Question

These two brothers had creative powers, and with these powers they took clay and modeled it into animals. They used these animals to contend with one another. Each brother created a more powerful or more cunning animal than the next. They also created fruits, plants, and medicines for good and for evil. Finally, the right-handed twin made man. It is unknown whether or not the left-handed twin assisted in the creation of man. Man was the right-handed twin's favorite creation.

How does this support the idea that "The World on Turtle's Back" is a creation myth?

Answer 1

"The World on Turtle's Back" is indeed a creation myth, and the story you provided supports this idea in several ways.

Firstly, the myth describes the creative powers of the two brothers, who shape and mold clay into animals, fruits, plants, and medicines. This act of creation is a central theme in creation myths, as they explain how the world and its inhabitants came into existence.

Secondly, the competition between the brothers, where each one tries to outdo the other by creating more powerful or cunning animals, reflects the idea of divine beings or forces shaping the world and its creatures. This competition highlights the creative and transformative nature of the gods or supernatural beings in the myth.

Thirdly, the creation of man by the right-handed twin, who favors this creation, is a common element in creation myths. It signifies the special place of humans in the world and their relationship with the divine. The right-handed twin's preference for man suggests that humans hold a significant role in the overall order of the world.

Overall, the story of the two brothers and their creative powers, the competition between them, and the creation of man all align with the characteristics and themes commonly found in creation myths, supporting the idea that "The World on Turtle's Back" is a creation myth.

Step-by-step explanation: