Five Common Myths From Around the World
Modern humans evolved between 200,000 and 300,000 years ago, spreading across the globe around 100,000 years ago and developing diverse cultures. Despite these cultural differences, many myths share common themes, one being creation myths. Nearly every culture has a creation myth involving a magical entity forming the earth, seas, and sky. These stories often include a primordial ocean or a cosmic egg, and sometimes a primordial mother and father representing earth and sky.
Another common theme is the acquisition of fire. Many myths describe humans stealing fire from the gods, like Prometheus in Greek mythology or Maui in Māori tradition. Fire myths are found worldwide, from Native American tribes to African traditions, with animals often playing a role in bringing fire to humans.
Myths about giants are prevalent in global folklore. Giants appear in Greek, Norse, Biblical, and many other traditions, often depicted as primeval beings at war with gods or as creators, like Mbombo in African mythology or Pan Gu in Chinese mythology.
Resurrection myths are linked to agricultural cycles, symbolizing rebirth and renewal. Deities like Ishtar, Attis, and Osiris are associated with resurrection, reflecting seasonal changes. Other myths, like those of Odin in Norse mythology, involve sacrifices leading to rebirth and greater wisdom.
Finally, flood myths are nearly universal, often involving a deity punishing humankind with a flood. The Sumerian flood story is one of the oldest, with similar tales found in cultures worldwide. These myths may reflect ancient observations of rising sea levels at the end of the last ice age.
Top image: The cosmic egg in the hands of a giant deity. AI generated. Source: Natalia/Adobe Stock
