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In the beginning the world was covered with darkness. There was no sun, no day. The perpetual night had no moon or stars. There were, however, all manner of beasts and birds. Among the beasts were many hideous, nameless monsters, as well as dragons, lions, tigers, wolves, foxes, beavers, rabbits, squirrels, rats, mice, and all manner of creeping things such as lizards and serpents. Mankind could not prosper under such conditions, for the beasts and serpents destroyed all human offspring. All creatures had the power of speech and were gifted with reason.

Geronimo#1

CreationMythologyNatureStory

About this quote

What does it mean?
Ancient mythology describes a dark, chaotic world where animals ruled before humans flourished.
In plain terms
The story tells of a dark time when beasts destroyed people.
What can you take from it?
Myth explains a past dominated by nature's chaos.

Where it applies

  • storytelling
  • cultural history
  • folklore

Putting it to work

  • research indigenous myths
  • study creation stories

Questions to consider

  • Why do creation stories often start in darkness?
  • How do myths explain human suffering?

Another view

This is a mythic account, not historical fact.

More from Geronimo

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