Cosmogony through division in Romanian and world mythology
Cosmogony through division in Romanian and world mythology
Author(s): Robin Wildt HansenSubject(s): Customs / Folklore, History of ideas, Romanian Literature
Published by: Editura Academiei Române
Keywords: cosmogony; cosmogonic dismemberment; cosmogonic sacrifice; “Legenda despre zidirea lumii”; Genesis; Romanian Mythology; Norse mythology; Babylonian mythology; candomblé; Santeria; Palo;
Summary/Abstract: In this paper, an interpretation is attempted of the Romanian myth, “Legenda despre zidirea lumii”. Parallels are drawn with tales such as Genesis, the Babylonian narrative of Marduk constructing the world from Tiamat, and the Norse story of Odin shaping the world from Ymir. In the Romanian myth, Satan's prideful omission to enunciate God’s blessing as he collects sand results in the formation of varied terrains. His attempt to harm God inadvertently spreads divine blessings all over the world. Similarly, in Norse and Yoruba myths, stifling barriers and attempts at desecration lead to the paradoxical spreading of life and blessings, emphasizing the unforeseen outcomes of resistance to divine will.
Journal: Studii de istorie a filosofiei româneşti
- Issue Year: XIX/2023
- Issue No: 19
- Page Range: 171-178
- Page Count: 8
- Language: English