The article analyzes myths of descent from heaven across various cultures and continents, exploring their spiritual and symbolic significance. It delves into how these myths relate to human origins, cosmology, and the universal quest for meaning, drawing parallels between different traditions. For a detailed exploration of these cross-cultural myths and their impact on spirituality and consciousness, please visit the Zeno Holisticus Index Page.
7 June 2024 Eben van Tonder
Myths of Descent from Heaven Across Continents: An Analysis
Introduction
Throughout history, myths and legends have played a crucial role in shaping cultures and explaining the origins of humanity. One recurring theme across various mythologies is the descent from heaven to earth, facilitated by a divine or supernatural means such as a rope, chain, web, or similar object. These myths not only explain the connection between the divine and mortal realms but also emphasize significant transitions in human history, such as the establishment of civilization, the beginning of human autonomy, or the creation of land.
I study protein technology, particularly meat proteins. Over the years, I have realized that this field is a quest to uncover the origin of one of the most important and enduring aspects of universal human culture: our culinary history. These traditions have branched out over millennia to become what we today recognize as the sciences of chemistry, biology, medicine, much of physics, and many other fields. Consequently, one inadvertently becomes a student of human history and mythology. Within mythology are locked some of the most precious pockets of technology and insights into the human psyche.
I had the privilege of visiting Ile Ife last year, where I was personally introduced to many of the deities I will mention here. From South Africa, I grew up in an area where the Basotho people live, and I encountered the faith system of the Surma people from southern Ethiopia while researching the value of blood in nutrition. I discovered the Norse gods while trekking around Austria, investigating Bronze Age curing techniques. The similarities in various traditions, which speak of a physical link between heaven and earth that was severed at some point, inspired me to investigate this link further.
Here, I share the traditions I have encountered related to how humans came to be on earth, where we descended with a rope, chain, web, golden staff, or something similar. I also incorporate information from Asia and South America that I discovered recently.
I give an overview of these stories, exploring the detailed accounts of descent and severance from different cultures. By examining the myths of the Surma, Yoruba, and Basotho peoples alongside the legends from Norse, Japanese, Hindu, and Inca traditions, worlds of understanding opened for me on how different cultures across continents have interpreted the concept of descent from heaven. The universal themes of divine intervention, cosmic connections, and significant transitions define our common human experience. I finally link all this to actual events that occurred from 30 000 years ago which may have been the basis of many of these legends.
African Mythologies
Expanded Legend of the Surma People
The Descent from the Heavens
The Surma people of southern Ethiopia tie their existence to their god, Tuma. According to their mythology, they once resided in the heavens with Tuma. One day, Tuma decided to send the Surma people to earth. He opened a large hole in the clouds and provided them with ropes to descend safely to the earth. The place where they arrived is known as the Kibbish River, a location that remains significant to their cultural heritage.
The Accident
As the story goes, while the Surma people were adjusting to their new life on earth, they continued their daily activities, one of which involved grinding millet. Millet, being a staple grain, required thorough grinding to prepare it for consumption. During this routine activity, a woman accidentally caused the rope to break. The exact details of how the rope broke vary, but the common thread in the narrative is that it was an unintended accident. One version suggests that as she was grinding the millet, she either stumbled or the grinding process itself somehow interfered with the rope, causing it to snap. Another version implies that the tools used for grinding or the force exerted in the process led to the rope’s breaking.
The Aftermath
The breaking of the rope had profound consequences for the Surma people. With the rope severed, the direct connection between the heavens and the earth was lost. The heavens closed up, making it impossible for the Surma to return to their divine abode or seek refuge with Tuma. This event marked the beginning of their earthly struggles. They faced persecution from their enemies and had to adapt to life without the direct protection and guidance of Tuma.
Divine Assistance
Despite the severance of the heavenly connection, Tuma did not abandon the Surma people. Through rituals, dreams, and divination, Tuma continued to offer guidance and support. The Surma people believe that Tuma provides them with the knowledge and strength needed to face their adversaries and navigate the challenges of earthly life. By interpreting signs from nature and engaging in spiritual practices, the Surma maintain a connection with Tuma’s wisdom and protection.
