions of [[Mandaeism]] creation proceeds from a supreme formless Entity, the expression of which in time and space is creation of spiritual, etheric, and material worlds and beings.  Production of these is delegated by It to a creator or creators who originated in It.  The cosmos is created by [[archetype|Archetypal Man]], who produces it in similitude to his own shape. Inherent to this creation is [[Dualism]], taking the forms of a cosmic Father and Mother, Light and Darkness, Right and Left, [[syzygy]] in cosmic and microcosmic form. Instead of a large [[pleroma]], the Mandaeans believe in a discrete division between light and darkness. The ruler of darkness is called ''[[Ptahil]]'' (similar to the [[Gnostic]] [[Demiurge]]), and the originator of the light (i.e. God) is only known as "the great first Life from the worlds of light, the sublime one that stands above all works". When this being [[Emanationism|emanated]], other spiritual beings became increasingly corrupted, and they and their ruler Ptahil created our world.

According to the traditions of [[Mandaeism]] creation proceeds from a supreme formless Entity, the expression of which in time and space is creation of spiritual, etheric, and material worlds and beings.  Production of these is delegated by It to a creator or creators who originated in It.  The cosmos is created by [[archetype|Archetypal Man]], who produces it in similitude to his own shape. Inherent to this creation is [[Dualism]], taking the forms of a cosmic Father and Mother, Light and Darkness, Right and Left, [[syzygy]] in cosmic and microcosmic form. Instead of a large [[pleroma]], the Mandaeans believe in a discrete division between light and darkness. The ruler of darkness is called ''[[Ptahil]]'' (similar to the [[Gnostic]] [[Demiurge]]), and the originator of the light (i.e. God) is only known as "the great first Life from the worlds of light, the sublime one that stands above all works". When this being [[Emanationism|emanated]], other spiritual beings became increasingly corrupted, and they and their ruler Ptahil created our world.

===Zoroastrianism===

====Zoroastrianism====

The [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] story of creation has [[Ahura Mazda]] creating 16 lands, one by one, such that each would be delightful to its people.  As he finished each one, [[Angra Mainyu]] applied a counter-creation, introducing plague and sin of various kinds. The dualistic idea of two primordial spirits, called twins by Zoroaster, goes back to an Indo-European prototype.  Although the idea of dualism came from the idea that "god" could not create evil so both evil and good pre-existed before time.

The [[Zoroastrianism|Zoroastrian]] story of creation has [[Ahura Mazda]] creating 16 lands, one by one, such that each would be delightful to its people.  As he finished each one, [[Angra Mainyu]] applied a counter-creation, introducing plague and sin of various kinds. The dualistic idea of two primordial spirits, called twins by Zoroaster, goes back to an Indo-European prototype.  Although the idea of dualism came from the idea that "god" could not create evil so both evil and good pre-existed before time.

==North America==

===North America===

=== Kiowa Apache===

==== Kiowa Apache====

In the beginning nothing existed, only darkness was everywhere. Suddenly from the darkness emerged a thin disc, one side yellow and the other side white, appearing suspended in midair. Within the disc sat a small bearded man, Creator, the [[One Who Lives Above]]. When he looked into the endless darkness, light appeared above. He looked down and it became a sea of light. To the east, he created yellow streaks of dawn. To the west, tints of many colours appeared everywhere. There were also clouds of different colors. He also created three other gods: a little girl, a sun god and a small boy. Then he created celestial phenomena, the winds, the tarantula, and the earth from the sweat of the four gods mixed together in the Creator's palms, from a small round, brown ball, not much larger than a bean. The world was expanded to its current size by the gods kicking the small brown ball. Creator told Wind to go inside the ball and to blow it up. The [[tarantula]], the [[trickster]] character, spun a black cord and, attaching it to the ball, crawled away fast to the east, pulling on the cord with all his strength. Tarantula repeated with a blue cord to the south, a yellow cord to the west, and a white cord to the north. With mighty pulls in each direction, the brown ball stretched to immeasurable size--it became the earth! No hills, mountains, or rivers were visible; only smooth, treeless, brown plains appeared. Then the Creator created the rest of the beings and features of the Earth.

In the beginning nothing existed, only darkness was everywhere. Suddenly from the darkness emerged a thin disc, one side yellow and the other side white, appearing suspended in midair. Within the disc sat a small bearded man, Creator, the [[One Who Lives Above]]. When he looked into the endless darkness, light appeared above. He looked down and it became a sea of light. To the east, he created yellow streaks of dawn. To the west, tints of many colours appeared everywhere. There were also clouds of different colors. He also created three other gods: a little girl, a sun god and a small boy. Then he created celestial phenomena, the winds, the tarantula, and the earth from the sweat of the four gods mixed together in the Creator's palms, from a small round, brown ball, not much larger than a bean. The world was expanded to its current size by the gods kicking the small brown ball. Creator told Wind to go inside the ball and to blow it up. The [[tarantula]], the [[trickster]] character, spun a black cord and, attaching it to the ball, crawled away fast to the east, pulling on the cord with all his strength. Tarantula repeated with a blue cord to the south, a yellow cord to the west, and a white cord to the north. With mighty pulls in each direction, the brown ball stretched to immeasurable size--it became the earth! No hills, mountains, or rivers were visible; only smooth, treeless, brown plains appeared. Then the Creator created the rest of the beings and features of the Earth.

