There were numerous themes present in the stories read about creation, but the role of colonization and expansion are motifs that connect to our world and the human condition today. Although these pieces of literature are incredibly dated, there are comparisons that connect to our behavior today, emphasizing the fact that certain parts of the human condition will never change. This may be why these stories are still circulated and enjoyed today.
Enuma Elish is a story of creation that highlights the early ideas of expansion. Specifically, that expansion was always the result of a conflict. For example, the creation of a city came from Tiamat’s body, and the creation of human came from the blood of Qingu. There were tension and fights that ultimately led to the conclusions of using Tiamat and Qingu’s bodies to further expand their world. The creator, Marduk is involved in many conflicts that he believes can be resolved by creating more cities, spaces, and forms which then become their own problems, and the cycle continues. The Prose Edda also demonstrates these ideas. Earth itself is created from bloodshed as Odin slays Ymir and uses all of his body to create different parts of the earth. From the beginning of human civilization up to today, there are parallels of this all over. In modern times, nations solve their problems by obtaining land, people and different kinds of property, which never lead to what is universally sought after: peace. Instead, it just aids in the cyclical process of resolving conflict with creation.
Although there is a clear connection to expansion and modern colonization, on a simpler level, these stories demonstrate a fundamental part of the human condition, which is that we can never be satisfied. Do these stories of creation demonstrate that it’s impossible to achieve peace due to the fact that humans will never be content?
Another theme present is the relationship between Gods and mankind emphasizing the desire to classify and create a hierarchy. One could argue that the reason for creation at all is to put people into different categories. Almost all the stories of creation are not only of the earth but of a hell-like place and heaven as well. Just the simple creation of earth separates mankind and gods, establishing a superior/inferior relationship. This relationship allows conflict to flourish, letting the Gods put blame on mankind in any way they see fit, just to justify their actions. Tying into the theme of the expansion, creating classism is another way to add into the cycle of resolving conflict with expansion and colonization. The creation places separating mankind and the divine essentially force mankind to beg the divine for help, thus highlighting the hierarchy. However, the Prose Edda is a story that strays away from this motif, as most conflicts are held between the gods, representing them with humanistic qualities just like mankind. This is in complete contrast with the ouvert classism in stories like Enuma Elish. I believe that this demonstrates that although classism and hierarchy are themes spread through numerous creation stories, all stories innately connect one another. No matter how hard one tries to separate societies of gods and humans, there will always be the human condition that connects different sects of people.
Emilys Eng 131 Sect. 6283 Blog 