1.1 Ancient Near Eastern creation myths
10 min read•august 21, 2024
Ancient Near Eastern creation myths form the foundation of early civilizations, explaining the origins of the world and humanity. These narratives reflect cosmological beliefs, social structures, and religious practices, providing insight into the shared cultural heritage of ancient societies.
Key themes include , , and . Major myths like and Egyptian creation stories showcase unique worldviews. Comparative analysis reveals common elements and regional variations, highlighting cultural exchange and diverse perspectives on existence.
Origins of creation myths
- Creation myths form the foundation of ancient Near Eastern cultures, explaining the origins of the world and humanity
- These narratives reflect the cosmological beliefs, social structures, and religious practices of early civilizations
- Studying creation myths provides insight into the shared cultural heritage and diverse worldviews of ancient societies
Mesopotamian influences
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- Sumerian creation accounts laid the groundwork for later Mesopotamian myths
- Emphasized the role of primordial waters and the separation of heaven and earth
- Introduced the concept of divine assemblies and hierarchies among gods
- Influenced neighboring cultures through trade and cultural exchange (, )
Egyptian creation stories
- Centered around from the primordial waters ()
- Featured multiple creation accounts associated with different cult centers (, , )
- Incorporated the concept of a self-created deity (, ) as the source of all existence
- Emphasized the cyclical nature of creation, mirroring the annual flooding of the Nile
Levantine mythological traditions
- Blended influences from Mesopotamian and Egyptian mythologies
- Focused on the conflict between and in the creation process
- Introduced the concept of creation through divine speech or craftsmanship
- Reflected the diverse cultural landscape of the region (Canaanite, Phoenician, Ugaritic myths)
Key themes and motifs
- Creation myths across the ancient Near East share common themes and symbolic elements
- These recurring motifs reflect shared cultural experiences and philosophical questions
- Understanding these themes helps in comparative analysis of different mythological traditions
Primordial waters
- Represented the chaotic, formless state before creation
- Symbolized potential and fertility in many cultures
- Often personified as primordial deities ( in Mesopotamia, Nun in Egypt)
- Served as the source from which the ordered cosmos emerged
- Reflected the importance of water in agricultural societies
Cosmic egg symbolism
- Represented the potential for all creation contained within a single form
- Found in Egyptian (Hermopolis) and some Phoenician creation accounts
- Symbolized the unity of all elements before their separation
- Often associated with solar deities or primordial beings
- Paralleled biological processes of birth and growth
Divine conflicts
- Depicted the struggle between order and chaos in the creation process
- Often involved younger gods overthrowing older generations ( vs. Tiamat)
- Symbolized the taming of natural forces to create a habitable world
- Reflected social and political power dynamics in ancient societies
- Provided explanations for natural phenomena (storms, seasons) through divine battles
Major creation myths
- Specific creation narratives played central roles in the religious and cultural life of ancient civilizations
- These myths often served as foundational texts for religious practices and social structures
- Analyzing these major myths reveals the unique worldviews of different cultures
Enuma Elish
- Babylonian creation epic centered on the god Marduk's rise to power
- Described the creation of the world from the body of the slain goddess Tiamat
- Established Marduk as the king of gods, justifying Babylon's political supremacy
- Incorporated earlier Sumerian mythological elements and deities
- Recited annually during the (New Year) festival to renew cosmic order
Memphis creation myth
- Centered on the god Ptah as the creator who brought the world into being through thought and speech
- Emphasized the power of divine utterance in the creative process
- Reflected the importance of Memphis as a political and religious center in ancient Egypt
- Incorporated elements of craft and artistry in the creation process
- Influenced later philosophical and theological concepts of creation through logos
Atum and the Heliopolitan tradition
- Focused on the self-created god Atum emerging from the primordial waters
- Described the creation of other deities through Atum's bodily fluids or exhalations
- Introduced the , a group of nine gods representing cosmic forces
- Connected the pharaoh's lineage to the divine creation process
- Influenced later Egyptian creation accounts and solar worship traditions
Comparative analysis
- Comparing creation myths across cultures reveals both shared elements and unique regional variations
- This analysis helps understand cultural exchange, common human experiences, and diverse worldviews
- Comparative study provides insights into the development and spread of mythological ideas
Common elements across cultures
- Presence of primordial waters or chaos before creation
- Creation through divine speech, thought, or physical action
- Hierarchies of gods reflecting social and cosmic order
- Separation of sky and earth as a key creative act
- Humans created to serve the gods or as an afterthought
- Cyclical nature of creation and destruction
Unique regional variations
- Egyptian focus on solar deities and daily renewal of creation
