Baltic Finnic creation myths

Baltic Finnic creation myths (Finnish: maailmansynty, luomisruno; Estonian: loomine) are the myths among Baltic Finnic peoples which describe the origin of the world. These include myths that feature the cosmic egg and earth diver themes.

According to Anna-Leena Siikala, researchers have mainly focused on the creation myths connected to male heroes, and the more feminine southern island creation version has been forgotten. The one featured in the epic Kalevala is of the northern style of Baltic Finnic creation myth; However, Elias Lönnrot believed there had originally been a deity involved instead of Väinämöinen, and replaced him with Ilmatar, who does not appear as such in the actual mythology.

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