Creation myths seem to merely explain the formation of man and the universe’s existence. However, the myths explain views on women and children, provide people with a sense of faith, and use symbols to convey a second meaning. Both creation myths, “Yahweh” and Iroquois, form the foundation of culture, because of the similar views on the representation of the holy tree and contrasting views concerning the appearance of humans on Earth. The Iroquois and “Yahweh” are similar in the interpretation of the significance of the holy tree in their culture. Specifically, both myths view the tree as a precious and sacred monument that should not be disturbed. The Iroquois woman, curious and strong-willed, is hungry and demands she be brought bark from
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For instance, Yahweh forms man in his image to live in the Garden of Eden and prosper without harm. Because Yahweh desires pleasure, he crafts man from the Earth itself. From the dry and barren ground, “Yahweh took dust from the earth and shaped it into the form of man, and he breathed life into that form, and it came to life” (28). Because Yahweh creates man from dust, he demonstrates his power and significance. He did not create man from precious stone because he wanted the glory of man to come from his breath, not from the dust. Yahweh did not create another mighty figure like himself because he felt that would diminish his own holiness. On the other hand, the Iroquois myth explains that humans become Earth dwellers when the demanding Iroquois woman falls through the hole where the sacred tree once grew. Afterwards, the Iroquois woman gives birth to a daughter who also becomes impregnated when the West Wind appears and lays two arrows, one sharp and one blunt, across her body. When she gives birth to the two sons, the grandmother realizes, “There could be no peace between them” (2). The two sons represent the crooked and the straight in all people. The symbolism shows that the Iroquois believed in balance. For example, the animals assisting the grandmother in her arrival to earth shows the
For instance, Yahweh forms man in his image to live in the Garden of Eden and prosper without harm. Because Yahweh desires pleasure, he crafts man from the Earth itself. From the dry and barren ground, “Yahweh took dust from the earth and shaped it into the form of man, and he breathed life into that form, and it came to life” (28). Because Yahweh creates man from dust, he demonstrates his power and significance. He did not create man from precious stone because he wanted the glory of man to come from his breath, not from the dust. Yahweh did not create another mighty figure like himself because he felt that would diminish his own holiness. On the other hand, the Iroquois myth explains that humans become Earth dwellers when the demanding Iroquois woman falls through the hole where the sacred tree once grew. Afterwards, the Iroquois woman gives birth to a daughter who also becomes impregnated when the West Wind appears and lays two arrows, one sharp and one blunt, across her body. When she gives birth to the two sons, the grandmother realizes, “There could be no peace between them” (2). The two sons represent the crooked and the straight in all people. The symbolism shows that the Iroquois believed in balance. For example, the animals assisting the grandmother in her arrival to earth shows the