- Mesopotamian emphasis on divine assemblies and cosmic battles
- Levantine incorporation of craftsman deities ()
- Variations in the number and roles of creator deities
- Different explanations for the origin of humanity (clay, divine blood, plants)
- Regional natural phenomena influencing mythic narratives (floods, deserts)
Influence on later mythologies
- Adoption and adaptation of myths by conquering cultures (Assyrian use of Babylonian myths)
- Syncretism of deities and mythological elements in Hellenistic period
- Influence on biblical creation accounts and cosmology
- Preservation of ancient Near Eastern motifs in later Mediterranean cultures
- Impact on philosophical and religious concepts of creation in monotheistic traditions
Literary techniques
- Creation myths employ specific literary devices to convey their messages and enhance memorability
- These techniques reflect oral storytelling traditions and cultural values
- Understanding these literary elements aids in interpreting the deeper meanings of myths
Repetition and formulaic language
- Used to emphasize key concepts and aid in oral transmission
- Created rhythmic patterns that enhanced memorization and recitation
- Established a sense of cosmic order through repetitive structure
- Employed in genealogies of gods and descriptions of creative acts
- Reflected the cyclical nature of time and creation in many cultures
Symbolic imagery
- Utilized metaphors and allegories to represent abstract concepts
- Employed animal to represent divine and cosmic forces
- Used natural phenomena as symbols for divine actions (thunder as divine speech)
- Incorporated body parts of deities to represent cosmic elements
- Reflected cultural values and experiences through symbolic landscapes
Narrative structure
- Often began with a state of primordial chaos or nothingness
- Followed a progression from disorder to order in the creation process
- Incorporated episodic structures detailing different stages of creation
- Used framing devices (divine assemblies, dialogues) to organize the narrative
- Concluded with the establishment of human society and divine kingship
Cultural significance
- Creation myths played crucial roles in shaping ancient Near Eastern societies
- These narratives provided explanations for natural phenomena and social structures
- Understanding their significance helps interpret the worldviews of ancient cultures
Religious implications
- Established the basis for religious practices and rituals
- Defined the relationships between humans and deities
- Provided explanations for suffering and the human condition
- Influenced temple architecture and religious iconography
- Shaped concepts of the afterlife and cosmic cycles
Social order reflections
- Justified hierarchical social structures through divine models
- Established the role of kingship as a divine institution
- Reflected gender roles and family structures of ancient societies
- Provided mythical origins for social customs and laws
- Reinforced the importance of specific cities or regions in cosmic order
Cosmological understanding
- Explained the structure and functioning of the universe
- Provided a framework for understanding natural phenomena
- Influenced early scientific and philosophical inquiries
- Shaped concepts of time, space, and the nature of existence
- Offered explanations for the origins of celestial bodies and their movements
Anthropological perspectives
- Anthropological approaches to creation myths reveal their functions in society
- These perspectives help understand the role of myth in shaping cultural identities
- Analyzing myths from an anthropological viewpoint provides insights into ancient worldviews
Myth as cultural explanation
- Provided answers to fundamental questions about existence and purpose
- Offered explanations for natural phenomena and human experiences
- Served as a means of transmitting cultural knowledge across generations
- Reflected and reinforced cultural values and social norms
- Helped societies make sense of their place in the cosmos
Ritual connections
- Creation myths often formed the basis for religious rituals and ceremonies
- Reenactment of creation stories in festivals renewed cosmic order
- Ritual practices reinforced the validity and power of creation narratives
- Myths provided context and meaning for life cycle rituals (birth, death)
- Temple rituals and offerings mirrored mythic acts of creation
Gender roles in creation stories
- Reflected and reinforced societal gender norms and expectations
- Often portrayed female deities as sources of chaos or fertility
- Male deities frequently associated with order and active creation
- Some myths featured divine couples or complementary male-female principles
- Gender dynamics in myths influenced social structures and religious practices
Influence on literature
- Creation myths have had a lasting impact on literary traditions across cultures
- These narratives have inspired and shaped various forms of storytelling
- Understanding this influence helps interpret later literary works and their cultural contexts
Epic poetry traditions
- Incorporated creation myths as background or framing devices
- Adopted narrative structures and formulaic language from creation stories
- Used mythic themes and motifs to explore human conditions and values
- Expanded on creation myths to create complex cosmologies (Hesiod's Theogony)
- Influenced later epic traditions in classical and medieval literature
Biblical narratives vs ANE myths
- Genesis creation accounts show both similarities and differences to ANE myths
- Monotheistic focus contrasts with polytheistic ANE creation stories
