Binalonan, Pangasinan

EL 112: Mythology and Folklore

Module 3
Creation Myths

Learning Outcomes:
At the end of these weeks, the pre-service teacher (PST) should be able to:
a. discuss and differentiate the creation myths around the world; and
b. conduct a local-based survey on the creation myth believed by the community.

Introduction:

Creation myths are narratives or stories that explain how the world, humanity, and everything in existence
came into being. These myths are found in cultures and religions around the world and serve to provide an origin
story that often includes supernatural elements, gods or deities, and symbolic themes. Creation myths vary
greatly from one culture to another, reflecting the unique beliefs, values, and cosmologies of each society.
They serve not only as explanations of the world's origins but also as cultural and religious narratives
that convey important values, traditions, and beliefs. Creation myths are a fascinating aspect of human culture
and history, offering insight into the ways different societies have interpreted and understood the mysteries of
existence. Here are a few examples of creation myths from different cultures.

Gaea (Greek and Roman Mythology)

The creation myth of Gaea, also known as Gaia, is an ancient Greek myth that explains the origin of the
Earth and the cosmos. Gaea is the personification of the Earth itself, and she plays a central role in Greek
mythology. Here is a summary of the Gaea creation myth:
In the beginning, there was Chaos, a formless and chaotic void. From Chaos emerged Gaea, the Earth,
and Tartarus, the abyss or underworld. Gaea, representing the physical Earth, was seen as a primordial
deity. Gaea, on her own, gave birth to Uranus (the Sky) without the need for a male partner. Uranus became her
equal and consort, covering her completely. In emergence of love, Gaea and Uranus produced the first
generation of beings, known as the Titans, which included Cronus, Rhea, Oceanus, and others.
However, Uranus was a harsh and tyrannical ruler, and he imprisoned some of his children deep within
Gaea. This caused Gaea great pain and suffering, and she plotted with her son Cronus to overthrow Uranus.
Gaea and Cronus crafted a plan that involved Cronus castrating Uranus while he lay with Gaea, thus separating
the Earth from the Sky.
After Cronus successfully castrated Uranus, the blood of Uranus fell upon Gaea and gave birth to the
Furies (Erinyes) and the Giants. Uranus's severed genitals fell into the sea, and from the seafoam, Aphrodite,
the goddess of love and beauty, emerged. Cronus eventually became the ruler of the Titans, but he was later
overthrown by his own son, Zeus (god of sky), who led a rebellion of the younger gods known as the Olympians.
Zeus and his siblings, including Poseidon (god of sea) and Hades (god of underworld), defeated the Titans and
became the new ruling deities of the Greek pantheon.
The Greek’s suffering/sin started when Pandora lifted the lid and out flew plagues and sorrows of
mankind.
This creation myth explains the origins of the Earth, the cosmos, and the divine beings in Greek
mythology. Gaea, as the Earth goddess, represents the physical world and is intimately connected to the
unfolding of the universe in this ancient Greek cosmogony.

Yggdrasil (Norse Mythology)

