This course introduces students to the mythologies of various cultures with a special emphasis on ancient Sumerian, Judeo-Christian, Hindu, Greek, Asian, African, Australian, and American traditions. We will discuss a specific category of myths, that is, the creation myths of the world.

Creation myths have always fascinated mankind. They not only explain the birth of the universe and that of man, but also offer answers to mankind’s biggest questions: what is our purpose in the world? What is our relationship with our creator?

Creation myths vary throughout the world; however, many of them begin with a vision of chaos or complete disorder. A common element is the presence of a God, or gods, who, out of that emptiness create earth, air, water, and the heavens. Other stories talk about a cosmic egg which breaks, hatches, and a primordial being (usually a giant) emerges, who begins the work of creation. In other stories a giant has to be killed, or a god has to be sacrificed so that the gods can make the world out of his body. This, of course, signifies that life was created from death.

But what is even more interesting in the creation stories is the making of mankind. How were we formed? But most importantly: why were we created? In many stories God creates man out of love, in others because He is lonely and needs someone who worships Him and speaks His name, in other stories gods create humans because they need servants.

In one way or another such myths not only teach us about how the ancients saw their world, but also determine us to come up with our own interpretations, our own understanding of the age old stories.

So I invite you on a magical journey in which you’ll discover how Gaia united with, and later separated from Uranus, how Ninhursag, the Sumerian goddess molded the first humans from clay, how Odin and his brother killed Ymir, the ice giant and created the world from his body, and last, but not least, how Izanami and Izanagi descended from the bridge floating in the sky, and stirred up the waters of the ancient ocean with a diamond spear.

This course is comprised of a series of video lectures and includes:

• Interactive video lessons (approximately 2 hours)

• Links to external sources (ebooks and audiobooks)

• Lecture handouts (transcripts) for printing and note taking

• Quiz for testing your knowledge

Main objectives:

• Be familiar with the most well-known myth of creation around the world

• Get acquainted with the different types and categories of creation myths

• Learn about the various ways in which man was created and what kind of relationship he had with the god(s)

• Learn to master your critical thinking in discussing/analyzing creation myths

• Be able to interpret mythical stories in a metaphorical as well as creative way