Creation

CREATION MYTHS…WHAT ARE THEY?

Myths
QUALITIES OF
CREATION MYTHS
• Explain how the universe, earth
and life begin
• Passed down through
generations to explain why the
world is the way it is (cultural
beliefs)
QUALITIES OF CREATION
MYTHS
• Often contain supernatural elements
to explain how the world was made
• Expresses the moral values (rights and
wrongs) of a particular group of people
through a transformation of a character
 TURN AND
TALK
Most of the world’s cultures
have their own stories to
explain how the universe came
to be

■ How does your culture

explain the world’s
THE WORLD ON A
TURTLE’S BACK
An Iroquois creation myth
 “THE WORLD ON A
TURTLE’S BACK”
These myths explain phenomena, including:
customs, institutions, or religious rites; natural
landmarks such as a great mountain; events beyond
people’s control

***When reading the myths, look for the roles that

nature and animals play in Native American life,
and note who or what is responsible for the start of
life on Earth.***
THANK YOU!

• Link to Google slides

• Link to Student Note Handout