===Aztec===

====Aztec====

The [[Aztec]] narrative describing creation proceeds with an [[Earth mother]], "[[Coatlique]]", the Lady of the Skirt of Snakes. She was decorated with skulls, snakes, and lacerated hands. At first she was whole without cracks in her body -- a perfect monolith (a totality of intensity and self-containment, yet her features were square and decapitated). Coatlique was first impregnated by an [[obsidian]] knife and gave birth to [[Coyolxauhqui]], goddess of the moon, and to a group of male offspring, who became the stars.  

The [[Aztec]] narrative describing creation proceeds with an [[Earth mother]], "[[Coatlique]]", the Lady of the Skirt of Snakes. She was decorated with skulls, snakes, and lacerated hands. At first she was whole without cracks in her body -- a perfect monolith (a totality of intensity and self-containment, yet her features were square and decapitated). Coatlique was first impregnated by an [[obsidian]] knife and gave birth to [[Coyolxauhqui]], goddess of the moon, and to a group of male offspring, who became the stars.  

Still the goddess was often unhappy and the people could hear her crying in the night. They knew she wept because of her thirst for human blood, and that she would not provide food from the soil until she drank. So the gift of [[Human sacrifice in Aztec culture|human hearts]] is given her. She who provides sustenance for human lives demands human lives for her own sustenance.

Still the goddess was often unhappy and the people could hear her crying in the night. They knew she wept because of her thirst for human blood, and that she would not provide food from the soil until she drank. So the gift of [[Human sacrifice in Aztec culture|human hearts]] is given her. She who provides sustenance for human lives demands human lives for her own sustenance.

===Cherokee===

====Cherokee====

In the beginning, there was just water. All the animals lived above it and the sky was overcrowded. They were all curious about what was beneath the water and one day [[Dayuni'si]], the [[water beetle]], volunteered to explore it. He explored the surface but could not find any solid ground. He explored below the surface to the bottom and all he found was mud which he brought back to the surface. After collecting the mud, it began to grow in size and spread outwards until it became the Earth as we know it.  

In the beginning, there was just water. All the animals lived above it and the sky was overcrowded. They were all curious about what was beneath the water and one day [[Dayuni'si]], the [[water beetle]], volunteered to explore it. He explored the surface but could not find any solid ground. He explored below the surface to the bottom and all he found was mud which he brought back to the surface. After collecting the mud, it began to grow in size and spread outwards until it became the Earth as we know it.  

The animals then decided that it was too dark, so they made the sun and put it on the path in which it still runs today.

The animals then decided that it was too dark, so they made the sun and put it on the path in which it still runs today.

===Choctaw===

====Choctaw====

The [[Choctaw]] who remain in [[Mississippi]] recount a narrative explanation of how they came to the land where they live now and of how [[Naniah Waiya Mound]] came to be. [[Chata]] and [[Chicksah]], two brothers, led the original people from a land in the far west that had ceased to prosper. The people traveled for a long time, guided by a magical pole. Each night, when the people stopped to camp, the pole was placed in the ground and in the morning the people would travel in the direction in which the pole leaned.  

The [[Choctaw]] who remain in [[Mississippi]] recount a narrative explanation of how they came to the land where they live now and of how [[Naniah Waiya Mound]] came to be. [[Chata]] and [[Chicksah]], two brothers, led the original people from a land in the far west that had ceased to prosper. The people traveled for a long time, guided by a magical pole. Each night, when the people stopped to camp, the pole was placed in the ground and in the morning the people would travel in the direction in which the pole leaned.  

After traveling for an extremely long time, they finally came to a place where the pole remained upright. In this place, they laid to rest the bones of their ancestors, which they had carried in buffalo sacks from the original land in the west. The mound grew out of that great burial. After the burial, the brothers discovered that the land could not support all the people. Chicksah took half the people and departed to the North and eventually became the [[Chickasaw]] tribe. Chatah and the others remained near the mound and are now known as the Choctaw.

After traveling for an extremely long time, they finally came to a place where the pole remained upright. In this place, they laid to rest the bones of their ancestors, which they had carried in buffalo sacks from the original land in the west. The mound grew out of that great burial. After the burial, the brothers discovered that the land could not support all the people. Chicksah took half the people and departed to the North and eventually became the [[Chickasaw]] tribe. Chatah and the others remained near the mound and are now known as the Choctaw.