- Shared motifs (primordial waters, divine speech) adapted to monotheistic context
- Biblical narratives emphasized human moral responsibility and divine transcendence
- Later interpretations of biblical creation stories influenced by ANE mythological concepts
Modern literary adaptations
- Reinterpretation of ancient creation myths in contemporary literature
- Use of mythic structures and themes in science fiction and fantasy genres
- Exploration of creation themes in postmodern and experimental literature
- Incorporation of ANE mythological elements in poetry and prose
- Adaptation of creation myths to address modern philosophical and existential questions
Archeological evidence
- Archaeological discoveries have provided crucial evidence for understanding ancient creation myths
- Material remains offer insights into the cultural contexts of these narratives
- Analyzing archaeological evidence helps reconstruct the development and spread of mythological ideas
Textual discoveries
- Clay tablets preserving Mesopotamian myths (Library of Ashurbanipal)
- Egyptian papyri and tomb inscriptions containing creation accounts
- Ugaritic tablets revealing Canaanite mythological traditions
- Decipherment of ancient scripts (cuneiform, hieroglyphs) enabling myth interpretation
- Comparative analysis of textual variants showing mythological development over time
Artistic representations
- Temple reliefs depicting scenes from creation myths
- Cylinder seals illustrating mythological motifs and deities
- Statuary and figurines representing creator gods and primordial beings
- Cosmological diagrams and maps reflecting mythical worldviews
- Funerary art incorporating creation themes and symbolism
Material culture connections
- Temple architecture reflecting cosmic and creation symbolism
- Ritual objects and offerings associated with creation myths
- Amulets and personal items bearing mythological imagery
- City layouts and monuments embodying cosmological principles
- Trade items showing the spread of mythological motifs across cultures
Scholarly interpretations
- Various academic approaches have been applied to the study of ancient Near Eastern creation myths
- These interpretations offer different perspectives on the meaning and function of these narratives
- Understanding diverse scholarly views enriches our comprehension of creation myths
Structuralist approaches
- Analyzed the underlying patterns and structures in creation myths
- Identified binary oppositions (order vs. chaos, male vs. female) in mythic narratives
- Explored the relationships between mythic elements across different cultures
- Emphasized the universal aspects of myth-making in human societies
- Influenced by the work of Claude Lévi-Strauss and other structuralist thinkers
Psychological readings
- Interpreted creation myths as reflections of human psychological processes
- Applied Jungian concepts of archetypes and collective unconscious to myth analysis
- Explored the symbolic representation of the self and individuation in creation stories
- Examined the psychological functions of myth in coping with existential questions
- Considered the role of creation myths in shaping cultural and individual identities
Historical-critical method
- Examined the historical and cultural contexts in which creation myths developed
- Analyzed textual variations and redactions to trace mythological evolution
- Considered the political and social factors influencing myth creation and transmission
- Compared mythological narratives with historical and archaeological evidence
- Explored the relationship between myth and other forms of cultural expression
Legacy and modern relevance
- Ancient Near Eastern creation myths continue to influence contemporary thought and culture
- These narratives raise enduring questions about existence, purpose, and human nature
- Understanding their legacy helps interpret modern cultural phenomena and philosophical debates
Contemporary religious thought
- Ongoing reinterpretation of creation myths in modern theological contexts
- Influence on interfaith dialogue and comparative religious studies
- Exploration of creation themes in new religious movements and syncretic beliefs
- Debates over literal vs. metaphorical interpretations of creation accounts
- Impact on environmental ethics and stewardship concepts in religious traditions
Scientific vs mythological worldviews
- Tensions and dialogues between scientific cosmology and mythical narratives
- Exploration of creation myths as early attempts at scientific explanation
- Comparisons between Big Bang theory and ancient creation concepts
- Debates over the role of myth in a scientifically-oriented society
- Integration of mythic themes in popular science communication
Cultural identity preservation
- Use of creation myths in maintaining and reviving cultural traditions
- Role of mythological heritage in national and ethnic identity formation
- Incorporation of ancient Near Eastern motifs in contemporary art and literature
- Educational programs focusing on mythological literacy and cultural heritage
- Debates over the place of creation myths in multicultural societies and curricula
Key Terms to Review (35)
Akitu: Akitu is a Mesopotamian spring festival that celebrated the New Year and involved various rituals, including the reenactment of the creation myth and the reaffirmation of the king's divine right to rule. This festival not only marked the beginning of the agricultural season but also served as a way to honor the gods and ensure fertility and prosperity for the coming year. Through its rituals, akitu played a crucial role in connecting people with their deities and reinforcing social order.
