Creation Myths (7)

Hi everyone! This week I want to start a series that will continue over the next month! March is going to be all about one of my favorite mythology categories: creation myths! 

(I would like to disclose that for the purpose of this blog, being a chiefly literary discussion, I will refer to religious creation stories as myths. I am in no way seeking to make a statement regarding the validity of the creation stories from any religion, nor in any way attempting to offend or attack anyone’s religious beliefs. I respect each religion and those who ascribe.) 

Growing up in a Christian household, I regularly heard the Christian Genesis creation story. I have always been fond of stories and mythology, so I never minded being read the story by family members. Around middle school, I was looking through my Grandpa’s bookshelf and found a book of Cherokee stories. The mythology of the Cherokee people easily ranks within my top three favorite cultural mythologies. The language of the Cherokee stories always draws me in. My family is largely Cherokee, the Cherokee culture is something I read about often. 

So this week, our first creation story is the Cherokee creation myth from “Voices of Cherokee Women” edited by Carolyn Ross Johnston. 

This is an excerpt from “How the World Was Made”:

“The earth is a great island floating in a sea of water, and suspended at each of the four cardinal points by a cord hanging down from the sky vault, which is solid rock. When the world grows old and worn out, the people will die and the cords will break and let the earth sink down into the ocean, and all will be water again. The Indians are afraid of this.”

I love reading these stories! I find comparing creation stories from various cultures is fascinating! What do you think about the Cherokee version? What is your favorite creation story? Comment below!