In The Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World

In The Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World provides multiple explanations for the origin of life, the universe, and everything as explained by the pre-scientific beliefs of many cultures and traditions. Although this text is bound by space constraints and ease of translation for as Hamilton notes in the introduction not all myths can be “rendered on a level of understanding for many readers,” the author has amassed a representative collection that is marked by her signature clarity. Through memorable stories that address phenomena which confused and intrigued early people, these myths attempt to explain how the world works, demystify the universe, and give meaning to human life. They often portray gods as having human shape, feeling human emotions, and performing human acts, even if they are immortal and more powerful than people are. In this context, the universe seems more understandable than if cold forces that don’t care about people's welfare ruled it. In short, they explain the world by relating what people didn't understand to what people DID understand. The book’s formal layout with Moser’s beautiful watercolor depictions on the verso and the text on the recto impose an emotional distance upon the reader which does not allow her to fully suspend disbelief and immerse herself in the world that the myth creates. Furthermore, Hamilton’s explanatory note that follows each myth forces the reader to contextualize the tale rather than experience it and to be ever mindful that these are indeed myths. Although critics may complain that these notes would better serve their purpose by preceding the narrative, their strategic placement encourages the reader to make meaning for herself which can then be evaluated against a stated significance.

In The Beginning: Creation Stories from Around the World by Virginia Hamilton; illus. by Barry Moser
Intermediate
Harcourt Brace Javonovich
176 pp.
Published 1991
ISBN 978-1435203709
$14.95
Mythology

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