The first world to exist was Muspell, a place of light and heat whose flames are so hot that those who are
not native to that land cannot endure it. Surt sits at Muspell's border, guarding the land with a flaming sword. At
the end of the world he will vanquish all the gods and burn the whole world with fire. Beyond Muspell lay the
great and yawning void named Ginnungagap (where the myth began), and beyond Ginnungagap lay the dark,
cold realm of Niflheim. Ice, frost, wind, rain and heavy cold emanated from Niflheim, meeting in Ginnungagap
the soft air, heat, light, and soft air from Muspell.
Where heat and cold met appeared thawing drops, and this running fluid grew into a giant frost ogre
named Ymir (first thing that came into emergence). Ymir slept, falling into a sweat. Under his left arm there grew
a man and a woman. And one of his legs begot a son with the other. This was the beginning of the frost ogres.
Thawing frost then became a cow called Audhumla. Four rivers of milk ran from her teats, and she fed Ymir.
The cow licked salty ice blocks. After one day of licking, she freed a man's hair from the ice. After two
days, his head appeared. On the third day the whole man was there. His name was Buri, and he was tall, strong,
and handsome. Buri begot a son named Bor, and Bor married Bestla, the daughter of a giant. Bor and Bestla
had three sons: Odin was the first, Vili the second, and Vé the third.
 It is believed that Odin, in association with his brothers, is the ruler of heaven and earth. He is the greatest
and most famous of all men. Odin, Vili, and Vé killed the giant Ymir. When Ymir fell, there issued from his wounds
such a flood of blood, that all the frost ogres were drowned, except for the giant Bergelmir who escaped with his
wife by climbing onto a lur [a hollowed-out tree trunk that could serve either as a boat or a coffin]. From them
spring the families of frost ogres.
The sons of Bor then carried Ymir to the middle of Ginnungagap and made the world from him. From his
blood they made the sea and the lakes; from his flesh the earth; from his hair the trees; and from his bones the
mountains. They made rocks and pebbles from his teeth and jaws and those bones that were broken. Maggots
appeared in Ymir's flesh and came to life. By the decree of the gods they acquired human understanding and
the appearance of men, although they lived in the earth and in rocks.
From Ymir's skull the sons of Bor made the sky and set it over the earth with its four sides. Under each
corner they put a dwarf, whose names are East, West, North, and South. The sons of Bor flung Ymir's brains
into the air, and they became the clouds. Then they took the sparks and burning embers that were flying about
after they had been blown out of Muspell, and placed them in the midst of Ginnungagap to give light to heaven
above and earth beneath. To the stars they gave appointed places and paths.
The earth was surrounded by a deep sea. The sons of Bor gave lands near the sea to the families of
giants for their settlements. To protect themselves from the hostile giants, the sons of Bor built for themselves
an inland stonghold, using Ymir's eyebrows. This stonghold they named Midgard.
While walking along the sea shore the sons of Bor found two trees, and from them they created a man
and a woman. Odin gave the man and the woman spirit and life. Vili gave them understanding and the power of
movement. Vé gave them clothing and names. The man was named Ask and the woman Embla. From Ask and
Embla have sprung the races of men who lived in Midgard.
In the middle of the world the sons of Bor built for themselves a stronghold named Asgard, called Troy
by later generations. The gods and their kindred lived in Asgard, and many memorable events have happened
there. In Asgard was a great hall named Hlidskjálf. Odin sat there on a high seat. From there he could look out
over the whole world and see what everyone was doing. He understood everything that he saw.
Odin married Frigg, the daughter of Fjörgvin. From this family has come all the kindred that inhabited
ancient Asgard and those kingdoms that belonged to it. Members of this family are called the Æsir, and they are
all divinities. This must be the reason why Odin is called All-Father. He is the father of all the gods and men and
of everything that he and his power created.
The earth was Odin's daughter and his wife as well. By her he had his first son, Thor. Might and strength
were Thor's characteristics. By these he dominates every living creature. As all informed people know, the gods
built a bridge from earth to heaven called Bifröst. Some call it the rainbow. It has three colors and is very strong,
made with more skill and cunning than other structures. But strong as it is, it will break when the sons of Muspell
ride out over it. The gods are not to blame that this structure will then break. Bifröst is a good bridge, but there
is nothing in this world that can be relied on when the sons of Muspell are on the warpath.
Balder is the son of Odin and Frigg, and with his friendliness, gentleness and wisdom, he is loved by
everyone in Asgard. He is so attractive that light shines all around him. Balder is married to Nanna and they live
in Breidablick. The suffering began when Loki, the god of trickery was jealous of Balder, but even he was
compelled to take this oath. By doing so, Balder became invulnerable to everything. This invulnerability was a
joke among gods, they threw stones at Balder but everything was deflected. Good thing, he is safe except from
Loki.

