can be stated that creation myths describe not the origin of our cosmos but rather these myths allow us to gain a broader understanding of ancient theories and beliefs. During the time of their invention however, these myths were precisely an honest interpretation of the outer world, and therefore they served the exact purpose which is stated in their title, to explain the process of creation. A technique that is used in many creation myths can be referred to as "creation from above." In this method of narration, the creator often creates a replica of earth within the heavens, and somehow recreates this image in the abyss below. An example of this can originally be found in Kund Rasmussen's collection of Eskimo myths. In this story a being called Tulungersaq, or Father Raven is born in the heavens. He initially takes the form of a human being and is entirely unaware of how he came into existence. He is in complete darkness and it is through his sense of touch that he becomes aware of his surroundings. Through his exploration, he discovers a sparrow, and realizes that this is the only form of life that had been in existence before him. He goes on to bury something beneath the earth and soon after he discovers that the earth is no longer sterile, it is now covered in bushes and grass. Tulungersaq is still lonely however. As a result, he forms a figure from clay which resembles his own. From this formation, a new human being becomes alive. Tulungersaq then asks the sparrow to fly down into the abyss and inform him as to what he finds. The sparrow does this and returns. He tells Tulungersaq that far below in the abyss is a new land that has just started to crust over. Curious about this finding, Tulungersaq gathers some twigs from which he constructs wings of his own. It is at this point that he is transformed into a raven. Accompanied by the sparrow, Tulungersaq flies down to the earth below. Once again they arrive to find everything to be...