===Creek===

====Creek====

The Creek believe that the world was originally entirely underwater.  The only land was a hill, called [[Nunne Chaha]], and on the hill was a house, wherein lived [[Esaugetuh Emissee]] ("master of breath").  After thousands upon thousands of years he got lonely and decided he would created humanity out of clay.

The Creek believe that the world was originally entirely underwater.  The only land was a hill, called [[Nunne Chaha]], and on the hill was a house, wherein lived [[Esaugetuh Emissee]] ("master of breath").  After thousands upon thousands of years he got lonely and decided he would created humanity out of clay.

===Digueno===

====Digueno====

The [[Digueno]] creation narrative tells of the beginning of creation with the male sky coming down upon the female Earth. The extant deities were weighed down by the sky being so close to the ground and all walked with a stoop. To combat this problem, a creator deity, [[Tu-chai-pai]], separated the Earth from the heavens by blowing on rubbed [[tobacco]] three times. He had his brother, [[Yo-ko-mat-is]], do the same, and then the two brothers placed the four cardinal directions at the ends of the Earth. Tu-chai-pai then proceeded to create hills, valleys, forests and lakes for the benefit of humanity. The brothers made men easily but had trouble making women. Initially, human beings were not subject to [[fatigue (physical)|fatigue]], but to prevent them from hurting themselves in the dark they were made to sleep at night. Tu-chai-pai then made the [[Sun]] and Yo-ko-mat-is made the moon to help humanity find the light they were instructed to race towards.

The [[Digueno]] creation narrative tells of the beginning of creation with the male sky coming down upon the female Earth. The extant deities were weighed down by the sky being so close to the ground and all walked with a stoop. To combat this problem, a creator deity, [[Tu-chai-pai]], separated the Earth from the heavens by blowing on rubbed [[tobacco]] three times. He had his brother, [[Yo-ko-mat-is]], do the same, and then the two brothers placed the four cardinal directions at the ends of the Earth. Tu-chai-pai then proceeded to create hills, valleys, forests and lakes for the benefit of humanity. The brothers made men easily but had trouble making women. Initially, human beings were not subject to [[fatigue (physical)|fatigue]], but to prevent them from hurting themselves in the dark they were made to sleep at night. Tu-chai-pai then made the [[Sun]] and Yo-ko-mat-is made the moon to help humanity find the light they were instructed to race towards.

===Hopi===

====Hopi====

The [[Elder (administrative title)|Elders]] say that the first [[Hopi]] had chosen to live in the barren desert so that they would always need to pray for rain.  Thus, they would not lose faith in their ceremonies, which maintain their bond with the [[Mother Nature]] and [[Creator deity|creator]]. They said that the True Hopi people represent the Red race through the authority vested in them by the Creator, Maasaw.

The [[Elder (administrative title)|Elders]] say that the first [[Hopi]] had chosen to live in the barren desert so that they would always need to pray for rain.  Thus, they would not lose faith in their ceremonies, which maintain their bond with the [[Mother Nature]] and [[Creator deity|creator]]. They said that the True Hopi people represent the Red race through the authority vested in them by the Creator, Maasaw.

{{Expand-section|date=June 2008}}

{{Expand-section|date=June 2008}}

===Haida===

====Haida====

The [[Haida]] have a story of a raven who was both bored and well fed, found and freed some creatures trapped in a clam. These scared and timid beings were the first men of the world, and they were coaxed out of the clam shell by the raven. Soon the raven was bored with these creatures and planned to return them to their shell. Instead, the raven decided to search for the female counterparts of these male beings. The raven found some female humans trapped in a chiton, freed them, and was entertained as the two sexes met and began to interact. The raven, always known as a trickster, was responsible for the pairing of humans and felt very protective of them. With the Raven perceived as the creator, many Haida myths and legends often suggest the raven as a provider to mankind.<ref>[http://nobodyimportant-jmb.blogspot.com/2008/02/raven-and-first-men.html nobodyimportant-jmb.blogspot.com]</ref>

The [[Haida]] have a story of a raven who was both bored and well fed, found and freed some creatures trapped in a clam. These scared and timid beings were the first men of the world, and they were coaxed out of the clam shell by the raven. Soon the raven was bored with these creatures and planned to return them to their shell. Instead, the raven decided to search for the female counterparts of these male beings. The raven found some female humans trapped in a chiton, freed them, and was entertained as the two sexes met and began to interact. The raven, always known as a trickster, was responsible for the pairing of humans and felt very protective of them. With the Raven perceived as the creator, many Haida myths and legends often suggest the raven as a provider to mankind.<ref>[http://nobodyimportant-jmb.blogspot.com/2008/02/raven-and-first-men.html nobodyimportant-jmb.blogspot.com]</ref>

===Inuit===

====Inuit====

The traditional account of the [[Inuit]] people is that the [[trickster]] in the form of [[Raven]] created the world. When the waters forced the ground up from the deep Raven stabbed it with his beak and fixed it into place. This first land was just big enough for a single house occupied by a single family: a man, his wife and their son, Raven who had fixed the land. The father had a bladder hanging over his bed. After much pleading by Raven the father allowed the boy to play with it. While playing Raven damaged the bladder and light appeared. The father not wanting to have light always shining took the bladder from the boy before he could damage it further. This struggle is the origin of day and night.

