Proto-Indo-European cosmogony.

Proto-Indo-European (PIE) is the reconstructed ancestor of many modern Indo-European languages. It is estimated to have been spoken around 4,500 years ago in the Pontic-Caspian steppe, which stretches from modern-day Ukraine to Kazakhstan. Although there is no written record of PIE, linguists have been able to reconstruct its vocabulary and grammar through comparative linguistics.
One area of PIE that has captured the interest of linguists is its cosmogony, or origin story of the universe. PIE cosmogony has undergone significant evolution over time, as the speakers of the language migrated and interacted with other cultures.
The earliest reconstructed PIE cosmogony was likely based on natural phenomena and the worship of natural forces. The sun, moon, and stars played important roles in the PIE worldview, and the language had a rich vocabulary for celestial bodies and their movements. The PIE people likely believed that the universe was created from a primordial chaos, which was gradually organized by the gods.
As PIE speakers migrated to new areas and interacted with other cultures, their cosmogony evolved. In particular, the influence of the Near East and the introduction of writing systems led to the adoption of more complex and anthropomorphic creation myths. The PIE pantheon expanded to include gods with specific roles and domains, such as the sky god Dyeus and the thunder god Perkūnas.
In addition to the influence of neighboring cultures, the evolution of PIE cosmogony was also shaped by changes in the language itself. Over time, the PIE language split into different dialects and eventually evolved into the various Indo-European languages we know today. As a result, different branches of Indo-European have their own distinct cosmogonies, shaped by their own unique histories and cultural influences.
Despite the evolution of PIE cosmogony over time, many elements of the original worldview have persisted in the Indo-European languages that have descended from it. The vocabulary for celestial bodies and natural forces, for example, can still be found in many modern Indo-European languages. Additionally, the PIE pantheon has left its mark on the mythologies of many cultures, including the Greek, Roman, and Norse gods.
In conclusion, the evolution of PIE cosmogony is a testament to the dynamic nature of language and culture. Through linguistic reconstruction and comparative analysis, linguists have been able to piece together the origin story of an ancient civilization and trace its influence through the ages.

Nordic mythology.

While the original Proto-Indo-European creation myth has not been fully reconstructed, it is believed to have centered around a primordial chaos that was gradually organized by the gods. Similarly, the Nordic creation myth centers around a primordial void known as Ginnungagap, from which the world is created.
In the Nordic myth, the first living beings are the giant Ymir and the cow Audhumla. Ymir is the ancestor of the giants, and Audhumla nourishes him with her milk. Similarly, in the PIE myth, the first gods are often associated with natural forces, such as the sky, the sun, and the stars.
Another similarity between the two creation myths is the idea of a world tree. In the Nordic myth, the world tree Yggdrasil connects the nine realms of the world, and its roots extend into the underworld. Similarly, the PIE people likely believed in a cosmic tree that connected the heavens and the earth.
Both myths also feature a struggle between the forces of order and chaos. In the Nordic myth, the gods wage a constant battle against the giants and other chaotic forces. Similarly, the PIE myth likely featured a struggle between the gods and chaotic forces of nature.
Despite these similarities, there are also significant differences between the two myths. The Nordic myth is more complex and features a larger cast of characters, whereas the PIE myth is believed to have been more focused on natural forces and the gradual organization of the universe. Additionally, the PIE pantheon did not have a specific god of war, as the Nordic pantheon does with Odin.
Overall, while there are similarities between the original PIE creation myth and the Nordic myth, they are distinct from each other and reflect the unique histories and cultures of the peoples who created them.

Bibblical mythology.

As with the original Proto-Indo-European creation myth, the details of the biblical creation story have evolved over time and have been influenced by other myths and cultures.
The biblical creation story centers around the monotheistic God, who creates the universe and everything in it in six days. Similarly, in the PIE myth, the universe is created by the gods, who gradually organize the world from a primordial chaos.
One significant difference between the biblical creation story and the PIE myth is the emphasis on the creation of humans. In the biblical account, humans are created in the image of God and are given dominion over the earth. In contrast, the PIE myth likely did not have a specific creation story for humans, but rather saw them as one of many natural elements in the world.
Over time, the biblical creation story was influenced by other Near Eastern creation myths, such as the Babylonian creation story known as the Enuma Elish. This is reflected in the creation of light on the first day of creation, which parallels the Babylonian god Marduk's defeat of the primordial dragon Tiamat and the creation of light from her body.
In addition, the biblical creation story was also influenced by the ancient Near Eastern concept of the cosmic mountain, which represents the center of the world and the dwelling place of the gods. This is reflected in the story of Moses receiving the Ten Commandments on Mount Sinai and the biblical imagery of God's throne being located on a high mountain.
The biblical creation story also underwent further evolution in the New Testament, where Jesus is presented as the divine Word through whom all things were created. This reflects the influence of Greek philosophy and the concept of the logos, or divine reason, which permeates the universe and guides its order and harmony.
In conclusion, the biblical creation story evolved over time and was influenced by other myths and cultures, just as the original PIE creation myth was influenced by neighboring cultures and evolved over time. While there are similarities between the two, they reflect the unique beliefs and cultures of their respective peoples.

Important figures.

The original Proto-Indo-European cosmogony has evolved and diversified into many different mythologies around the world, but some important figures and concepts can still be seen in modern myths and folklore.
One important figure in PIE cosmogony is the sky god, who represents the heavens and the celestial forces that shape the world. In Hindu mythology, the sky god is known as Indra, who wields a thunderbolt and is associated with storms and rainfall. In Norse mythology, the sky god is Odin, who rules over Asgard, the realm of the gods, and rides an eight-legged horse through the skies.
Another important figure in PIE cosmogony is the sun god, who represents the light and warmth that sustains life on Earth. In Aztec mythology, the sun god is known as Huitzilopochtli, who was born fully armed and defended the other gods against the forces of chaos. In Japanese mythology, the sun goddess Amaterasu is the most important deity, who withdrew into a cave, plunging the world into darkness until she was lured out with music and dance.
The earth goddess is also an important figure in PIE cosmogony, representing the nurturing and fertile aspect of the natural world. In Greek mythology, the earth goddess is Gaia, who gave birth to the Titans and the other gods. In Native American mythology, the earth goddess is often represented as a snake, symbolizing the cyclical nature of the seasons and the shedding of old skin for new growth.
Finally, the concept of the world tree is also present in many modern myths and folklore. In Norse mythology, the world tree Yggdrasil connects the nine realms of the world and is tended by the three Norns, who control the fate of all beings. In Hindu mythology, the cosmic tree is called the kalpavriksha, which grants wishes and provides shelter for the gods.
In conclusion, while the original PIE cosmogony has evolved and diversified into many different mythologies around the world, important figures and concepts can still be seen in modern myths and folklore, demonstrating the enduring power and relevance of these ancient beliefs.