Cultural Significance
This myth serves as a powerful cultural touchstone for the Surma people. It explains their perceived separation from divine protection and underscores the trials they face in their earthly existence. The story also emphasizes themes of loss, adaptation, and the unintended consequences of seemingly mundane actions. Despite the severance, the continuing assistance of Tuma highlights the enduring relationship between the divine and the mortal, reflecting the resilience and spiritual strength of the Surma people.
Yoruba Myth of Oduduwa
The Descent and Severance
In Yoruba mythology from Nigeria, the narrative also involves a descent from the heavens but under different circumstances and with different outcomes. According to the myth, the Supreme God Olodumare sent Oduduwa to earth to create land. Oduduwa descended on a chain carrying essential items to perform his task, such as a calabash of sand, a chicken, and a palm nut. After successfully creating land at Ile Ife, which became the cradle of Yoruba civilization, the chain linking heaven and earth was withdrawn by Olodumare, severing the direct connection between the divine and human realms.
Divine Assistance
In Yoruba faith, the gods, or Orishas, play a vital role in helping humans, similar to how the Norse gods are expected to return and assist in rebuilding the earth after Ragnarok. One significant Orisha is Orunmila, the god of wisdom and divination, who is believed to have descended to earth to guide humanity in times of trouble. Orunmila, through the Ifa divination system, provides insights and guidance to help humans navigate their challenges and maintain harmony in their lives. This system involves complex rituals and consultations with diviners, who interpret the wisdom of Orunmila to offer solutions and predictions.
Another key figure is Obatala, the Orisha of purity, ethics, and leadership. Obatala is revered for his role in the creation of humanity and is often invoked for moral guidance and leadership. In times of chaos or moral decay, Obatala’s principles and teachings are called upon to restore order and ethical behaviour among people. This mirrors the Norse concept of gods returning to help rebuild the earth, as Obatala’s guidance is sought to rebuild societal structures and ensure the well-being of the community.
Moreover, Orishas like Ogun, the god of iron and war, assist humans by providing the tools and strength needed for survival and progress. Ogun’s blessings are essential for technological advancements and protection against adversities, echoing the idea of divine intervention to help humanity rise from destruction and rebuild their world. In Yoruba tradition, the continuous involvement of the Orishas in human affairs ensures that divine guidance and support are always accessible, fostering resilience and renewal in the face of challenges.
Cultural Significance
The withdrawal of the chain signifies the completion of a divine mission and the establishment of human autonomy. This severance represents a deliberate act by the divine to allow humans to govern themselves and build their civilization.
Basotho Creation Myth
The Descent on the Spider’s Web
The mythology of the Basotho people of Lesotho involves the descent from heaven on a spider’s web. According to their beliefs, the first humans lived in the sky under the care of the god Modimo. One day, Modimo decided to send them to earth to populate it. He spun a large, strong web made by a divine spider and lowered the humans down to earth using this web.
The Severance of the Web
While the details vary, the web was eventually severed, disconnecting humans from their divine origin. Some versions suggest that the web was intentionally cut by Modimo after the humans had safely descended, symbolizing the end of direct divine intervention and the beginning of human independence on earth. Other versions imply that the web weakened over time due to natural forces, leading to its eventual breakage.
Divine Assistance
In Basotho mythology, the god Modimo is seen as a guiding force for humans. The divine intervention didn’t end with their descent. Modimo continued to influence and guide humans through dreams and signs, helping them maintain moral order and harmony within their society. Despite the fact that the Yoruba system is many times more complex, this ongoing divine support mirrors the continuous presence and assistance of the Orishas in the Yoruba faith.
Cultural Significance
The Basotho creation myth emphasizes themes of divine guidance and protection, similar to the Surma and Yoruba myths. The severance of the web marks a significant transition from divine dependency to human autonomy, reflecting the cultural belief in the importance of self-reliance and adaptation.