The traditional account of the [[Inuit]] people is that the [[trickster]] in the form of [[Raven]] created the world. When the waters forced the ground up from the deep Raven stabbed it with his beak and fixed it into place. This first land was just big enough for a single house occupied by a single family: a man, his wife and their son, Raven who had fixed the land. The father had a bladder hanging over his bed. After much pleading by Raven the father allowed the boy to play with it. While playing Raven damaged the bladder and light appeared. The father not wanting to have light always shining took the bladder from the boy before he could damage it further. This struggle is the origin of day and night.

===Iroquois===

====Iroquois====

In the beginning, the world was not as we know it now. It was a water world inhabited only by animals and creatures of the air who could survive without land.

In the beginning, the world was not as we know it now. It was a water world inhabited only by animals and creatures of the air who could survive without land.

Their Grandmother, Sky Woman, now came to the end of her life. When she died, the Twins fought over her body and pulled it apart, throwing her head into the sky. As part of the Sky World, there her head remained to shine upon the world as Grandmother Moon. The Twins could not live together without fighting. They agreed to dwell in different realms of the earth. The Right-Handed Twin continued to live in the daylight and the Left-Handed Twin became a dweller of the night. Both of them continue their special duties to their Mother the Earth.

Their Grandmother, Sky Woman, now came to the end of her life. When she died, the Twins fought over her body and pulled it apart, throwing her head into the sky. As part of the Sky World, there her head remained to shine upon the world as Grandmother Moon. The Twins could not live together without fighting. They agreed to dwell in different realms of the earth. The Right-Handed Twin continued to live in the daylight and the Left-Handed Twin became a dweller of the night. Both of them continue their special duties to their Mother the Earth.

===Lakota===

====Lakota====

The [[Lakota people|Lakota]] recount in their version of [[demiurge]] that the gods lived in the heavens and humans lived in an [[underworld]] without [[culture]]. Creation was initiated by [[Inktomi]] ("spider"), the [[trickster]], who conspired to cause a rift in the heavens between the sun god [[Wi|Takushkanshkan]] ("something that moves") and his wife, the moon. Their separation marked the creation of [[time]]. Some of Inktomi's co-conspirators were exiled to the Earth where the gods of the [[four winds]] were scattered and created [[space]].

The [[Lakota people|Lakota]] recount in their version of [[demiurge]] that the gods lived in the heavens and humans lived in an [[underworld]] without [[culture]]. Creation was initiated by [[Inktomi]] ("spider"), the [[trickster]], who conspired to cause a rift in the heavens between the sun god [[Wi|Takushkanshkan]] ("something that moves") and his wife, the moon. Their separation marked the creation of [[time]]. Some of Inktomi's co-conspirators were exiled to the Earth where the gods of the [[four winds]] were scattered and created [[space]].

To populate the Earth, Inktomi traveled to the underworld in the form of a wolf and met with humanity, telling them about a paradisical world aboveground. Inktomi convinced a man named [[Tokahe]] ("the first") to travel to the surface for a brief visit. When Tokahe emerged through a cave ([[Wind Cave]] in the [[Black Hills]]), he found the world to be strikingly beautiful. Returning to the underworld, Tokahe persuaded other families to accompany him to the surface, but upon arrival they discovered that the Earth was full of hardship. Inktomi had by this time prevented humanity from returning below ground, so the families had no choice but to scatter and eke out their livelihoods.

To populate the Earth, Inktomi traveled to the underworld in the form of a wolf and met with humanity, telling them about a paradisical world aboveground. Inktomi convinced a man named [[Tokahe]] ("the first") to travel to the surface for a brief visit. When Tokahe emerged through a cave ([[Wind Cave]] in the [[Black Hills]]), he found the world to be strikingly beautiful. Returning to the underworld, Tokahe persuaded other families to accompany him to the surface, but upon arrival they discovered that the Earth was full of hardship. Inktomi had by this time prevented humanity from returning below ground, so the families had no choice but to scatter and eke out their livelihoods.

===Maidu===

====Maidu====

In the beginning there was no sun, no moon, no stars. All was dark, and everywhere there was only water. A raft came floating on the water. It came from the north, and in it were two persons,--Turtle and Father-of-the-Secret-Society.

In the beginning there was no sun, no moon, no stars. All was dark, and everywhere there was only water. A raft came floating on the water. It came from the north, and in it were two persons,--Turtle and Father-of-the-Secret-Society.

