Well, in some funny creation myths, the use of strange or unexpected materials to create the world or humans is a unique element. Like in the African Dogon creation myth, they believe that the world was created from the seed of a special kind of plant. It's not something you'd expect as a building block for a whole universe.
The use of animals can be really interesting in myth creation stories. In some African creation myths, animals play crucial roles. For instance, the chameleon is often associated with bringing messages or being part of the creation sequence. Symbols are also key elements. The sun and the moon are often symbols of power and time in creation stories around the world. In Norse mythology, the sun and moon were created by the gods, and they had a significant impact on the development of the world.
One funny creation myth is from the Maori in New Zealand. They believe that the world was created by the god Io. Io first created the sky and the earth from nothingness, and then he populated the earth with all kinds of living things in very creative ways. For example, he made the first humans from clay and breathed life into them.
Surprise is a key element. For example, in the myth of how the kangaroo got its big feet. It was said that the kangaroo once stepped on a magic mushroom and its feet grew instantly to be big and strong for hopping. This unexpected turn makes it funny.
A creation myth story usually involves a powerful deity or supernatural force. It often explains how the world, humans, or important elements came into existence. Also, there's usually a sense of mystery and wonder.
In many big myth creation stories, there is often an initial state of chaos or void. For example, in the Greek myth, Chaos was the starting point. Another common element is the presence of a powerful creator or creators. In the Judeo - Christian story, it's God. These creators usually have the ability to bring order out of chaos. Also, there are elements related to the creation of different parts of the world, like land, sky, and sea. In the Norse myth, the interaction of ice and fire led to the creation of the world.
One key element is the origin of the universe. In many creation stories, there is a starting point like chaos or nothingness from which everything emerges. For instance, in some Asian creation myths, there is an initial state of formless energy that gradually takes shape. Another element is the creation of life. This could be the creation of humans, animals, and plants. In the Aboriginal Australian creation stories, the Dreamtime is when ancestral spirits created all life forms and the land formations. Also, the role of deities or supernatural beings is important. In Hindu creation stories, Brahma is the creator god who brings about the universe and all its components.
The concept of a primordial state is common. In various short creation myths, there is an initial state like the great void in Norse mythology. And often, there is a hierarchical order established in the creation. For instance, in some Native American creation myths, the creator creates the spirits first, and then they help in creating the physical world.
Divine intervention is a big theme. Gods play a crucial role in creating the universe, its elements, and living beings. For instance, Brahma creates the different varnas (castes) from the body of Purusha. The gods are not just powerful but also wise, and they use their knowledge and power to shape the world as we know it. Their actions are often guided by a higher purpose which is related to the moral and spiritual order of the universe.
One well - known big myth creation story is the Judeo - Christian story of Genesis. It tells of God creating the world in six days and resting on the seventh. Another is the Norse creation myth where the world was formed from the body of the giant Ymir. There's also the Greek creation story which involves Chaos giving birth to various primordial deities, who then play roles in shaping the cosmos.
Well, in these stories, a common theme is the power of creation itself. Whether it's a single all - powerful god or a group of deities, the act of creating the universe and everything in it showcases the might and wisdom of the creative force. And there is also the theme of renewal. Some creation myths talk about cycles of destruction and renewal, which can be related to the changing seasons and the passage of time.