European Mythology
Norse Mythology: Yggdrasil
Connection and Severance
In Norse mythology, Yggdrasil is the World Tree connecting the heavens, earth, and the underworld. It is an eternal green ash tree, central to the Norse cosmos. While not involving a descent via a rope or chain, Yggdrasil serves a similar role in connecting different realms. During Ragnarok, the Norse apocalypse, the cosmic order as understood by the ancient Norse collapses in a series of catastrophic events.
Norse Mythology: The Destruction of Yggdrasil and Ragnarok
Events associated with Ragnarok occur as follows. The prophecy begins with a great winter (Fimbulwinter), leading to a breakdown of social and natural order. Chaos ensues as the sun and moon are devoured by monstrous wolves, plunging the world into darkness. The earth shudders with massive earthquakes, causing the release of imprisoned monsters such as Fenrir, the giant wolf, and Jormungandr, the world serpent. These events are marked by intense battles among gods, giants, and various mythical creatures, culminating in mutual destruction.
The severance of cosmic connections during Ragnarok is symbolized by the destruction of Yggdrasil, the World Tree. Yggdrasil connects the nine realms of the cosmos, including Asgard (the realm of the gods), Midgard (the realm of humans), and Hel (the underworld). As Yggdrasil trembles and its roots are damaged, the stable structure that held the universe together disintegrates, signifying the end of the current world order. The death of key gods, such as Odin, Thor, and Loki, further signifies the end of an era, as the divine guardians of the cosmos fall. This upheaval paves the way for the world to be submerged in water, only to resurface anew, symbolizing rebirth and renewal.
However, Ragnarok not only marks destruction but also the rebirth of the world. After the cataclysm, the world emerges from the sea, fertile and renewed. Two human survivors, Lif and Lifthrasir, emerge to repopulate the earth, representing hope and continuity. The surviving gods, including Baldr, return to rebuild a new and harmonious world, free from the chaos and corruption of the past. Thus, Ragnarok embodies the Norse cyclical view of time, where the end is intrinsically linked to a new beginning, reinforcing the themes of death, rebirth, and the eternal resilience of life.
Divine Guidance and Future Expectations
Even after the severance caused by Ragnarok, the surviving gods continue to guide humanity. They establish a new order, emphasizing harmony, balance, and renewal. The gods, particularly Baldr, are expected to lead with wisdom and compassion, providing a template for humans to follow. The new world is envisioned as a place where humans and gods coexist peacefully, free from the previous era’s corruption and chaos.
Norse mythology suggests that humans should live in accordance with the values of courage, honour, and resilience. The cyclical nature of time in Norse belief implies that humanity must always be prepared for challenges and embrace the continuous cycle of destruction and rebirth. The gods’ guidance after Ragnarok emphasizes the importance of learning from past mistakes, maintaining moral integrity, and working towards a harmonious existence.
This cyclical view reinforces the notion that the end of one era is not final but rather a prelude to a new beginning. By adhering to these values and seeking the gods’ guidance, humanity can hope to build a future that is resilient, just, and prosperous.
Asian Mythologies
Japanese Mythology: Descent of Ninigi
In Japanese mythology, Ninigi-no-Mikoto, the grandson of the sun goddess Amaterasu, was sent to earth to rule. He descended from the heavens on Ama-no-hashidate, a bridge or ladder. This descent established divine rule on earth. Though the ladder was not broken, the story emphasizes the divine origin of earthly rulers. The unbroken ladder signifies an ongoing divine sanction for the rule of Ninigi and his descendants. This connection underscores the legitimacy of the imperial line in Japanese culture.
Divine Assistance
Despite the initial descent, divine intervention did not cease. Amaterasu, the sun goddess, continued to guide and protect Ninigi and his descendants. This ongoing divine assistance is believed to manifest through various signs and omens, interpreted by priests and seers. Amaterasu’s blessings are thought to ensure the prosperity and moral integrity of the rulers, reinforcing their divine mandate to lead.
