Images and Stories of the Origins of the World and of Humankind

edited by Julia A. B. Hegewald and Marion Gymnich

Book cover: Images and Stories of the Origins of the World and of Humankind

Extent: 2024 pages

Publisher: Mohr Siebeck

Subjects: Anthropology, Art & Art History, Religious Studies

Series: Reality and Hermeneutics / Realitat und Hermeneutik

Series volume number: 7

Language: English

Hardback (Published)

(September 2024)

ISBN: 9783161627361

9.09 x 6.06 inches

Price: $162.00

In stock

The origins of the world and of humankind have been described in texts and depicted in art and architecture worldwide. This publication combines traditional myths and images from a variety of cultural backgrounds with modern and contemporary approaches in literature and outlines fascinating parallels.


Creation stories about the origins of the world and humankind are among the oldest narratives known in many parts of the world. Not only texts but also many works of art and architecture depict the various stages of creation. While not scientifically accurate, these myths and images of the beginnings of Earth and of life on it have played an important role in shaping cultural knowledge and traditions. In this volume, eighteen experts on the history of art and architecture, anthropology, religious, textual and literary studies focus on traditional creation mythologies associated with regions in South Asia, China, Japan, Greece, the Near and Middle East, the Islamic world, and South America as well as on North American indigenous traditions. By juxtaposing these with modern and contemporary literary approaches to the subject, novel connections and parallels are revealed for the first time.

  • Edited by Marion Gymnich
  • Edited by Julia A B Hegewald