How are ex nihilo stories different from earth diver stories?

Ex nihilo stories and earth diver stories are two different types of creation myths found in various cultures around the world. Here's how they differ:

Ex Nihilo Stories

• Definition: "Ex nihilo" is a Latin phrase meaning "out of nothing." These stories describe the creation of the world from nothing or from a void.
• Characteristics:
  • Often involve a supreme being or deity who creates the world through thought, word, or will.
  • Emphasize the power and authority of the creator.
  • Creation is often instantaneous or occurs through a single act.
• Examples: The Biblical creation story in Genesis, where God creates the world by speaking it into existence.

Earth Diver Stories

• Definition: Earth diver myths involve a being, often an animal, diving into primordial waters to bring up earth or mud, which is then used to create the world.
• Characteristics:
  • Typically involve multiple beings or deities, with one or more diving into the waters.
  • Emphasize cooperation and the physical act of creation.
  • Creation is a process that involves gathering and shaping materials.
• Examples: Many Native American creation myths, such as those of the Iroquois, where a turtle or other animal brings up mud from the ocean floor.

Summary

• Ex Nihilo: Creation from nothing, often by a single deity.
• Earth Diver: Creation from existing materials, often involving multiple beings and a physical act of diving.

These differences highlight the diverse ways cultures understand and narrate the origins of the world.