Cadi Ayyad University
Polydisciplinary Faculty of Safi
Department of English Studies
Academic Year 2024/2025
Semester 3
Module: Readings in Global Cultures
Pr. Mohammed Saissi
Section III
Types of Creation Stories: World Parents
1. Definition:
The concept of "world parents" is a common motif in many creation myths across cultures. These
figures, often divine beings or cosmic forces, are responsible for bringing the universe and life
into existence. They may be seen as the ultimate parents, nurturing and guiding the world and its
inhabitants.
2. In Ancient Mesopotamia
Tiamat and Apsu: In Babylonian mythology, Tiamat, the goddess of the sea, and Apsu, the god
of fresh water, were the first beings to exist. They created the gods who eventually rebelled
against their parents, leading to a cosmic battle.
Read and reflect!
"When the gods were young, they lived together in one place. Apsu, their
father, was the god of fresh water. Tiamat, their mother, was the goddess of the
sea. They created the gods who eventually rebelled against their parents,
leading to a cosmic battle."1
1
Jacobsen, Thorkild. The Treasures of Darkness: A History of Mesopotamian Literature. New Haven: Yale University
Press, 1976.
3. In Greek Mythology
Gaia and Uranus: Gaia, the Earth, and Uranus, the Sky, were the primordial deities who gave
birth to the Titans, Cyclopes, and Hecatoncheires.
Read and reflect!
"First of all, wide-bosomed Earth was born, who is everlasting, mother of all
the gods who dwell in Olympus. Then afterward Tartarus was born, gloomy
abyss of the wide earth, and then came Eros, who is the youngest of all the
immortals, but the strongest. He overcomes all the gods and all mortals in
strength, and he subdues their minds and their sweet counsels."2
4. In Norse Mythology
Ymir and Audhumla: Ymir, a frost giant, and Audhumla, a primordial cow, were the first
beings in Norse mythology. Audhumla's milk nourished Ymir, and eventually, a man named Buri
emerged from her udder.
Read and reflect!
"In the beginning there was nothing but a yawning abyss. Then came a cow
named Audhumla, who licked the ice and snow until a man named Buri
emerged from the ice. Buri had a son named Borr, who married Bestla, the
daughter of Bolthorn. From their union came three sons: Odin, Vili, and Vé."3
2
Hesiod. Theogony. Loeb Classical Library, No. 33. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1914.
3
Sturluson, Snorri. The Prose Edda. American-Scandinavian Foundation, 1916.
5. In Egyptian Mythology
Atum: In Egyptian mythology, Atum, the self-created god, was the first being to exist. He
emerged from the primeval waters and created the world through his words and thoughts.
Read and reflect!
"Atum, the self-created god, emerged from the primeval waters. He was alone,
without form or substance. He spoke a word, and the world came into being."4
6. In Chinese Mythology
Pangu: Pangu, a giant, was responsible for separating the primordial chaos into heaven and earth.
He grew larger each day, pushing the heaven higher and the earth lower.
Read and reflect!
"In the beginning, there was only chaos. Then Pangu, a giant, emerged from the
chaos. He separated the heaven from the earth, and he grew larger each day,
pushing the heaven higher and the earth lower. When Pangu died, his body
became the mountains, his breath became the wind, his eyes became the sun
and moon, and his hair became the stars."5
4
Assmann, Jan. The Egyptian Pyramid Texts: Translations and Commentary. New York: Oxford University Press,
2005.
5
Watson, Burton. The Complete Works of Chuang Tzu. New York: Columbia University Press, 1968.