The raft came ashore at Ta'doikö, and the place can be seen today.<ref>[http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/TheCreation-Maidu.html Native American Indian Legends - The Creation - Maidu<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

The raft came ashore at Ta'doikö, and the place can be seen today.<ref>[http://www.firstpeople.us/FP-Html-Legends/TheCreation-Maidu.html Native American Indian Legends - The Creation - Maidu<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

===Navajo===

====Navajo====

"Holy Supreme Wind" being created by the mists of lights arose through the darkness to animate and bring purpose to the myriad Holy People, supernatural and sacred in the different three lower worlds.  All these things were spiritually created in the time before the earth existed and the physical aspect of man did not exist yet, but the spiritual did. In the first world the insect people started fighting with one another and were instructed by the Holy People to depart.  They journeyed to the second world and lived for a time in peace.  Eventually they fought with each other and were instructed to depart.  In the third world the same thing happens again and they are forced to journey to the fourth world.  In the fourth world, they found the [[Hopi]] living there and succeeded in not fighting with one another or their neighbors, and their bodies were transformed from the insect forms to human forms.  First man and First woman physically appear in the narrative here by being formed from ears of white and yellow [[maize|corn]], but they were also created back in the beginning.  There is a separation of male and female humans because each did not appreciate the contributions of the other, and this laid the ground work for the appearance of the Monsters that would start to kill off the people in the next world. [[Coyote (mythology)|Coyote]], the [[trickster]], also appears and steals the baby of water monster, who brings a great flood in the third world which primarily forces the humans as well as Holy People to journey to the surface of the fifth world through a hollow reed. Some things are left behind and some things are brought to help the people re-create the world each time they entered a new one. Death and the Monsters are born into this world as is Changing Woman who gives birth to the Hero Twins, called "Monster Slayer" and "Child of the Waters" who had many adventures in which they helped to rid the world of much evil. Earth Surface People, mortals, were created in the fourth world, and the gods gave them ceremonies, which are still practiced today.

"Holy Supreme Wind" being created by the mists of lights arose through the darkness to animate and bring purpose to the myriad Holy People, supernatural and sacred in the different three lower worlds.  All these things were spiritually created in the time before the earth existed and the physical aspect of man did not exist yet, but the spiritual did. In the first world the insect people started fighting with one another and were instructed by the Holy People to depart.  They journeyed to the second world and lived for a time in peace.  Eventually they fought with each other and were instructed to depart.  In the third world the same thing happens again and they are forced to journey to the fourth world.  In the fourth world, they found the [[Hopi]] living there and succeeded in not fighting with one another or their neighbors, and their bodies were transformed from the insect forms to human forms.  First man and First woman physically appear in the narrative here by being formed from ears of white and yellow [[maize|corn]], but they were also created back in the beginning.  There is a separation of male and female humans because each did not appreciate the contributions of the other, and this laid the ground work for the appearance of the Monsters that would start to kill off the people in the next world. [[Coyote (mythology)|Coyote]], the [[trickster]], also appears and steals the baby of water monster, who brings a great flood in the third world which primarily forces the humans as well as Holy People to journey to the surface of the fifth world through a hollow reed. Some things are left behind and some things are brought to help the people re-create the world each time they entered a new one. Death and the Monsters are born into this world as is Changing Woman who gives birth to the Hero Twins, called "Monster Slayer" and "Child of the Waters" who had many adventures in which they helped to rid the world of much evil. Earth Surface People, mortals, were created in the fourth world, and the gods gave them ceremonies, which are still practiced today.

===Seminole===

====Seminole====

The [[Seminole]] recount that when the Creator, the Grandfather of all things, created the earth, he made all animals and birds and put them in [[cosmic egg|a large shell]]. When the earth was ready, he set the shell along the backbone (mountains) of the earth. "When the timing is right," he told the animals, "the shell will open and you will all crawl out. Someone or something will crack the shell and you must all take your respective places on the face of the earth." The Creator then sealed up the shell and left, hoping the Panther (his favorite animal) would be first to emerge.

The [[Seminole]] recount that when the Creator, the Grandfather of all things, created the earth, he made all animals and birds and put them in [[cosmic egg|a large shell]]. When the earth was ready, he set the shell along the backbone (mountains) of the earth. "When the timing is right," he told the animals, "the shell will open and you will all crawl out. Someone or something will crack the shell and you must all take your respective places on the face of the earth." The Creator then sealed up the shell and left, hoping the Panther (his favorite animal) would be first to emerge.

Time went along, and nothing happened. Alongside the shell stood a great tree. As time passed, the tree grew so large that its roots started encircling the shell. Eventually a root cracked the shell. The Wind started enlarging the crack and the Creator reached down to help the Panther take its place on earth. Next to crawl out was the Bird. The Bird had picked and picked around the hole, and, when the time was right, stepped outside the shell. Bird took flight immediately. After that, other animals emerged in different sequences: Bear, Deer, Snake, Frog, Otter. There were thousands of others, so many that no one besides the Creator could even begin to count them all. All went out to seek their proper places on earth.

