Identify a creation story associated with your indigenous identity?

Field Notes 3

One of the most important stories shared by a community is the story of its beginning. Creation stories help a people place themselves within the larger context of the world–they often explain the origin of the Earth and a peoples' unique place within it. More universally, creation stories also seek to clarify the as-yet unclear origin of human consciousness. In this week's Field Notes, you will examine a creation story from your own indigenous identity and compare it with another creation story.

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To prepare for this assignment:

· Identify a creation story associated with your indigenous identity.

· Identify a second creation story, either found in the Learning Resources, online, or from further back in your heritage, visit "Universal Myths and Mysterious Places :http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/uranus.htm

· Compare and contrast the two creation stories and reflect upon what keeps these stories alive and meaningful over time.

The assignment:

· Compose a 1- to 2-page paper in which you do the following:

· Compare the two creation stories that you have identified, noting common themes and universal elements.

· Be sure to describe how rituals, key symbols, and metaphors sustain your culture's story or stories.

Uranus - Deity of the Heavens: Universal Myths and Mysterious Places http://www.dreamscape.com/morgana/uranus.htm