2nd Section
2nd Section
2nd Section
Section II
Types of Creation Stories: Creation from Chaos
1. Definition:
The idea of "creation from chaos" is a recurring theme in various cultural narratives and
philosophical systems. It posits that the universe or world originated from a state of formlessness,
disorder, or nothingness. This concept often implies a transition from a primordial state of chaos
to a more ordered and structured reality.
2. In Greek Mythology.
In Greek mythology, the creation of the universe from chaos is a central theme. The most
common version of this myth begins with Chaos, the primordial void. From Chaos, emerged
other fundamental elements such as Gaea (Earth), Tartarus (the Underworld), Eros (Love), and
Erebus (Darkness). Gaea, the Earth, then gave birth to Uranus (Sky) and Pontus (Sea). Uranus
and Gaea produced the Titans, a race of powerful beings, and the Cyclopes, known for their
single eye.
1
Hesiod, Theogony. Translated by Hugh G. Evelyn-White. Loeb Classical Library. Harvard University Press, 1914
3. In Egyptian Mythology.
One of the most well-known creation myths centers around the god Atum. According to this
myth, Atum emerged from the primordial waters, a state of chaos and nothingness. Through his
own power, Atum created the land and the sky. He then gave birth to two children, Shu (air) and
Tefnut (moisture), who in turn produced Geb (earth) and Nut (sky).
Read and reflect!
"From the primeval waters, Nun, came the god Heh, the embodiment of infinity. Heh then gave
birth to the god Kuk, the embodiment of darkness. And from Kuk came the god Hau, the
embodiment of light."2
4. In Babylonian Mythology.
One of the most well-known Babylonian creation myths is the Enûma Eliš, which translates to
"When on High." This epic poem describes the creation of the universe and the rise of Marduk,
the chief god of Babylon, to supreme power.
The story begins with a cosmic battle between the younger generation of gods, led by Marduk,
and the older generation, led by Tiamat, the goddess of the sea. Tiamat, angered by the noise and
chaos caused by the younger gods, threatens to destroy them. Marduk, however, defeats Tiamat
and uses her body to create the Earth and the heavens.
From Tiamat's body, Marduk also creates the rivers, the mountains, and the humans. He appoints
the god Nabu to be the scribe of the gods and to record the laws and decrees of the universe.
2
The Pyramid Texts. Translated by Samuel A. B. Mercer. Oxford University Press, 1974.
3
Enuma Elish: The Babylonian Creation Epic. Translated by Stephanie Dalley. Penguin Classics, 1991.
This nothingness is often referred to as Ginnungagap. From the warm, southern region of
Muspelheim emerged Surtr, the giant of fire, while from the cold, northern region of Niflheim
came the frost giant Ymir.
The clash of fire and ice in Ginnungagap resulted in the creation of a giant, Ymir, and a cow,
Audhumla. Audhumla licked the ice to reveal a hidden man, Buri. Buri's son, Borr, married
Bestla, the daughter of Bolthorn, and they had three sons: Odin, Vili, and Vé.
Odin, Vili, and Vé killed Ymir, using his body to create the Earth. They then created the sky
and the ocean. From Ymir's blood, they formed rivers and lakes. His bones became
mountains, and his skull formed the heavens.
The gods then created the first humans, a man named Ask and a woman named Embla. They
breathed life into them and gave them intelligence and speech.
"In the beginning there was no earth, nor heaven, nor sea, nor sand. There was only a
yawning abyss, and a realm of mist." 4
4
Gylfaginning. Translated by Ian McNeil. Penguin Classics, 1990.