Oxford Paperback Reference: A Dictionary of Creation Myths

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God created Heaven and, using a ball of thread, began to form the earth with the help of a mole. However, the mole accidentally allowed too much thread, causing the earth to grow too large for its space. Upset, the mole hid underground. God sent a bee to find him and seek advice on correcting the mistake. The mole laughed at the idea of advising God but, while mumbling to himself, suggested that squeezing the earth would create mountains and valleys, making it smaller. The bee relayed this idea to God, who implemented it, resolving the issue. This myth is one of many creation stories that explain the origins of societies and cultural identities, serving as a reflection of a culture's essence. A Dictionary of Creation Myths is a comprehensive exploration of creation myths from around the world, organized in an accessible A-Z format. It covers beliefs from ancient civilizations, including Sumeria, Egypt, Greece, and Native American cultures, alongside modern theories like evolution and the Big Bang. Each entry identifies the associated culture and retells the myths in eloquent prose, with extensive cross-referencing. The guide delves into the intricate relationships among myths across cultures and time, illuminating various aspects of the human experience, from cosmic eggs to the Gaia Principle. Richly illustrated, this work is essential for anyone curious about the origins of the world and humanity's place within it.