The chief sanctuary of the gods is by the ash tree Yggdrasil. There they hold their daily court. Yggdrasil
is the best and greatest of all trees. Its branches spread out over the whole world and reach up over heaven.
Yggdrasill, in Norse mythology, the world tree, a giant ash supporting the universe. It is closely related to the tree
of life, a motif found across many cultures, and the tree of knowledge, which was said to grow in the Garden of
Eden in Abrahamic religions (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam).
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasill is an enormous ash tree that connects the nine worlds, including the
underworld (Niflheim), the earth (Midgard), and the realm of the gods (Asgard). Yggdrasill is associated with both
life and death: it acts as a gallows that the god Odin hangs himself from in order to gain mystical knowledge, and
it is said to be the source of new life after Ragnarök (Doomsday), the catastrophic final war of the gods.
Yggdrasil is a central and iconic element in Norse mythology. It is often referred to as the "World Tree" or
the "Tree of Life" and plays a significant role in the Norse cosmology. Here are some key aspects of Yggdrasil:
a. Cosmic Axis: Yggdrasil is a massive ash tree that stands at the center of the Norse cosmos. It serves as a
cosmic axis or pillar that connects and supports the different realms of the Norse universe.
b. Divisions of the World (Nine Realms): The branches and roots of Yggdrasil extend into nine different realms,
which include:
● Asgard: The realm of the Aesir gods, such as Odin and Thor.
● Midgard: The human world, where humans reside.
● Jotunheim: The realm of the giants (Jotnar).
● Vanaheim: The realm of the Vanir gods.
● Alfheim: The realm of the Light Elves.
● Svartalfheim: The realm of the Dwarves.
● Niflheim: The realm of ice and mist, associated with primordial forces.
● Muspelheim: The realm of fire and chaos, home to fire giants.
● Helheim: The realm of the dead, ruled by the goddess Hel.
c. Three Roots: Yggdrasil's roots reach into three of these realms. One root extends into Asgard, another into
Jotunheim, and the third into Niflheim. These roots symbolize the interconnectedness of the various realms.
* Sacred Wellsprings: The tree is nourished by three sacred wellsprings:
● Urðarbrunnr: Associated with fate and destiny.
● Mímir's well: Associated with wisdom and knowledge.
● Hvergelmir: Associated with chaos and primordial forces.
d. Ragnarök: Yggdrasil is prophesied to play a significant role in the events of Ragnarök, the Norse apocalypse.
During this cataclysmic event, Yggdrasil will shudder, and its branches will tremble as the various realms
and beings face destruction and renewal.
Yggdrasil's symbolism lies in its representation of the interconnectedness of all things in the Norse cosmos.
It serves as a bridge between the different realms and embodies the idea that everything is interdependent and
part of a larger cosmic order.

Shintoism (Japanese Mythology)

Shintoism, as a religion, does not have a single, standardized creation myth like some other religious
traditions. Instead, it features various creation stories and myths that are specific to particular Shinto shrines or
regions in Japan. These stories often emphasize the divine origins of Japan and its connection to the kami, the
spirits or deities revered in Shintoism. One of the most well-known and widely accepted creation myths in
Shintoism is associated with the Kojiki, one of Japan's oldest historical texts. This myth recounts the story of the
creation of Japan and its ruling lineage. Here is a simplified version of this myth:
Izanagi (male) and Izanami (female), the central deities (kami) in the Japanese myth. They were the
eighth pair of brother-and-sister gods to appear after heaven and earth separated out of chaos. By standing on
the floating bridge of heaven and stirring the primeval ocean with a heavenly jeweled spear, they created the
first landmass. The first island created was Onogoro.
The two decided that they wished to unite—often interpreted as marriage—but their first attempt at sexual
union resulted in a deformed child, Hiruko (“Leech Child,” known in later Shintō mythology as the god Ebisu),
and they set him adrift in a boat. Attributing the mistake to a ritual error on the part of Izanami, who, as a woman,
should never have spoken first, they began again and produced numerous islands and deities. In the act of giving
birth to the fire god, Kagutsuchi (or Homusubi), Izanami was fatally burned and went to Yomi, the land of
darkness. The grief-stricken Izanagi followed her there, but she had eaten the food of that place and could not
leave. She became angry when he lit a fire and saw her rotting and covered with maggots. A horrified Izanagi
fled, with a host of women and then Izanami herself in pursuit. After reaching the entrance to Yomi, Izanagi
placed a stone across it, thus sealing in Izanami and breaking their union.
It's important to note that while this myth is widely recognized, other Shinto shrines and regions may have
their own unique creation stories and variations. Shintoism is a decentralized religion with diverse beliefs and
local traditions, so creation myths can vary from one shrine or region to another. Nevertheless, the idea of divine
creation and the connection between the kami and Japan's origins are common themes in Shinto mythology.

The Dragon and The Egg | Pan Gu (Chinese Mythology)