Moreover, rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Amaterasu and other deities play a crucial role in maintaining the connection between the divine and earthly realms. The Ise Grand Shrine, dedicated to Amaterasu, is a central place of worship where the emperor and the people of Japan seek blessings and guidance. These practices emphasize the continuous support of the gods in ensuring the well-being and governance of the nation.
Cultural Significance
The unbroken ladder in Ninigi’s descent symbolizes an enduring divine connection that legitimizes the rule of his descendants, the emperors of Japan. This myth not only reinforces the divine right to rule but also highlights the importance of ongoing divine support. The cultural practices that honour this connection, such as rituals at the Ise Grand Shrine, reflect the belief in the continuous guidance and protection of the gods, ensuring the prosperity and stability of Japan. This enduring relationship between the divine and the imperial family underscores the deeply rooted spiritual foundation of Japanese culture and governance.
The Chinese Celestial Ladder: A Mythological Analysis
The Myth of the Celestial Ladder
In ancient Chinese mythology, there exists a tale about a celestial ladder that once connected heaven and earth. This ladder allowed deities and humans to traverse freely between the two realms, maintaining a harmonious relationship. However, due to various transgressions and the resulting wrath of the heavens, this ladder was destroyed, effectively severing the link between the earthly and divine domains. Humanity was left stranded on earth, isolated from the celestial beings and the divine wisdom that once flowed freely between the two worlds.
Exploring the Connection and Loss
The destruction of the celestial ladder signifies a profound loss of connection, much other myths explored here.
Divine Assistance
Despite the severance of the celestial ladder, divine beings continued to provide guidance and support to humanity. In Chinese mythology, deities often manifested their will and assistance through dreams, omens, and spiritual rituals. The Jade Emperor, the supreme deity, would still intervene in human affairs, ensuring the moral and cosmic order was maintained. Taoist practices, emphasizing harmony with the Tao (the Way), also highlight the ongoing influence of divine principles in daily life.
Additionally, deities such as Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, offered compassionate aid and intervention. Guanyin, revered for her boundless empathy, would listen to the prayers of those in distress and provide relief and guidance, thus maintaining a connection between the divine and human realms.
Cultural Significance
The myth of the celestial ladder holds deep cultural significance in Chinese society. It shows the importance of maintaining moral integrity and the consequences of hubris and transgression. The destruction of the ladder serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between human actions and divine order.
This myth also reinforces the value placed on spiritual practices and rituals in Chinese culture. The continued presence and assistance of deities through various forms of divine communication reflect the enduring belief in the interconnectedness of the earthly and divine realms. The story encourages adherence to Taoist principles of harmony, balance, and respect for the natural order, emphasizing the ongoing influence of divine wisdom in guiding human behavior and societal norms.
Hindu Mythology: Churning of the Ocean
In Hindu mythology, the gods and demons used Mount Mandara as a churning rod and the serpent Vasuki as a rope to churn the ocean of milk for Amrita, the nectar of immortality. While not involving a descent, the breaking of the cosmic balance and subsequent restoration plays a crucial role in this myth. The rope, symbolizing connection and effort, is central to achieving divine nectar (Amrita). The churning of the ocean represents the struggle between good and evil, effort and reward. The rope symbolizes the necessary connection and cooperation required to achieve cosmic balance and immortality.
Divine Assistance
After the successful churning of the ocean and the attainment of Amrita, the gods did not abandon humanity. Divine assistance continued in various forms to ensure the well-being and protection of the world. Vishnu, one of the principal deities, played a crucial role during and after the churning. His avatars, such as Kurma (the tortoise that supported Mount Mandara) and later incarnations like Krishna and Rama, continued to intervene in human affairs to restore dharma (cosmic order) whenever it was threatened.
The gods also provided divine knowledge and wisdom through sacred texts like the Vedas and the Puranas. These texts guide humanity on how to live righteously and maintain balance in life. Additionally, rituals and prayers dedicated to different deities, especially Vishnu and Shiva, are believed to invoke their blessings and protection, ensuring ongoing divine support for humanity.
