Explanations of various aspects or characterizations of life and culture
Read the Creation Myths. Each origin story offers explanations of various aspects or characterizations of life and culture. Some offer explanations as to how various races came to be. Some offer more of a ethnocentric view of the "chosen peoples" versus those that are not apart of the tribe, ethnicity, or nation. Some offer a more harmonious understanding of people. Some offer the Gods as great animals, some fashion God or Gods as anthropomorphic (taking on the image of man). Each choice of what goes into the story stresses some significant value. If a great raven is God, how does that stress importance and value of ravens? If God is female, then what does that cause listeners to value femininity? First read these Origin Stories, then complete the discussion assignment (Creation Myths Discussion I). Then do the following:
Go on a walk, preferably in nature (a park, a trail in the woods, or just around the block if you have to).
Think about what is present that is not man made. Think of the earth in an "unadulterated state" (goodness--that is a loaded term). Think of what you see that is wilderness, that is nature birds, dirt, sand, trees, etc…
Think of how you would create an origin story (origin myth) to account for it.
Do you choose to have a God/ Gods in the story?
How is the earth fashioned?
How are humans fashioned?
What other things to you account for?
After crafting your short creation myth. Review this with an audio analysis. This offers you a chance to explain why you told the story the way you did. What other creation myth stories influenced this. What decisions did you make in the crafting of it? Why did you make those decisions? What words stand out? What metaphors were created?
Sample Solution
Creation Myth Analysis
Key Themes and Values:
- Ethnocentrism: Some myths prioritize a particular group or culture.
- Anthropomorphism: Assigning human characteristics to gods or deities.
- Nature and Animals: The role of nature and animals in shaping the world and its inhabitants.
- Values: The underlying values and beliefs reflected in the myths (e.g., power, harmony, hierarchy).
Full Answer Section
Nature Walk and Creation Myth Setting: A serene forest with towering trees, a babbling brook, and vibrant wildflowers. Creation Myth: In the beginning, there was only the Great Oak, a majestic tree that stood tall and silent. From its roots, a gentle stream flowed, giving life to the land. The wind, a playful spirit, danced through the branches, carrying seeds and stories. One day, the Great Oak felt a stirring within its heart. It reached out with its roots, shaping the earth into valleys and mountains. It breathed life into the wind, creating animals of all shapes and sizes. And from the earth, it formed humans, creatures of curiosity and wonder. The humans, guided by the wisdom of the Great Oak, learned to live in harmony with the land. They tended to the gardens, harvested the fruits, and respected the creatures that shared their home. Audio Analysis- Influences: The myth was influenced by Norse mythology, particularly the Yggdrasil tree, and the concept of a world tree supporting life.
- Choices: I chose a nature-centric theme to reflect the beauty and interconnectedness of the natural world. The Great Oak symbolizes the source of life and wisdom.
- Words: The use of words like "majestic," "gentle," and "curious" evoke a sense of wonder and awe.
- Metaphors: The Great Oak serves as a metaphor for nature's power and nurturing qualities. The wind represents the force of creation and change.