Emergence Creation Myth

Reagan Campbell

August 2012

The Emergence Creation Myth

Similar to a common trait of Native American literature, the short myth, “The Emergence” is a story about not ordinary people, but very human-like animals traveling through the 4 worlds. This myth was a journey traveled by the dragonflies, bees, flies, ants, locusts, and ants. These insects faced obstacles, teaching them life lessons throughout the story. For example, the insects were originally surrounded by fire, and came up with the solution to make wings so they could fly toward the “roof of the world”. While collecting corn ears, a gust of wind comes and transforms two ears of corn into the people. (pg 499) The myth says this is how the people came to be in the “3^rd World”. The number 4 reoccurs multiple times throughout this myth, just like Native American literature. For example, when the insects first leave, they face their first obstacle; the 4 birds (pg 499). Next, 4 gods are introduced. These 4 gods stay for a total of 4 days in the Yellow World (pg 499-500). Stated on page 500, an insect says: “First People sent messages to the 4 corners of the Yellow World”. Again, a reference to the number 4 representing North, South, East, and West is made again. Lastly, just like Native American myths, the myth “The Emergence” gives a life lesson, or moral. The moral of this story is to show how honesty, unity, trust and communication are 4 essential parts to any human beings life.