Introduction
Have you ever wondered how the mythologies of different cultures around the world are connected? From Greek mythology to Norse gods, from Hindu deities to Egyptian Pharaohs, there are fascinating similarities and connections found between old and new world mythologies. In this blog post, we'll take a look at some of the most common thinking and theories on the connections between world mythologies.
Similarities in Creation Stories
One of the most compelling connections between ancient mythologies is in the stories of creation. Many cultures have stories about the creation of the universe, and often these stories have a few common elements. It's not hard to imagine why, as we all look up into the night sky and think of how we got here. There are likely many creation stories that come about due to the human need to understand the world around us. Think of the Amazon myth about the gods bringing the world up from the bottom of a lake. Stories like this can be seen in many cultures and could be related to myths of a great flood or water bringing forth life.
Beliefs in the Afterlife
Another common element found in different world mythologies is the belief in the afterlife. Many cultures have beliefs that life doesn't end with death, instead, it goes on in some form. In some stories, there is the concept of a great river that must be crossed to get to the afterlife. Often these stories are accompanied by similar conceptions of the afterlife, such as a journey into the underworld. In other mythologies, there is a belief that the soul continues on in a spirit form and is ushered into a realm of some kind of Heavenly afterlife.
Common Themes of Good Versus Evil
Yet another common theme found in world mythologies is the idea of good versus evil. This is seen throughout many cultures, from Ancient Egypt to China, and is often embodied in stories featuring a hero or group of heroes doing battle against an evil force. This theme is found in many cultures, and often features characters and symbols that are common in a variety of cultures. In some cultures, there is a religious component to these stories, while others are more likely to be referred to as tales of courage and strength.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while there are many differences between world mythologies, there are also stark similarities that can be found in common themes, beliefs, and stories. From the different creation stories to the beliefs in the afterlife, it's apparent that many cultures around the world are connected in some way. Whether directly or indirectly, these connections form an interesting narrative that helps us understand more about ourselves and the cultures around us.
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