Akkadians: The Akkadians were an ancient Semitic people who inhabited Mesopotamia, particularly in the region surrounding the city of Akkad, around 2300 BCE. They are notable for their contributions to the development of early civilization, including their establishment of one of the first known empires under Sargon of Akkad, which had a significant influence on subsequent cultures and creation myths in the Ancient Near East.
Ancient Hebrew Literature: Ancient Hebrew literature refers to the body of written works produced by the Hebrew people, primarily during the biblical period, encompassing a wide range of genres including poetry, prose, historical narratives, and religious texts. This literature is crucial for understanding the cultural, spiritual, and historical contexts of the ancient Near East, particularly through its creation myths that provide insights into the worldview and values of early Hebrew society.
Atum: Atum is a key deity in ancient Egyptian mythology, often recognized as the creator god and associated with the setting sun. He symbolizes the completion of creation and represents the idea of self-creation, emerging from the primordial waters of chaos. Atum is integral to the Egyptian pantheon, playing a central role in creation myths and linking various deities within the Egyptian cosmology.
Babylonian Mythology: Babylonian mythology refers to the collection of myths and stories from ancient Babylon, a civilization located in Mesopotamia. These myths often revolve around creation, the gods, and the relationship between humanity and the divine. Central to Babylonian mythology are themes of chaos and order, reflecting the society's understanding of the cosmos and their place within it, particularly in the context of ancient Near Eastern creation myths.
Babylonians: The Babylonians were an ancient civilization that emerged in Mesopotamia, particularly known for their contributions to law, literature, and astronomy from around 1894 BC. They are especially notable for their creation myths and flood narratives, which reflect the culture and beliefs of the time and have influenced many other civilizations.
Chaos: Chaos refers to a state of disorder and confusion, often seen as the primordial condition from which order and structure emerge. In various cultural narratives, chaos serves as both a creative force and a destructive element, challenging the established order and facilitating change. Its manifestations in myths often symbolize the unknown and the potential for transformation, making it a central theme in understanding the dynamics of creation, conflict, and resolution across different mythologies.
Cosmic Eggs: Cosmic eggs are primordial entities in various creation myths, symbolizing the universe's beginning and the potential for life within a singular, encapsulated form. These eggs often represent the initial state of chaos or undifferentiated matter from which the cosmos emerges, embodying themes of birth, creation, and transformation across cultures.
Cosmogony: Cosmogony is the study of the origins and creation of the universe, often involving narratives or myths that explain how the cosmos came into being. These stories reflect the beliefs, values, and cultural identities of different societies, providing insight into how they understand their place in the world. Various cultures have developed unique cosmogonies that highlight their understanding of existence, often incorporating elements of divine beings, natural forces, and human experiences.
Cultural mythology: Cultural mythology refers to the collective myths, stories, and beliefs that shape the identity and values of a specific culture or society. These narratives often reflect the history, traditions, and worldview of the people, serving as a way to understand their place in the universe and their relationships with each other and the divine. Cultural mythology can be seen in ancient texts, modern literature, and popular media, illustrating how these narratives evolve and resonate across time.
Divine Conflicts: Divine conflicts refer to the struggles and power dynamics between gods or deities within various mythological frameworks, often depicting battles for supremacy, creation, or the balance of order and chaos. In ancient Near Eastern creation myths, these conflicts frequently illustrate the relationships among gods, their motivations, and the resulting impact on the cosmos and humanity. These narratives highlight themes such as authority, rebellion, and the quest for power, often revealing deeper truths about the cultures that produced them.