The concept of a dragon and an egg in creation myths is not exclusive to any single culture or mythology
but is found in various forms in different parts of the world. These myths often symbolize the origin of the universe
or the birth of important deities.
According to the myth, in the beginning the universe was nothing but chaos and emptiness, and the
heavens and the Earth were intermingled—a big black egg being commonly used as an analogy. Pan Gu (the
supreme ruler) was born inside of this egg and slept for 18,000 years, during which time the Yin and Yang
balanced as he grew.
When he awoke, he realized he was trapped within it. He cracked the egg and began to push it apart,
essentially splitting the Yin and Yang (the first couple). The upper half of the shell became the sky/heaven (Tian)
above him, and the lower half became the earth. The longer he held them apart, the thicker they grew and the
taller he became, thus pushing them further apart—by precisely 10 feet (3.04m) per day.
Pan Gu stands as a monumental figure in Chinese mythology. He is the first living entity, a symbol of the
imaginative expression of the world’s creation. Pan Gu’s name itself holds significant meaning. It is comprised
of the Chinese characters pán (盤), meaning “to coil,” and gǔ (古), meaning “ancient,” referring to his curled-up
position inside the egg and his ancientness.
His myth symbolizes the world’s origin as perceived by the ancient Chinese community, reflecting their
fundamental values. Revered as the progenitor and ancestor of all beings, Pan Gu played a pivotal role in forming
the cosmos. His monumental tasks included:
 Separating heaven and earth, holding them apart for 18,000 years
 Growing taller each day to maintain the separation between heaven and earth
 Creating the mountains, rivers, oceans, and sky, which form the foundation of the world. This establishes
him as both a central figure and a prominent figure in cosmic creation. As the first living being in the
universe, Pan Gu had no relatives or descendants, emphasizing his unique and solitary role in the
creation of the world.
The start of their suffering is when Gonggong, the god of water smashed his head on Mount Bhuzou that
caused the fall of sky.
 The narrative of Pan Gu is not just a tale of beginnings; it is a guide to understanding the complex structure
of the universe through the lens of ancient Chinese belief. This enduring myth continues to resonate with modern
audiences, offering insights into the philosophical and cultural foundations of Chinese civilization.
Here is a general overview of the dragon and egg creation myth:
a. The Cosmic Egg: In this creation myth, the universe begins as a cosmic egg, representing the potential for
creation. Inside the egg is the chaotic and primordial energy or matter from which all things will emerge. The egg is
often depicted as floating in a void or cosmic waters.
b. The Dragon: Sometimes, a dragon or a serpent is associated with the cosmic egg. The dragon represents the
creative force or the catalyst for the birth of the universe. The dragon may encircle, protect, or incubate the
egg.
c. The Birth of the Universe: As the dragon interacts with the cosmic egg, it may crack or break the egg open,
giving birth to the elements, celestial bodies, and sometimes, the gods or deities. This act of hatching the
egg symbolizes the beginning of creation and the emergence of order from chaos.
d. Symbolism: The dragon and egg creation myth often symbolizes the cyclical nature of the universe, with
creation followed by destruction and then rebirth. It emphasizes the idea of a cosmic balance and the
interplay between opposing forces. The Pan Gu creation story elegantly intertwines the elements of yin and
yang, depicting them as essential forces that bring structure to the world and cosmos through their balance.
Yin, associated with the moon, night, weakness, darkness, softness, and femininity, contrasts with Yang,
which corresponds to the sun, day, strength, brightness, hardness, and masculinity. The left eye of this myth
symbolizes the importance of balance between these two forces.
e. Cultural Variations: This concept can be found in various cultures and mythologies, such as Chinese
mythology, where the cosmic egg is associated with the hatching of Pangu, the first being, and in Hindu
mythology, where the cosmic egg is linked to the birth of the god Brahma.
It's important to note that specific details and interpretations of this myth can vary widely depending on
the culture and the context in which it is found. The dragon and egg creation myth is just one of many ways that
different cultures have explained the origin of the universe and the forces at play in its creation.

Brahmanism (Hindu Mythology)

