To compare and contrast two myths, I will analyze the important feature of creation and the contrasting feature of afterlife in the cultures of the Chinese myth of Pangu and the Aztec myth of Quetzalcoatl.
The myth of Pangu portrays a unique creation story in Chinese culture. According to the myth, in the beginning, there was chaos, with the heavens and the earth being mixed together in a giant egg. Pangu, a giant powerful being, awakened and emerged from this egg. As he grew taller, the egg also separated, forming the sky and the earth. Pangu continued to grow for 18,000 years, carving out mountains, rivers, and valleys. When he eventually died, his body transformed into different aspects of the natural world, with his breath becoming the wind and clouds, his voice turning into thunder, and his body parts becoming various landforms. This myth emphasizes the belief in the harmony and interconnectedness of the universe.
On the other hand, the Aztec myth of Quetzalcoatl presents a contrasting view of creation. In this myth, multiple gods came together to create the world. Among them, Quetzalcoatl was significant as he played the role of offering his own blood to create humanity. Quetzalcoatl and his fellow deities mixed their own blood with the bones of the previous humans who lived in the underworld and created the current race of humans. This myth emphasizes the role of sacrifice and the divine origin of human existence in Aztec culture.
These two myths provide insight into the cultural beliefs of their respective civilizations. The Chinese myth of Pangu reflects a strong reverence for nature, with the characters and elements of the story representing different natural phenomena. It highlights the belief in mankind's connection with the world around them and the interdependent relationship between humans and nature. In contrast, the Aztec myth of Quetzalcoatl showcases the significance of sacrifice and the belief in divine ancestry. It suggests that humans are indebted to the gods and must offer their own sacrifices to maintain order and harmony in the world.
In conclusion, the Chinese myth of Pangu and the Aztec myth of Quetzalcoatl differ in their portrayal of creation and the cultural significance attached to it. The Chinese myth emphasizes the interconnectedness of the universe and humanity's relationship with nature, while the Aztec myth focuses on sacrifice and the divine origins of humanity. These differences provide a unique insight into the cultural values and beliefs of these ancient civilizations.
References:
- "The Myth of Pangu" (http://people.oregonstate.edu/~trueb/lecture%20notes/pangu.htm)
- "The Myth of Quetzalcoatl" (https://www.azteccalendar.com/god/Quetzalcoatl.html)
Write an analysis that compares one important feature and contrasts one important feature of the cultures of two myths. Select the links below to view the readings for reference??
1 answer
1 answer