Ea: Ea, also known as Enki, is a prominent deity in Ancient Near Eastern mythology, particularly within Mesopotamian belief systems. He is often associated with wisdom, water, and creation, playing a vital role in various creation myths where he is portrayed as a benefactor of humanity, using his intellect and craft to shape the world and guide civilization.
Ennead: An ennead refers to a group of nine deities, particularly in ancient Egyptian mythology. This concept is significant as it represents the complex relationships and hierarchies among gods, particularly the nine gods worshipped at Heliopolis who were believed to have created the world and governed its order. The ennead showcases the importance of number symbolism in ancient cultures, reflecting their worldview and religious beliefs.
Enuma elish: Enuma Elish is an ancient Babylonian creation myth that describes the origins of the world and the rise of the god Marduk. The narrative outlines the chaotic state of existence before creation and depicts a cosmic battle between Marduk and the primordial goddess Tiamat, ultimately leading to the establishment of order in the universe. This myth connects to various themes found in ancient Near Eastern creation stories, such as divine conflict, the organization of the cosmos, and the role of humanity, making it a pivotal text in understanding both Mesopotamian mythology and broader mythological narratives.
Feminist Theory: Feminist theory is an approach that examines literature and culture through the lens of gender, focusing on the social roles, experiences, and representations of women. It critiques the historical dominance of patriarchal perspectives and seeks to uncover and challenge gender inequalities present in texts and societal structures. This perspective often highlights how traditional narratives have marginalized or silenced women's voices, allowing for a reevaluation of myths and stories from a feminist viewpoint.
Genesis creation narrative: The Genesis creation narrative is a biblical account found in the Book of Genesis, detailing the creation of the world and humanity by God. This narrative outlines a sequential process of creation over six days, culminating in the creation of humans, and reflects theological themes such as divine order, the goodness of creation, and the relationship between God and humanity. It serves as a foundational story for Judeo-Christian beliefs about the origins of life and the universe.
Heliopolis: Heliopolis, known as 'the City of the Sun,' was an ancient Egyptian city that played a significant role in the religious and cultural life of Egypt, particularly in relation to creation myths. This city was primarily dedicated to the sun god Ra and served as a major center for solar worship and theological development, impacting various aspects of Egyptian mythology and cosmology.
Hermopolis: Hermopolis, known as Khmunu in ancient Egyptian, was an important city in Upper Egypt and a center for the worship of Thoth, the god of wisdom, writing, and magic. This city played a crucial role in the development of ancient Egyptian creation myths, particularly those related to the Ogdoad, a group of eight primordial deities that represented the chaotic forces before creation.
Kothar-wa-khasis: Kothar-wa-khasis is a deity from ancient Near Eastern mythology, primarily recognized as the god of craftsmanship and wisdom. He is often depicted as a creator figure associated with construction, metalwork, and artistic endeavors, embodying the skills necessary for building and creation. This god plays a pivotal role in various creation myths, symbolizing the importance of skilled labor and knowledge in the act of creation.
Literary tradition: Literary tradition refers to the body of written works and cultural practices that are passed down through generations, shaping the way stories, themes, and characters are created and understood within a particular culture or society. It encompasses the influences and conventions that inform literary expression, helping to establish connections between texts across time and space. This concept allows for the examination of how different cultures have engaged with shared themes, such as creation myths or archetypal narratives, influencing each other's storytelling techniques.
Marduk: Marduk is a principal deity in Babylonian mythology, often regarded as the god of wisdom, water, and magic. He is prominently featured in the Enuma Elish, the Babylonian creation myth, where he rises to prominence by defeating the primordial chaos monster Tiamat, thereby establishing order in the cosmos. Marduk's victory and subsequent creation of the world reflect themes of divine authority and the importance of civilization.
Memphis: Memphis was an ancient city in Egypt, founded around 3100 BCE, and served as the capital during the Old Kingdom period. It held significant cultural and religious importance, particularly in relation to creation myths where it was associated with the god Ptah, who was revered as a creator deity and craftsman. The city’s prominence reflects its role as a center of art, architecture, and religion in ancient Egyptian civilization.