Time went along, and nothing happened. Alongside the shell stood a great tree. As time passed, the tree grew so large that its roots started encircling the shell. Eventually a root cracked the shell. The Wind started enlarging the crack and the Creator reached down to help the Panther take its place on earth. Next to crawl out was the Bird. The Bird had picked and picked around the hole, and, when the time was right, stepped outside the shell. Bird took flight immediately. After that, other animals emerged in different sequences: Bear, Deer, Snake, Frog, Otter. There were thousands of others, so many that no one besides the Creator could even begin to count them all. All went out to seek their proper places on earth.

===Tlingit===

====Tlingit====

According to [[Tlingit]] tradition, creation proceeded with help from the [[trickster]] figure of the [[raven]]. At the time there was no light or water. Raven had to steal light from where it was hoarded in the house of a rich man far up the [[Nass River]], which was dry at the time. He accomplished this by making himself small and getting the daughter of the house to swallow him and become pregnant. When the child was born, it cried for the bundles of light hanging on the wall of the house. Finally, the family gave the raven the bundles of [[star]]s and [[moons]] to soothe him each of which he let escape through the chimney and which scattered across the heavens. He left with a box of daylight which was the last bit of light the family owned.

According to [[Tlingit]] tradition, creation proceeded with help from the [[trickster]] figure of the [[raven]]. At the time there was no light or water. Raven had to steal light from where it was hoarded in the house of a rich man far up the [[Nass River]], which was dry at the time. He accomplished this by making himself small and getting the daughter of the house to swallow him and become pregnant. When the child was born, it cried for the bundles of light hanging on the wall of the house. Finally, the family gave the raven the bundles of [[star]]s and [[moons]] to soothe him each of which he let escape through the chimney and which scattered across the heavens. He left with a box of daylight which was the last bit of light the family owned.

Raven made the winds, the races, and [[dog]]s who were human beings that Raven cursed to walk on all fours.

Raven made the winds, the races, and [[dog]]s who were human beings that Raven cursed to walk on all fours.

===Mayan===

====Mayan====

The [[Maya civilization|Maya]] of [[Mesoamerica]] creation story is recounted in the book "[[Popol Vuh]]".  Tepeu and Gucamatz came together to create the world. Whatever was thought of by Tepeu and Gucamatz came into being. Next for creation are the creatures of the forest: birds, deer, jaguars and snakes. They are told to multiply and scatter, and then to speak and "pray to us". But the animals just squawk and howl. So Tepeu and Gucumatz try to make some respectful creatures from mud. But the results are not great, and they allow the new race to be washed away. They call upon their grandparents, who suggest wood as an appropriate medium. But the wooden people are just mindless robots, so Tepeu and Gucumatz set about the destruction of this new race by means of a rain-storm. This causes the animals to turn against the wooden people; even their pots and [[quern-stone|querns]] rebel, and crush the peoples' faces. The wooden people escape to the forests and are turned into monkeys. Heart-of-Sky then make yet another attempt at creating a suitably respectful race, and finally succeed by fashioning humans out of maize-corn dough.

The [[Maya civilization|Maya]] of [[Mesoamerica]] creation story is recounted in the book "[[Popol Vuh]]".  Tepeu and Gucamatz came together to create the world. Whatever was thought of by Tepeu and Gucamatz came into being. Next for creation are the creatures of the forest: birds, deer, jaguars and snakes. They are told to multiply and scatter, and then to speak and "pray to us". But the animals just squawk and howl. So Tepeu and Gucumatz try to make some respectful creatures from mud. But the results are not great, and they allow the new race to be washed away. They call upon their grandparents, who suggest wood as an appropriate medium. But the wooden people are just mindless robots, so Tepeu and Gucumatz set about the destruction of this new race by means of a rain-storm. This causes the animals to turn against the wooden people; even their pots and [[quern-stone|querns]] rebel, and crush the peoples' faces. The wooden people escape to the forests and are turned into monkeys. Heart-of-Sky then make yet another attempt at creating a suitably respectful race, and finally succeed by fashioning humans out of maize-corn dough.

==South America==

===South America===

===Incan===

====Incan====

The [[Inca]]n account of creation is known based on what was recorded by priests, from the iconography on Incan pottery and architecture, and the myths and legends which survived amongst the native peoples. According to these accounts, in the most ancient of times the earth was covered in darkness. Then, out of a lake called Collasuyu (modern [[Titicaca]]), the god [[Viracocha|Con Tiqui Viracocha]] emerged, bringing some human beings with him. Then Con Tiqui created the sun ([[Inti]]), the moon and the stars to light the world. It is from Inti that the [[Sapa Inca]], emperor of [[Tawantin Suyu]], is descended. Out of great rocks Con Tiqui fashioned more human beings, including women who were already pregnant. Then he sent these people off into every corner of the world. He kept a male and female with him at [[Cusco]], the "[[navel of the world]]."  