Brahmanism is an ancient religious and philosophical tradition that laid the foundation for Hinduism. It is
characterized by its focus on the concept of Brahman, the ultimate, unchanging reality or universal soul that
underlies and unifies all existence. While Brahmanism itself does not have a single creation myth, its ideas about
the nature of reality influenced later Hindu texts, some of which contain creation myths.
One of the most famous Hindu creation myths can be found in the "Rigveda," one of the oldest sacred
texts of Hinduism, which has strong ties to Brahmanism. The "Rigveda" contains a hymn known as the "Hymn
of Creation" or the "Nasadiya Sukta" (Rigveda 10.129). It contemplates the origins of the universe and the nature
of the divine.
For Hindus the universe was created by Brahma, the creator who made the universe out of himself. After
Brahma created the world, it is the power of Vishnu which preserves the world and human beings. As part of the
cycle of birth, life and death it is Shiva who will ultimately destroy the universe. This is not necessarily as bad as
it might sound because it allows Brahma to start the process of creation all over again. They are the three
supreme rulers.
A lotus flower grew from Lord Vishnu’s navel with Brahma sitting on it. Brahma separated the flower into
three parts - the heavens, the Earth and the sky. Out of loneliness, Brahma split himself into two to create a male
and a female. From this male and female all beings were created.
Shatarupa is the daughter of the creator deity, Brahma. Shatarupa is regarded as the first woman to be
created by Brahma, marrying Manu, the first man. Their descendants are called manushya, the Sanskrit term for
mankind. The creation of women is the source of evil amongst men. This is considered as the start of suffering
or sin in Hindu Mythology.
Many Hindus understand religious teachings about the universe in the following ways:
a. Brahma is the creator god who works with Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva to maintain an unending cycle of
universes. All three are aspects of Brahman.
b. Time is not a straight line. Instead there are eternal cycles with universes being created, existing and
dying, followed by recreation, existence and death. There is no beginning and no end. This is mirrored in
the belief in reincarnation.

Malakas at Maganda (Philippine Mythology)

In the beginning, there was only sea and sky. The first thing that came into emergence is a magical single
bird, Sarimanok, that flew above the water and split the bamboo tree. Philippine lore states that Malakas or "The
Strong One" and Maganda or "The Beautiful One" surfaced from both sections of the bamboo. Bathala, the
supreme god or ruler, looked down upon the world and decided to create land and life. With his mighty arms,
Bathala made the land, mountains, and oceans. He also created the plants, animals, and everything in the
natural world. The world was already created before Malakas and Maganda came into existence. According to
this myth, Malakas and Maganda were the original human beings, and all subsequent generations of people
descended from them.
 The divisions of the world are Kaluwalhatian and Kasamaan. The suffering/sin was originated from the
Bilaan version – there was a great rain, people were nearly drowned but Melu saved them by putting their noses
side up.

The Holy Bible's Book of Genesis tells us that God created man from dust. They are considered as
Filipino versions of Adam and Eve. This creation story not only explains the origins of humanity but also
underscores the values of strength and beauty, which are highly regarded in Filipino culture. The "Malakas at
Maganda" creation myth is an important part of Filipino folklore and cultural identity. It reflects the Filipino
people's deep connection to the land and the natural world, as well as their appreciation for strength and beauty
as essential qualities in human life.

Tungkung Langit at Alunsina (Philippine Mythology)

The "Tungkung Langit at Alunsina" creation myth is a traditional origin story from the Philippines,
specifically among the Visayan people. It explains the creation of the world, the sky, and the various natural
elements. Here is a version of this myth:
In the beginning, there was only the void, a formless and endless expanse of nothingness. This void was
ruled by two powerful deities: Tungkung Langit, the god of the sky, and Alunsina, the goddess of the
sea. Tungkung Langit and Alunsina were married and lived together in the great cosmic sea. They were very
much in love and were tasked with maintaining the order and harmony of the universe. Tungkung Langit, in
particular, had the responsibility of holding up the sky to prevent it from falling into the sea.
However, over time, their relationship began to deteriorate. Tungkung Langit became increasingly distant
and preoccupied with his duty of supporting the sky. He was rarely at home, and Alunsina grew lonely and
neglected. One day, Alunsina could no longer bear her loneliness and decided to leave Tungkung Langit. She
transformed herself into a bird and flew away to a far-off place, leaving her husband behind. Tungkung Langit
was devastated by her departure and mourned her absence. He let go of the sky, allowing it to fall and create
the Earth. Mountains and valleys formed from the folds of the fallen sky, and the Earth took shape.
Tungkung Langit descended to the Earth and wandered, searching for Alunsina. He carved the rivers
and streams as he traveled, hoping to find her. His tears became the rain that nourished the land. Despite his
efforts, Tungkung Langit was unable to find Alunsina, and his loneliness grew. He eventually decided to return
to his celestial duty, lifting the sky once more and securing it above the Earth. Alunsina, as the bird, watched
from afar but did not return. She and Tungkung Langit remained separated, and the Earth became the world we
know today.
This creation myth of Tungkung Langit and Alunsina reflects the Visayan people's connection to the
natural world and their understanding of the origin of Earth and its features. It also explores themes of love,
longing, and the consequences of neglecting relationships.

Assessment: Objective and subjective-type of test

Reference: Hamilton, E. (2011). Mythology. Grand Central Publishing.

Prepared by: Devorah Nuezca – Fontanilla