Origin myths function as coordination devices by creating a shared sacred past.

Evidence

A shared reality develops and is perpetuated in part through shared origin stories (Caporael, 1997). Each of the major religious traditions has a creation/origin myth that is passed from one generation to the next as a way of establishing a shared reality. In particular, creation/ origin myths create a shared narrative past that is connected to the sacred and convey a group’s shared identity (Leeming & Leeming, 1994). For example, the three monotheistic religions (Judaism, Christianity, Islam) all share the same origin story, which can be traced in part to the Babylonian creation story of Enuma Elish (Heidel, 1953). — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 899 (#expands, via linked claim)

It seems to me that, on the contrary, it is a discourse with a specific function. Its function 1s not so much to record the past or to speak of origins as to speak of right, to speak of power’s right. Basically, the story is a lesson in public right. — Michel Foucault, Society Must Be Defended, 132 (#complicates, via linked claim)

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Shared origin myths establish collective identity by creating a sacred narrative past — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 899; Foundational myths reinterpret the past to justify future political claims.; Origin myths function as political arguments about power, not historical records — Michel Foucault, Society Must Be Defended, 132 (+8 more)

Broader Connections

• Shared origin myths establish collective identity by creating a sacred narrative past #expands (0.97) — Roderick M. Kramer, Geoffrey J. Leonardelli, Robert W. Livingston, Social Cognition, Social Identity, and…, 899
• Origin myths function as political arguments about power, not historical records #complicates (0.82) — Michel Foucault, Society Must Be Defended, 132
• Founding myths substitute fabricated narrative for genuine history to serve ruling classes #complicates (0.80)