The mythical stories have always been key to humanity. These narratives help us understand the universe and our existence. creation myths and flood show the creativity and values of each society¹.

The universal mythology helps us see how the cultures see their place in the cosmos. It shows us how they have told their stories over time.². This article seeks to explore these creation stories, the flood myths and the legends of heroes. Although different, they share themes that unite us all.³.

Key Points

• The mythical stories They teach about the culture and the beliefs from different societies.
• Creation stories show the perceptions of the origin of the world in various civilizations.
• The flood myths are a recurring theme in multiple cultures.
• The legends of heroes reflect universal values and virtues.
• The mythology Comparative studies seek to identify similarities and common patterns in the myths from all over the world.

Introduction to mythical stories

The mythical stories are key in the oral tradition of many culturesThey have been passed down from generation to generation. They serve to understand the world and our existence.

The myths They explain the natural and reflect the beliefs societies. The term “myth” has grown in use, appearing in contexts such as “the myth of masculinity.” This shows how the term has evolved from something fabulous to something seen as unreal or fictitious⁴.

The study of "myths" involves disciplines such as anthropology, the philology and the theologyHowever, some experts, such as Jan de Vries, criticize the simplification of defining them as stories of gods. The distinction between "mythology" and the study of the myths It is a matter of debate. In Greek, “mythos” means “old story,” which contrasts with the idea of an objective narrative.⁴.

Universal mythology and its relevance

The universal mythology It is a set of significant myths that connect us with the beliefs of many cultures. These myths They tell us traditional stories about the origin of the world and natural phenomena. Even today, 81.9% of the myths analyzed show their importance in understanding the culture⁵.

The mythology It is closely linked to stories and religions, where a God is very common. In ancient societies, myths were not only religious, but also addressed topics such as creation and the universal flood. For example, 72% of recent myths compare stories of heroes and gods, showing the connection between beliefs and cultural values⁵.

From ancient Greece, where μῦθος meant conversation and narrative, to today, these stories have influenced art. beliefs and myths have traveled through generations, adapting to new realities. Today, the mythology continues to influence theatre, literature and culture popular, demonstrating its importance in contemporary art⁶.

The creation myth in different cultures

The creation myths They are fascinating in the Aztec mythology and the Maori mythologyThese stories not only tell how the world began. They also show the values and beliefs of each culture.

The creation of the Sun and the Moon in Aztec mythology

In the Aztec mythology, the myth of Sun and Moon It is well known that Tezcatlipoca and Quetzalcoatl sacrificed a sea monster. Thus, they gave life to the earth and the first humans.

This myth shows the importance of balance and duality. It is key to understanding how our world was created. Creation required a sacrifice, which underscores the Aztecs' connection to life and death.⁷.

The creation of heaven and earth in Maori mythology

The Maori mythology tells how the world was created differently. Rangi and Papa, the sky and the earth, were united. Their descendants separated them, creating rivers, oceans and life.

This myth highlights the importance of family relationships and the struggle for freedom. It shows that creation was a necessary conflict for our world. Maori mythology shows how we are connected to nature⁸.

Myths of the great floods

The flood myths They are fascinating. They are found in almost all cultures of the world. They resonate with the idea of purification and rebirth. In the Hebrew mythology, the story of Noah is well known.

According to Judeo-Christian tradition, Noah built an ark. This ark saved his family and animals, being the only survivors.⁹This story shows how a catastrophic event can be seen as an opportunity to reset.⁹.

The flood in Hebrew mythology

The Hebrew mythology sees the flood as a divine punishment. Noah's ark symbolizes salvation and the continuity of life on Earth. However, this account does not align with current scientific knowledge.⁹.

This story is intertwined with stories of cataclysms in other cultures. This suggests a collective memory of natural disasters.

The parallelism in other cultures

The similarities of the flood stories are evident in many cultures. In Persian mythology, the God Ahura Mazda ordered Jamshid to hide in a cave to survive a flood.¹⁰The Phoenicians believed that the gods Baal and Kusor had to intervene to prevent future floods.

In the Hindu Vedas, King Manu is warned by an avatar of the God Vishnu to build a boat. This boat saved Manu from a flood¹⁰Furthermore, Mayan, Guarani and Australian Aboriginal myths reflect a common pattern of divine interventions and punishments.

These flood myths They tell stories of devastation. They also show how cultures have tried to understand and explain the cataclysms and natural events that have marked the human experience over time.

The flood myths invite us to reflect on the fears and universal beliefs about nature and its power. This explains their persistent presence in the mythology⁹¹⁰.

The legends of heroes and gods

In the mythology, stories of heroes and gods are key to understanding our cultural values. Characters like Hercules and Ganesha symbolize bravery and wisdom. They also teach moral lessons through epic tales.

These stories continue to resonate in our lives. They reflect struggles and sacrifices that we all share. In doing so, they connect us to universal human experiences.

The legends of heroes are essential in many cultures. These symbolic figures share similar qualities and patterns. This shows that despite cultural differences, we all need a hero.

By studying these narratives, we learn a lot. They give us entertainment and a way to answer existential questions. They also explain natural phenomena.¹¹.

The impact of these stories is clear in literature and film. Myths continue to evolve and adapt to new ways of telling. This makes them relevant to us today.¹².

The connection we have with these stories is deep. It influences our cultural identity. It also helps to transmit knowledge to future generations.