III. Common Themes of Cosmological Myth (Aetiological and Ritualistic)
Cosmological myths, both aetiological and ritualistic, often explore grand themes that seek to explain the fundamental aspects of our existence. The creation of the universe is a common theme, typically depicted as a divine act or a cosmic event, setting the stage for all subsequent narratives12. The origin of the gods often follows, establishing a pantheon that governs various aspects of the natural and supernatural world3. The origin of humankind is another key theme, explaining our place and purpose in the universe12. Many myths also speak of a golden age, a time of peace and prosperity that eventually gives way to strife or decay12. The appearance of death is a pivotal theme, introducing mortality as a defining human condition4. Finally, myths often describe places of reward and punishment, serving as moral compasses by outlining the consequences of human actions in the afterlife12. These themes collectively form the backbone of many cosmological myths, providing a framework for understanding the world and our place within it12543.
Learn more: 1. en.wikipedia.org 2. britannica.com 3. voegelinview.com
III. A. Creation of the Universe
The creation of the universe is a common theme, typically depicted as a divine act or a cosmic event, setting the stage for all subsequent narratives12.
III. B. Origin of the Gods
The origin of the gods often follows, establishing a pantheon that governs various aspects of the natural and supernatural world3.
Maya Creation Myths: Words and Worlds of the Chilam Balam by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9781607320203Publication Date: 2010-08-15
Ten Gods: A New Approach to Defining the Mythological Structures of the Indo-Europeans by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9781443841566Publication Date: 2012-12-01
III. C. Origin of Humankind
The origin of humankind is another key theme, explaining our place and purpose in the universe12.
Understanding Scientific Theories of Origins: Cosmology, Geology, and Biology in Christian Perspective by Call Number: eBookISBN: 9780830852918Publication Date: 2018-12-04
III. D. A Golden Age
Many myths also speak of a golden age, a time of peace and prosperity that eventually gives way to strife or decay12.
HEROES OF THE OLDEN TIME A STORY OF THE GOLDEN AGE by Call Number: Online EbookISBN: 0000000000000Publication Date: 1927This ebook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this ebook or online at www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this eBook.
III. E. Appearance of Death
The appearance of death is a pivotal theme, introducing mortality as a defining human condition4.
What is the concept of death in mythology?
In some religions there are deities that even control when an individual will die. For example, in Greek mythology the goddess who has control over an individual's death would be Atropos (known as the one who cuts the thread of life). In a modern sense, the most common deity of death is the Grim Reaper.
- 10 Gods of Death and the Underworld From Around the World - Jana Louise Smit | Gods and Goddesses | January 15, 2024Hades, Pluto, and Hel are some of the most well-known gods of death and the underworld from ancient mythology, but nearly all ancient cultures have one. Each death god from around the world represents the unique views different cultures have of death.
- Death (personification) - WikipediaDeath is frequently imagined as a personified force. In some mythologies, a character known as the Grim Reaper (usually depicted as a berobed skeleton wielding a scythe) causes the victim's death by coming to collect that person's soul. Other beliefs hold that the spectre of death is only a psychopomp, a benevolent figure who serves to gently sever the last ties between the soul and the body, and to guide the deceased to the afterlife, without having any control over when or how the victim dies. Death is most often personified in male form, although in certain cultures death is perceived as female (for instance, Marzanna in Slavic mythology, or Santa Muerte in Mexico). Death is also portrayed as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Most claims of his appearance occur in states of Near-death.[1]
- Death and Transformation: The Presentation of Death in East and Southeast AsiaThe following discussion is concerned with a conception of death significant to the peoples of East and Southeast Asia. Similar ideas can also be found throughout the entire Circum-Pacific area. These notions deal with the belief that death does not mark the end of one's existence - it is rather the necessary pre-requisite for a new life, which originates
from death. - Greek Underworld - WikipediaIn Greek mythology, the Greek underworld, or Hades, is a distinct realm (one of the three realms that make up the cosmos) where an individual goes after death. The earliest idea of afterlife in Greek myth is that, at the moment of death, an individual's essence (psyche) is separated from the corpse and transported to the underworld.[1]
III. F. Places of Reward and Punishment
Finally, myths often describe places of reward and punishment, serving as moral compasses by outlining the consequences of human actions in the afterlife12
- The Mythology Of Afterlife Beliefs And Their Impact On Religious Conflict, Part 1 (Brigid Burke)Given later religious interpretations of the underworld as a place of punishment, one reflects on the fact that this was not always the case. Jake Stratton-Kent writes in his work on ancient Greek religion and magic, “Geosophia”: