A Study on Creation Myths of the Yi Nationality
Keywords:
The Yi nationality, Epic, Creation Myth, Human Origin, Folklore studiesAbstract
This study compares the similarities and differences between the Yi nationality’s creation myths recorded in the four epics, and analyzes the causes for these similarities and differences in order to understand the Yi mythological view of cosmology, nature, and human beings. Results show that: 1) The main gods in Yi mythology created heaven, earth, and natural things through magic or things in nature, which reflected the lifestyle and natural environment of the Yi at that time; 2) There are both male and female god in Yi mythology, so we can infer that the creation myths were produced in both matriarchal and matrilineal societies. Besides, only one of the four myths is about a female god, so the author infers that this myth was born in the period of matriarchal society; 3) In terms of the origin of human beings, the myths show that the ancestors of the Yi nationality adapted to nature, conquered nature and created their civilization, suggesting that the ancestors of the Yi nationality were aware of the evolution of biology, which is consistent with Darwin's theory of evolution; 4) At that time, other ethnic minority names and cultures were mentioned in creation myths, showing that some ethnicities were connected with the Yi.
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