by Rya Joshi

Created on: November 09, 2009   Last Updated: November 10, 2009

From the very beginning of human existence, man has been in search of answers for the riddles that natural disasters had put before him. He was baffled by the monstrous forces of nature that created unexplainable natural disasters and unbearable losses. Great legendary tales and stories of myths about these forces that created these disasters have been handed down from generation to generation.

Man stood shocked at the earthquakes. He stood mad when great mountains spewed fire into the sky. He couldn't understand why the giant waves of the sea punished whole societies.

Ancient Myths on Natural Disasters

We can't omit aside the myths of all civilizations which have countless mythological legend stories since these stories may have an element of truth in them. They show clearly man's unquenchable quest to probe into the cause of these natural disasters. There have been myths and legendary stories in all religions and civilizations about the Great Floods, cyclical disasters and comic havocs which were considered to have been punishment of humanity or the doom of the gods.

1) Disaster Myths in Mayan Civilization

The word 'hurricane' itself is about myth of Mayan civilization as this word 'hurricane' comes from 'Hurakan' the name of the creator god of winds and storms. 'Hurakan' means one-legged god who lived in the mists over the primeval flood and was believed to be the creator of the ancestors of the Mayan people. It was believed by them that he destroyed the previous inhabitants of Earth by sending floods.

2) Disaster Myths in Chinese Tradition

From the very beginning of the ancient Chinese civilization, they were observing their surroundings with keen curiosity which led to numerous mythologies. They readily connected the natural disasters with heavenly powers and they were of the opinion that their state and culture enjoyed a genetic relationship with the supreme power residing. Natural disasters in the Chinese tradition and history have consistently been playing a vital role in balancing the celestial powers. Disasters in Chinese Mythology and Tradition are sent by heaven.

3) Disaster Mythology of Tibet

According to an ancient Tibetan mythological folklore, the earth is being held on its back by a giant frog. When the frog moves on the land, or jumps into water, it causes an earthquake. Bali tradition of North India also has mythological legends of the same story.

4) Natural Disasters in Aztec Myths

The interesting Aztec myth of the five suns explains how

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>