3000 BCE
Sumerian Creation Myth (Enuma Elish Precursor)
Early Sumerian myths describe the universe emerging from a primeval sea. These oral traditions later influence the Babylonian Enuma Elish. #mythology #creation
Chronological Storyline (45 Milestones)
2500 BCE
Egyptian Heliopolitan Creation Myth
The Heliopolitan creation myth centers on Atum emerging from the primordial waters of Nun to create the world. It establishes the Ennead of gods. #mythology #egypt )
By Roland Unger - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=22677435
2000 BCE
Chinese Creation Myth of Pangu
The myth of Pangu, who emerged from a cosmic egg and separated heaven and earth, becomes a foundational Chinese creation story. #mythology #china
By Wang Qi - A copy of Sancai Tuhui from the Asian Library in the University of British Columbia, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3128968
1500 BCE
Hindu Rigvedic Creation Hymn (Nasadiya Sukta)
The Nasadiya Sukta in the Rigveda ponders the origin of the universe, expressing doubt about how creation began. #hinduism #creation
1200 BCE
Zoroastrian Creation Myth in the Avesta
Zoroastrianism presents a dualistic creation myth where Ahura Mazda creates a good world, opposed by Angra Mainyu. #zoroastrianism #mythology
By The original uploader was Ploxhoi at English Wikipedia. - Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons., CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3555101
700 BCE
Hesiod's Theogony
Hesiod writes the Theogony, systematizing Greek creation myths from Chaos to the reign of Zeus. It becomes a foundational work of Western mythology. #greekmythology #literature
By Hesiod - 2d copy, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48537411
500 BCE
Japanese Creation Myth (Kojiki)
The Kojiki compiles Japanese mythology, including the creation of the islands by Izanagi and Izanami. It is the oldest extant chronicle of Japan. #japan #mythology
400 BCE
Mesopotamian Enuma Elish
The Babylonian Enuma Elish recounts the creation of the world through the battle between Marduk and Tiamat. It is a key text in ancient Near Eastern mythology. #mesopotamia #creation
By editor Austen Henry Layard , drawing by L. Gruner - 'Monuments of Nineveh, Second Series' plate 5, London, J. Murray, 1853, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=18217886
300 BCE
Maya Creation Myth (Popol Vuh Precursor)
The Maya creation story, later recorded in the Popol Vuh, describes the gods' attempts to create humans. It reflects deep cosmological concepts. #mayan #mythology
By Francisco Ximénez, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1887823
200 BCE
Chinese Myth of Nuwa Creating Humans
The myth of Nuwa molding humans from yellow earth becomes a classic Chinese creation narrative. #china #mythology
By Xiao Yuncong, 1596-1673 - http://163.13.175.7/105js/105jsa01/sea.php[dead link], Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=91006222
100 CE
Biblical Creation in Genesis
The Book of Genesis presents the creation of the world in seven days, becoming a central narrative in Judaism and Christianity. #bible #creation
By James Tissot - http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/collection/26663, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8851398
400 CE
Hindu Puranas Compose Creation Stories
The Puranas, such as the Vishnu Purana, elaborate on Hindu creation myths involving Brahma and cycles of time. #hinduism #purana
By Unknown author - Image: http://collections.lacma.org/sites/default/files/remote_images/piction/ma-31968401-O3.jpg Gallery: http://collections.lacma.org/node/243811 archive copy at the Wayback Machine, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=27291947
700 CE
Norse Poetic Edda (Völuspá)
The Poetic Edda contains the Völuspá, describing the Norse creation myth from the void Ginnungagap to the rise of the gods. #norsemythology #poetry
By Lorenz Frølich - Published in Gjellerup, Karl (1895). Den ældre Eddas Gudesange. Photographed from a 2001 reprint by bloodofox (talk · contribs)., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5394503
800 CE