Mythological archetypes: Mythological archetypes are universal symbols, themes, or character types that appear across different myths and cultures, embodying fundamental human experiences and emotions. They serve as foundational elements within narratives, shaping the way stories are told and understood, particularly in creation myths where they often illustrate the relationship between humanity and the divine, the chaos and order of existence, and the origins of the world.
Mythological structure: Mythological structure refers to the underlying framework and patterns that organize the narratives, themes, and characters within myths. It encompasses elements such as creation, conflict, resolution, and the roles of deities and heroes, providing a blueprint for how these stories are told and understood. In ancient creation myths, this structure often reflects the cultural values and beliefs of the societies that produced them.
Mythopoeia: Mythopoeia is the act of creating or constructing myths, often as a way to explore complex ideas, cultural narratives, and human experiences. This process involves weaving together stories and symbols that resonate deeply with collective beliefs and emotions, allowing for new interpretations of traditional themes. In various artistic expressions, mythopoeia serves to connect historical context and personal identity with broader mythic structures.
Nun: In Ancient Near Eastern creation myths, 'nun' refers to the primordial waters or chaotic abyss from which creation emerges. This concept symbolizes the undifferentiated state of existence prior to the formation of the cosmos and is often depicted as a watery expanse, representing both potentiality and chaos.
Order: Order refers to the structured arrangement or organization of elements within a creation narrative, often reflecting the transition from chaos to a harmonious universe. In many Ancient Near Eastern creation myths, order signifies not only the physical layout of the cosmos but also the establishment of societal and divine hierarchies, where gods impose structure upon a previously chaotic existence, leading to the birth of civilization and its moral frameworks.
Primordial waters: Primordial waters refer to the ancient, chaotic waters that existed before the creation of the world, often depicted in various ancient Near Eastern creation myths. These waters are typically seen as a symbol of chaos and potential, representing the unformed state of the universe from which order and creation emerge. In many myths, the primordial waters are personified and play a significant role in the act of creation, often as the source from which deities arise or from which the land is formed.
Ptah: Ptah is an ancient Egyptian god, primarily recognized as the creator deity and the god of craftsmanship, architecture, and the arts. He is often depicted as a mummified man with a bald head and is associated with the city of Memphis, where he was worshipped as a key figure in the Egyptian pantheon. Ptah's significance extends beyond mere creation, as he embodies the transformative power of thought and speech in the act of creation.
Structuralism: Structuralism is an intellectual movement that seeks to understand human culture, language, and thought by examining the underlying structures that shape them. It emphasizes the relationships and systems that inform meaning, rather than focusing solely on individual components, allowing for a comparative approach across various cultural artifacts and practices.
Symbolism: Symbolism is a literary device where symbols are used to represent ideas or qualities, allowing deeper meanings to be conveyed through imagery, actions, or objects. This technique enriches narratives and myths by adding layers of significance that go beyond the literal interpretation, enhancing themes and emotional resonance.
The emergence of life: The emergence of life refers to the process through which living organisms originated from non-living matter, a key concept in understanding creation myths. In various ancient Near Eastern narratives, this concept is often depicted through divine acts of creation, where gods shape the cosmos and bring forth life from chaos or primordial elements. These myths serve not only to explain the origins of life but also to highlight the relationship between deities and humanity, showcasing the importance of life within the cosmic order.
The struggle between chaos and order: The struggle between chaos and order refers to the fundamental conflict in mythology where disorder and confusion challenge the establishment of a structured and harmonious universe. This concept is pivotal in ancient Near Eastern creation myths, as they often depict the process of transforming a chaotic state into one of stability and order, highlighting the importance of creation and the role of divine beings in maintaining that order.
Tiamat: Tiamat is a primordial goddess from ancient Mesopotamian mythology, often depicted as a dragon or serpent, who personifies the saltwater ocean. She plays a central role in the Babylonian creation myth, where she represents chaos and the untamed forces of nature that existed before creation. Tiamat’s narrative illustrates the conflict between order and chaos, highlighting her significance in ancient Near Eastern cosmology and her association with dragons and sea monsters throughout various mythologies.
Yahweh: Yahweh is the name of the God of Israel in the Hebrew Bible, often referred to as the Creator and the one who establishes a covenant with His people. This name is significant in ancient Near Eastern creation myths as it represents a distinct monotheistic belief that contrasts with polytheistic traditions of surrounding cultures, emphasizing a single, all-powerful deity responsible for the creation and order of the universe.