The [[Inca]]n account of creation is known based on what was recorded by priests, from the iconography on Incan pottery and architecture, and the myths and legends which survived amongst the native peoples. According to these accounts, in the most ancient of times the earth was covered in darkness. Then, out of a lake called Collasuyu (modern [[Titicaca]]), the god [[Viracocha|Con Tiqui Viracocha]] emerged, bringing some human beings with him. Then Con Tiqui created the sun ([[Inti]]), the moon and the stars to light the world. It is from Inti that the [[Sapa Inca]], emperor of [[Tawantin Suyu]], is descended. Out of great rocks Con Tiqui fashioned more human beings, including women who were already pregnant. Then he sent these people off into every corner of the world. He kept a male and female with him at [[Cusco]], the "[[navel of the world]]."  

In the Tici Virachocha legend, Manco Capac was the son of [[Viracocha|Tici Viracocha]] of [[Pacari-Tampu]] (today [[Pacaritambo]], 25 km south of Cuzco).  He and his brothers (''[[Ayar Anca]]'', ''[[Ayar Cachi]]'' and ''[[Ayar Uchu]]'') and sisters ([[Mama Ocllo]], ''[[Mama Huaco]]'', ''[[Mama Raua]]'' and ''[[Mama Cura]]'') lived near [[Cusco|Cuzco]] at Paccari-Tampu, and united their people and ten [[ayllu]] they encountered in their travels to conquer the tribes of the Cuzco Valley.  This legend also incorporates the golden staff, which is thought to have been given to Manco Capac by his father. Accounts vary, but according to some versions of the legend, the young Manco jealously betrayed his older brothers, killed them, and became the sole ruler of Cuzco.

In the Tici Virachocha legend, Manco Capac was the son of [[Viracocha|Tici Viracocha]] of [[Pacari-Tampu]] (today [[Pacaritambo]], 25 km south of Cuzco).  He and his brothers (''[[Ayar Anca]]'', ''[[Ayar Cachi]]'' and ''[[Ayar Uchu]]'') and sisters ([[Mama Ocllo]], ''[[Mama Huaco]]'', ''[[Mama Raua]]'' and ''[[Mama Cura]]'') lived near [[Cusco|Cuzco]] at Paccari-Tampu, and united their people and ten [[ayllu]] they encountered in their travels to conquer the tribes of the Cuzco Valley.  This legend also incorporates the golden staff, which is thought to have been given to Manco Capac by his father. Accounts vary, but according to some versions of the legend, the young Manco jealously betrayed his older brothers, killed them, and became the sole ruler of Cuzco.

===Pirahã===

====Pirahã====

Perhaps unique among cultures, the [[Pirahã people]] of the [[Amazon rainforest]] seem to have no creation myth. They also possess no concept of [[time]], [[history]], [[mathematics]], and almost no [[art]].<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2006/mar/28/features11.g21 Why do we have creation myths? | From the Guardian | The Guardian<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Despite this, linguist [[Daniel Everett]] reports that the Pirahã have "the most complex verbal morphology I am aware of [and] are some of the brightest, pleasantest, most fun-loving people that I know." Everett suggests a [[Sapir–Whorf hypothesis]]-like cause for this, "Pirahã culture constrains communication to non-abstract subjects which fall within the immediate experience of [the speaker]."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianweekly/story/0,,1555526,00.html From dust to dust | Guardian Weekly | guardian.co.uk<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

Perhaps unique among cultures, the [[Pirahã people]] of the [[Amazon rainforest]] seem to have no creation myth. They also possess no concept of [[time]], [[history]], [[mathematics]], and almost no [[art]].<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/theguardian/2006/mar/28/features11.g21 Why do we have creation myths? | From the Guardian | The Guardian<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Despite this, linguist [[Daniel Everett]] reports that the Pirahã have "the most complex verbal morphology I am aware of [and] are some of the brightest, pleasantest, most fun-loving people that I know." Everett suggests a [[Sapir–Whorf hypothesis]]-like cause for this, "Pirahã culture constrains communication to non-abstract subjects which fall within the immediate experience of [the speaker]."<ref>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/guardianweekly/story/0,,1555526,00.html From dust to dust | Guardian Weekly | guardian.co.uk<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

==Pacific==

===Pacific===

===Australian Aboriginal===

====Australian Aboriginal====

There is no single creation story among Aboriginal peoples, who have a diverse [[Australian Aboriginal mythology|mythology]]. Some traditions hold that the Earth was created by one of the gods of the [[Dreamtime]] (see [[Dreaming (spirituality)|Dreaming]]), others that particular creatures were created by particular gods or spirit ancestors.  More common is the view that although unformed, the Earth itself was eternal.

There is no single creation story among Aboriginal peoples, who have a diverse [[Australian Aboriginal mythology|mythology]]. Some traditions hold that the Earth was created by one of the gods of the [[Dreamtime]] (see [[Dreaming (spirituality)|Dreaming]]), others that particular creatures were created by particular gods or spirit ancestors.  More common is the view that although unformed, the Earth itself was eternal.

