Cosmic Myths

Creation Myths

|Myth 1: the beginnings |Religion or culture of origin: Egyptian |
|Myth 2: |Religion or culture of origin: Boshongo (Bantu) |
|Bumba’s creation | |

• Who created the world?

o Myth 1:the High God

o Myth 2:Bumba

• Who were the main characters involved? What was the process?

o Myth 1: by way of the High God's androgynous act of masturbation; and through the god Shu's separation of Sky (Nut) and Earth (Geb)

o Myth 2: Bumba was in terrible pain. He retched, strained, and vomited up the sun, the moon, and the stars.

• What was the motivation to create the world?

o Myth 1: The High God’s desire when he was alone

o Myth 2: Bumba being in terrible pain

• How did humankind come into being?

o Myth 1: The High God-I wept tears. . . the form of my Eye; and that is how mankind came into existence

o Myth 2: he strained again and nine living creatures came forth…last of all came forth men

• Did the original creator maintain involvement in the newly created world?

o Myth 1: it does not say-N/A

o Myth 2: Bumba walked through the peaceful villages and said to the people "Behold these wonders. They belong to you."

Flood Myths

|Myth 1: |Religion or culture of origin: Mesopotamian |
|Utnapishtim | |
|Myth 2: |Religion or culture of origin: Greco-Roman |
|Deucalion and Pyrrha |