Creation Mythology

Creation myths are powerful stories that explain how the world, humanity, and life itself began. These tales reflect the beliefs, hopes, and fears of ancient peoples across every corner of the globe. Whether born from the icy voids of Scandinavia or the sun-drenched landscapes of South America, these myths offer fascinating insights into human imagination and culture.

Discover the world's most enduring creation stories below:

Europe

Scandinavian stories

Discover how the Norse cosmos emerged from the yawning void of Ginnungagap, with fire and ice creating the first beings, Ymir and Audhumla. Learn how the gods shaped the world from the giant’s body.

• Odin Creates a Race of Heroes
  Explore how Odin, along with his brothers Vili and Vé, crafted the first humans from trees, breathing life into Ask and Embla in this epic Norse creation myth.

Ancient Greeks

Uncover the story of Chaos, Gaia (Earth), Uranus (Sky), and the Titans. Learn how ancient Greeks explained the birth of gods, the universe, and humankind through powerful mythological narratives.

Who Were the Celts?

Delve into the mystical world of Celtic mythology, where gods like Dagda and Danu shaped the world with magic, and sacred rivers and hills were seen as the breath of life itself.

Asia and Africa

Indian Myths of Creation

Explore Hindu cosmology where Brahma creates the world, or the ancient Vedic myths where the world emerges from the cosmic sacrifice of the giant Purusha.

Chinese Mythology

Learn how Chinese creation myths depict the cosmos emerging from chaos, ruled by powerful deities like Pangu, who shaped mountains, rivers, and oceans.

• Pangu and Nuwa Create the World
  Dive deeper into the story of Panku, the giant who separated heaven and earth, and Nuwa, the goddess who molded humanity from clay.

Early Japanese Myths

Understand the Shinto creation stories where the divine pair Izanagi and Izanami formed the Japanese islands and brought forth the deities of nature.

• Izanami and Izanagi Create a Great Country
  Focus on the myth where the heavenly deities descend onto the “Floating Bridge of Heaven” and create the Japanese archipelago with a jeweled spear.

Mesopotamian Mythology

Study the ancient Mesopotamian creation story, in which gods like Marduk slay monstrous beings to create the heavens and the earth.

Ancient Egyptian Creation Stories

Learn how ancient Egyptians believed the world rose from the primeval waters of Nun, with gods like Atum, Ra, and Ptah creating life through thought and speech.

America

Native American Creation Beliefs

Explore the rich diversity of Native American creation myths, from the Great Spirit crafting the world to the sacred animals who shaped the land.

• The Creation of the Navajo People
  Follow the Navajo journey through different worlds before finally emerging into the present world, guided by spiritual beings and Holy People.
• Raven and the Source of Light
  Learn about the clever Raven of the Pacific Northwest who stole the sun, moon, and stars to bring light to the dark world.

Who Were the Maya?

Unveil the ancient Maya creation myths found in the Popol Vuh, where gods create humans from maize after earlier failed attempts with mud and wood.

Toltec and Aztec Tales of Creation

Discover the Aztec myth of the Five Suns, where the world is destroyed and reborn through cosmic battles involving gods like Quetzalcoatl and Tezcatlipoca.

South American Stories of Origin

From the Andes to the Amazon, learn how indigenous South American myths explain the origin of people, animals, and natural features.

• The Children of the Sun: An Ancient Peruvian Myth
  Read about the Incan myth where the Sun God Inti sends his children, Manco Cápac and Mama Ocllo, to civilize and teach the people of Peru.

Oceania

Aboriginal Australian Beliefs about Creation

Journey into the Dreamtime, where ancestral spirits shaped the landscape, rivers, and animals, leaving their imprint in sacred sites across Australia.

• The Beginning of Life
  Zoom in on a specific Dreamtime story explaining how the Rainbow Serpent created life and taught the first people about law, customs, and ceremonies.

Stories from the South Pacific

Sail through the myths of Polynesian islands where deities like Tangaroa, the god of the sea, create land, life, and the heavens from an endless ocean.

Why Explore Creation Myths?

• Understand ancient worldviews and the values of different cultures.
• Appreciate diverse storytelling traditions across continents.
• Find common themes like cosmic chaos, divine intervention, and rebirth of civilizations.
• Inspire modern creativity through mythological archetypes still alive in today's art and literature.

Creation myths connect us to our oldest questions — where did we come from, and why are we here? Start your mythological journey today!