Polynesian Creation Chants (Kumulipo)
The Hawaiian creation chant Kumulipo traces the genealogy of the universe from darkness to life. It is a key example of Polynesian mythology. #polynesian #mythology
1000 CE
Igbo Creation Myth (Nigeria)
The Igbo creation myth describes the god Chukwu creating the world and sending his son to teach humanity. #africa #mythology
By Northcote Whitridge Thomas - Northcote Whitridge Thomas (1914) Anthropological report on the Ibo-speaking peoples of Nigeria, Part IV. Harrison and Sons, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=39267753
1100 CE
Kojiki and Nihon Shiki Standardize Japanese Cosmogony
The Kojiki and Nihon Shoki become official court records, embedding Japanese creation myths into the national identity. #japan #history
By Unknown author - http://www.emuseum.jp/cgi/pkihon.cgi?SyoID=4&ID=w012&SubID=s000, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6745277
1200 CE
Snorri Sturluson's Prose Edda
Snorri Sturluson compiles the Prose Edda, preserving Norse creation myths and worldbuilding for posterity. #norsemythology #literature
By Unknown author - From the 18th century Icelandic manuscript ÍB 299 4to, page 58r, now in the care of the Icelandic National Library, https://handrit.is/en/manuscript/view/is/IB04-0299taken from the English Wikipedia, see Image:IB 299 4to Edda.jpg, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=251836
1400 CE
Cherokee Creation Myth
The Cherokee creation myth involves the earth being formed on the back of a giant turtle. It is an important Native American narrative. #nativeamerican #mythology
By Ancient artifact. Illustration from above named book. - Thruston, Gates P. The Antiquities of Tennessee. Cincinnati: The Robert Clarke Company, 1897. Page 135., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6736910
1500 CE
Aztec Creation Myth (Five Suns)
The Aztecs describe a series of world ages (Suns), each destroyed and recreated. The myth is recorded in post-conquest codices. #aztec #mythology
By Unknown author - 1898 facsimile edition, online at FAMSI.org, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=3975254
1550 CE
Popol Vuh Recorded in Quiché Maya
The Popol Vuh is transcribed by a Maya noble, preserving the creation myth of the Hero Twins and the making of humans from maize. #mayan #literature
1600 CE
Inca Creation Myth (Viracocha)
The Inca creation myth centers on Viracocha emerging from Lake Titicaca to create the world and humans. Recorded by Spanish chroniclers. #inca #mythology
1700 CE
Dogon Creation Myth (Mali)
The Dogon people tell of the god Amma creating the world through a cosmic egg. Their complex mythology includes astronomical knowledge. #africa #mythology
1851 CE
Publication of 'The Kalevala'
Elias Lönnrot compiles Finnish folk poetry into the Kalevala, a national epic with a creation myth involving the world being formed from a duck egg. #finland #epic
By Elias Lönnrot - https://digi.kansalliskirjasto.fi/teos/binding/1906616?page=3, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=426334
1868 CE
Maori Creation Myth (Whakapapa)
The Maori creation story tells of Ranginui (sky father) and Papatuanuku (earth mother) being separated by their children. It is central to Maori identity. #maori #mythology
By Unknown author - J. White, The Ancient History of the Maori, 6 Volumes, plus 1 volume of illustrations (Government Printer: Wellington), 1887-1891., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1146924
1897 CE
Publication of 'The Golden Bough'
James Frazer's comparative study of mythology and religion includes creation myths from around the world, influencing later worldbuilding. #mythology #anthropology
1917 CE
Tolkien Begins Constructing Middle-earth
J.R.R. Tolkien starts creating the legendarium that becomes Middle-earth, including the creation myth Ainulindalë (Music of the Ainur). #worldbuilding #fantasy
By Ian Alexander - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=104937771
1923 CE
Publication of 'The Book of Fantasy' by Borges
Jorge Luis Borges explores mythological and imaginary worlds in his writings, blending creation myths with literary fiction. #literature #fantasy