===Hawaiian===

====Hawaiian====

For many months Pele followed a star from the northeast, which shone brighter than the rest, and migrated toward it. One morning, Pele awoke to the smell of something familiar in the air. In the distance could be seen a high mountain with a smoky haze hiding its peak. Pele knew she had found her new home. She named the island [[Hawai'i]].

For many months Pele followed a star from the northeast, which shone brighter than the rest, and migrated toward it. One morning, Pele awoke to the smell of something familiar in the air. In the distance could be seen a high mountain with a smoky haze hiding its peak. Pele knew she had found her new home. She named the island [[Hawai'i]].

Pele still lives on [[Hawai'i]] where she rules as the fire goddess of the volcanoes. The smell of sulphur reminds the natives that she is still there in her home, Halema'uma'u, her fiery lava building a new island to the south, still submerged, named Loahi.

Pele still lives on [[Hawai'i]] where she rules as the fire goddess of the volcanoes. The smell of sulphur reminds the natives that she is still there in her home, Halema'uma'u, her fiery lava building a new island to the south, still submerged, named Loahi.

===Māori===

====Māori====

The [[Māori mythology|Māori creation myth]] tells how heaven and earth were once joined as Ranginui, the Sky Father and Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, lay together in a tight embrace. They had many children who lived in the darkness between them. The children wished to live in the light and so separated their unwilling parents. Ranginui and Papatuanuku continue to grieve for each other to this day. Rangi's tears fall as rain towards Papatuanuku to show how much he loves her. When mist rises from the forests, these are Papa's sighs as the warmth of her body yearns for him and continues to nurture mankind.

The [[Māori mythology|Māori creation myth]] tells how heaven and earth were once joined as Ranginui, the Sky Father and Papatuanuku, the Earth Mother, lay together in a tight embrace. They had many children who lived in the darkness between them. The children wished to live in the light and so separated their unwilling parents. Ranginui and Papatuanuku continue to grieve for each other to this day. Rangi's tears fall as rain towards Papatuanuku to show how much he loves her. When mist rises from the forests, these are Papa's sighs as the warmth of her body yearns for him and continues to nurture mankind.

===Tagalog===

====Tagalog====

The traditional belief of the [[Tagalog people]] is that three deities were created from the collision of the Sky (''Langit'') and the Sea (''Linaw''). They were [[Bathala]], who reigned over the Sky, Aman Sinaya, who reigned over the Sea, and Amihan, the North Wind, who took over the realm in between.  

The traditional belief of the [[Tagalog people]] is that three deities were created from the collision of the Sky (''Langit'') and the Sea (''Linaw''). They were [[Bathala]], who reigned over the Sky, Aman Sinaya, who reigned over the Sea, and Amihan, the North Wind, who took over the realm in between.  

===Evolutionary Spirituality===

===Evolutionary Spirituality===

"The Great Story", "the Story of the Universe", or "the [[Epic of Evolution]]" are titles for the core belief of a [[social movement]] that tells the [[history]] of the [[universe]] in a way that is simultaneously scientific and sacred. It articulates the understandings of [[modern science]] – especially the [[evolutionary]] sciences ranging from [[stellar evolution]] to [[biological evolution]] and [[cultural evolution]] – as a sacred creation story, much like the traditional creation myths passed down through [[oral culture]]s and [[sacred texts]].

"The Great Story", "the Story of the Universe", or "the [[Epic of Evolution]]" are titles for the core belief of a [[social movement]] that tells the [[history]] of the [[universe]] in a way that is simultaneously scientific and sacred. It articulates the understandings of [[modern science]] – especially the [[evolutionary]] sciences ranging from [[stellar evolution]] to [[biological evolution]] and [[cultural evolution]] – as a sacred creation story, much like the traditional creation myths passed down through [[oral culture]]s and [[sacred texts]].

===Raëlism===

===Raëlism===

===Randomness===

===Randomness===

Some philosophers like [[Hakim Bey]] and [[occult]]ists like [[Peter Carroll]] think [[randomness]], [[chaos]] or the [[uncertainty principle]] of [[quantum mechanics]] is the prime mover according to science, and should accordingly be treated as divine.

Some philosophers like [[Hakim Bey]] and [[occult]]ists like [[Peter Carroll]] think [[randomness]], [[chaos]] or the [[uncertainty principle]] of [[quantum mechanics]] is the prime mover according to science, and should accordingly be treated as divine.

==References==

==References==

{{reflist|2}}

#From dust to dust | Guardian Weekly | guardian.co.uk

#Intelligent Design: Message from the Designers. Nova Distribution. ISBN 2-940252-22-X.

==External links==

==External links==

[[Category: Cosmology]]

[[Category: Cosmology]]

[[Category: Languages and Literature]]

[[Category: Languages and Literature]]