Cultural Significance
The churning of the ocean myth underscores the importance of effort, cooperation, and divine intervention in maintaining cosmic balance. The continued divine assistance through Vishnu’s avatars and sacred teachings reflects the belief that the gods remain actively involved in human affairs. This ongoing relationship between the divine and humanity is celebrated through various festivals, rituals, and daily prayers, reinforcing the cultural significance of divine guidance and protection in Hinduism. The myth and its subsequent divine interventions highlight the cyclical nature of cosmic balance and the eternal presence of divine support in human life.
South American Mythology
Inca Mythology: Descent of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo
In Inca mythology, Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo were sent by the sun god Inti from the Island of the Sun in Lake Titicaca to establish civilization. They descended with a golden staff to find fertile land. While the myth does not mention a broken connection, it highlights a divine descent to earth. The unbroken descent emphasizes the divine mandate for Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo to establish and lead the Inca civilization. This connection legitimizes their role as founders and rulers.
Divine Assistance
The divine intervention did not cease with their descent. The sun god Inti continued to play a crucial role in guiding and supporting the Inca rulers and their people. Inti was worshipped as the primary deity, and his blessings were sought in all important matters, including agriculture, governance, and warfare. The Incas believed that Inti provided them with the knowledge and skills necessary to build their empire and maintain its prosperity.
Rituals and ceremonies dedicated to Inti, such as the Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun), were crucial in ensuring ongoing divine support. During these ceremonies, the Inca emperor, regarded as the living representative of Inti on earth, performed various rites to honour the sun god and seek his continued favour. This ongoing relationship with Inti ensured that the Incas felt guided and protected by their deity, maintaining a divine connection in their daily lives.
Cultural Significance
The myth of Manco Capac and Mama Ocllo underscores the divine origin and legitimacy of the Inca rulers. The unbroken descent from Inti emphasizes the continuous divine mandate and support for the Inca civilization. This connection between the divine and earthly realms is a central theme in Inca culture, reflected in their religious practices, governance, and societal structure. The ongoing divine assistance through rituals and the emperor’s role as Inti’s representative highlights the enduring belief in divine guidance and protection, ensuring the prosperity and stability of the Inca Empire. This divine connection is celebrated and reinforced through festivals like Inti Raymi, reflecting the deep spiritual foundation of Inca society.
Follow up Myths
There are myths which could easily have been “follow-up myths” to any one of the myths we explored. I give two examples. I am sure there are others.
The Tower of Babel: A Mythological Parallel to These Legends
The first “follow-up” story involves the Tower of Babel from the Old Testament. This story is found in the Book of Genesis. One can imagine that the story is a response to a myth similar to anyone we have looked at thus far.
The Tower of Babel in the Old Testament
The passage from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) reads as follows:
“Now the whole earth used the same language and the same words. It came about as they journeyed east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar and settled there. They said to one another, “Come, let us make bricks and burn them thoroughly.” And they used brick for stone, and they used tar for mortar. They said, “Come, let us build for ourselves a city, and a tower whose top will reach into heaven, and let us make for ourselves a name, otherwise we will be scattered abroad over the face of the whole earth.” (Genesis 11:1-9 NASB)
Notice that the account is set within a migration context which will be important when we analyse these myths against the backdrop of human history following 30,000 BC within a very particular technology framework of making bricks.
Migration and Technological Context
It suggests that the migration led people to the land of Shinar, identified with ancient Mesopotamia, known for its rich alluvial plains conducive to early urbanization.
The mention of brick-making technology is crucial. The development of fired bricks, as opposed to simple mud bricks, was a significant technological advancement. Fired bricks, being more durable and weather-resistant, enabled the construction of taller, more stable structures. This advancement in brick-making technology, likely emerging around the 3rd millennium BC in Mesopotamia, coincides with the rise of urban centres like Uruk and Babylon.