By Grete Stern - https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/from-bauhaus-to-buenos-aires, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=176016175
1937 CE
Publication of 'The Hobbit'
Tolkien publishes The Hobbit, expanding his worldbuilding of Middle-earth and influencing modern fantasy creation myths. #tolkien #fantasy
1949 CE
Publication of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe'
C.S. Lewis publishes the first Narnia book, with a creation myth in 'The Magician's Nephew' (1955). Narnia becomes a classic example of Christian-influenced worldbuilding. #worldbuilding #fantasy
1954 CE
Publication of 'The Lord of the Rings'
Tolkien's epic completes his mythopoeic worldbuilding, including a detailed cosmology and creation myth in the Silmarillion (posthumous). #tolkien #worldbuilding
1967 CE
Publication of 'The Left Hand of Darkness'
Ursula K. Le Guin weaves creation myths into her Hainish universe, exploring gender and society. #scifi #worldbuilding
1970 CE
Publication of 'The Silmarillion' (Posthumous)
Christopher Tolkien edits and publishes The Silmarillion, detailing the creation myth and early history of Middle-earth. #tolkien #mythology
1977 CE
Star Wars: A New Hope Introduces a Galaxy Far, Far Away
George Lucas's Star Wars creates a vast fictional universe with its own mythology, including the Force and creation stories. #starwars #worldbuilding )
1979 CE
Publication of 'The Mists of Avalon'
Marion Zimmer Bradley retells Arthurian legend from a feminist perspective, reimagining Celtic creation myths. #fantasy #mythology
1982 CE
Publication of 'The Book of the New Sun' by Gene Wolfe
Gene Wolfe's series blends science fiction with mythic worldbuilding, creating a complex universe with its own creation story. #scifi #worldbuilding
1990 CE
Sandman Series by Neil Gaiman
Neil Gaiman's Sandman comic series incorporates and reimagines numerous creation myths from various cultures within a modern fantasy framework. #graphicnovel #mythology )
1994 CE
Publication of 'Snow Crash' by Neal Stephenson
Stephenson's novel includes a fictional Sumerian creation myth as a central plot device, linking language and reality. #cyberpunk #mythology
2001 CE
Publication of 'American Gods' by Neil Gaiman
Gaiman's novel explores the conflict between old-world gods (rooted in creation myths) and new American deities, blending mythology with modern fantasy. #fantasy #mythology
2005 CE
Publication of 'The Dark Tower' Series Finale
Stephen King's epic series concludes, featuring a multiverse with its own creation myth and ties to various mythologies. #horror #worldbuilding )
2007 CE
Publication of 'The Name of the Wind' by Patrick Rothfuss
Rothfuss's Kingkiller Chronicle features a detailed world with its own creation myth, including the story of the world being formed from a battle between gods. #fantasy #worldbuilding
2010 CE
Creation of the 'Cosmere' by Brandon Sanderson
Brandon Sanderson's Cosmere universe publishes 'The Way of Kings', establishing a complex cosmology with creation myths involving Shards of Adonalsium. #worldbuilding #fantasy
By DavidPMaynard - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=192882539
2013 CE
Publication of 'The Ocean at the End of the Lane' by Neil Gaiman
Gaiman's novella incorporates a personal creation myth, blending memory and mythology. #fantasy #mythology
2015 CE
Publication of 'The Grace of Kings' by Ken Liu
Ken Liu's Dandelion Dynasty series draws on Chinese creation myths and historical worldbuilding, reimagining silkpunk fantasy. #fantasy #mythology
By PiggyQzy - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=109846664
2018 CE
Publication of 'Circe' by Madeline Miller
Miller's novel reimagines Greek creation myths from the perspective of the witch Circe, revitalizing classical worldbuilding. #mythology #literature )
2020 CE
Publication of 'The City We Became' by N.K. Jemisin
Jemisin's novel uses a worldbuilding concept where cities become sentient beings, blending modern fantasy with creation myth elements. #fantasy #worldbuilding