Indications of Time and Place
The reference to Shinar and the technological context of brick-making points to a period in early Mesopotamian history, roughly between 3000-2000 BC, a time when city-states were flourishing, and monumental architecture was becoming more common. This aligns with archaeological evidence of large-scale construction projects in ancient Mesopotamian cities, where ziggurats (massive terraced structures) were built using fired bricks.
The Mesopotamian Myth of Etana: The Eagle and the Serpent
The Myth of Etana
There is another interesting myth with some parallels to the story of the Tower of Babel is the Mesopotamian mythology of Etana. It involves a legendary king of Kish who sought to ascend to the heavens to obtain the plant of birth, which would grant him a son. Etana’s quest led him to form an alliance with an eagle, who had previously been trapped by a serpent but was freed by Etana. In gratitude, the eagle agreed to help him.
The eagle carried Etana on its back and began the ascent to the heavens. As they flew higher, the earth became smaller, and the sight of the heavens grew nearer. However, the journey was perilous, and Etana, overwhelmed by the height and danger, eventually fell from the eagle’s back.
There are of course huge differences in the story, but the reality of separation and the fact that heaven can be accessed if one could get “high enough” are striking similarities. Both legends assume a separation and any of the myths explored could easily be the backdrop of the story.
Comparative Analysis: Myths of Descent from Heaven
Similarities
- Descent from Heaven: All myths involve a descent from a divine or heavenly realm to earth, symbolizing the establishment of human life or civilization.
- Divine Connection: Each myth emphasizes a connection between the divine and earthly realms, facilitated by a supernatural means such as a rope, chain, web, or symbolic object.
- Severance of Connection: The connection is severed in various ways, marking a significant transition in the relationship between the divine and human realms.
- Divine Assistance: Despite the severance, divine beings continue to guide and support humanity, reflecting ongoing divine involvement in human affairs.
Differences
- Mechanism of Descent: African myths often feature ropes, chains, or webs, while other cultures use ladders, bridges, or symbolic objects.
- Cause of Severance: In African myths, the severance is often accidental or intentional. In other myths, the connection is either not broken (Japanese and Inca) or the focus is on the cosmic balance rather than a physical connection (Hindu).
- Cultural Context: Each myth reflects the unique cultural and religious beliefs of the society, with themes ranging from creation, divine missions, cosmic balance, and the establishment of human civilization.
Link Between Legends and Historical Events
Ice Ages and Cataclysmic Events
The common theme of descent from heaven and subsequent severance of connection could be linked to historical events such as Ice Ages and cataclysmic events that significantly impacted early human societies. Around 30,000 years ago, during the Upper Paleolithic period, humans faced numerous challenges due to harsh climatic conditions, glaciations, and significant environmental changes. These events likely influenced human migration, survival strategies, and the development of cultural narratives to explain their origins and the world around them.
Genetic Evidence and Ancient Connections
DNA analysis traces the earliest single ancestor of modern humans back to an individual who lived in Africa, particularly in the region of Ethiopia, around 30,000 years ago. This genetic link supports the idea that ancient myths of descent from heaven may share a common origin, reflecting the migrations and cultural diffusion of early human populations. The universal themes in these myths suggest a shared human experience of seeking connection with the divine and understanding significant transitions in their existence.
Conclusion
These myths from Africa, Europe, Asia, and South America illustrate a universal theme of descent from the divine realm to the earthly plane, reflecting humanity’s quest to understand its origins and the relationship between the mortal and the divine. Despite the differences in cultural contexts and mechanisms of descent, the underlying motifs of divine intervention, cosmic connection, and significant transitions remain consistent across cultures. The historical context of ice ages and cataclysmic events, combined with genetic evidence, provides a plausible link between these legends and early human experiences. These myths not only offer insights into ancient beliefs but also highlight the resilience and adaptability of human societies in the face of profound changes.
Sources
Surma People and Their Beliefs
Yoruba Mythology and Oduduwa
Ile Ife: The Cradle of Yoruba Civilization
Basotho Creation Myth
Norse Mythology
Japanese Mythology
Hindu Mythology
Inca Mythology