The Cosmic Hunt Myth – 40,000 years old

Introduction

In this video, John White introduces the topic of uncovering ancient myths, discussing how stories can be traced back tens of thousands of years, possibly even over 100,000 years. The video explores the tools and methods used to determine the origins and age of these myths. White, a specialist in Indo-European mythology, explains how scientific methods—not pseudoscience—can be used to reconstruct these ancient narratives.

The Passion for Mythology

White expresses his long-standing passion for mythology, driven by how the reconstruction of stories can help understand how ancestors perceived the world and the cosmos at different times in history. He mentions that his work in this field spans nearly 30 years, and through this video, he hopes to deepen the viewer’s understanding of anthropology, mythography, and religious history. His gratitude extends to his Patreon supporters, who have enabled him to produce this content.

The “Cosmic Hunt of Greece”

The myth of Zeus and Callisto is recounted as a way to delve into the methodology of tracing myths. In this myth, Zeus disguises himself as Artemis to seduce the nymph Callisto, resulting in Callisto being transformed into a bear by Hera and eventually being placed in the night sky as the constellation Ursa Major (the Big Bear). Her son, Arcus, becomes Ursa Minor (the Little Bear). This myth, known as the “Cosmic Hunt,” is not unique to Greece and Rome; similar stories can be found across many cultures worldwide.

Other “Cosmic Hunt” Stories

White notes that the “Cosmic Hunt” appears in multiple traditions across the globe. For example, the Chukchi people of Siberia view Orion as a hunter chasing a reindeer. In the Ob-Ugric tradition in Central Russia, a hunter chases an elk, which is represented by Ursa Major. In North America, the Haudenosaunee tell of three hunters pursuing a bear, a story that culminates with the bear’s transformation into a constellation, also Ursa Major. These stories showcase how myths evolve depending on the landscapes and animals familiar to the storytellers.

Age of the Cosmic Hunt Myth

White emphasizes that research suggests the “Cosmic Hunt” myth could be between 30,000 and 40,000 years old. He mentions a separate video that provides more detailed evidence for this claim. The myth’s endurance and adaptability across different environments and societies demonstrate how myths evolve while maintaining core plot points, despite variations in local animals and landscapes.

Landscape Influence on Myth

White explains that myths are shaped by the landscape and the animals within it. For instance, a mammoth appears in the Siberian version of the “Cosmic Hunt,” but not in European or American versions. This adaptability allows myths to remain relevant across diverse regions and times. He compares this to religion, which also evolves to suit the needs of different societies and landscapes.

Categorizing Myths for Research

White discusses the importance of categorizing myths to trace their origins and evolution effectively. He highlights the Arne Thompson Uther Index (ATU), a popular tool for classifying folktales and fairy tales, though he acknowledges its limitations. A more recent tool, the Yuri Berezkin Catalogue, allows broader comparisons of myths, considering environmental changes and geographic distributions.

The Mythology and Folklore Database

The Mythology and Folklore Database, co-created by White, is an invaluable resource that contains approximately 50,000 stories from over 1,000 cultures. It allows researchers to trace the distribution and categorization of myths, such as the “Cosmic Hunt” motif, which is identified as B42 in the database. This tool is widely used by universities and research institutions globally.

Human Migration and Myth Dispersal

White explains how human migration patterns align with the dispersal of myths. For example, modern humans left Africa around 200,000 years ago, with subsequent waves migrating across Eurasia and into Australia about 60,000 years ago. A second wave occurred around 45,000 years ago, spreading throughout Eurasia and into the Americas. These migration patterns mirror the spread of the “Cosmic Hunt” myth, reinforcing the idea that myths traveled with human populations.

Mythemes and the DNA of Myths

White introduces the concept of “mythemes,” the smallest components of a myth, which can be compared across cultures to determine the origins of a story. He likens mythemes to DNA, as they tend to remain consistent over time unless influenced by societal or environmental changes. Tools using phylogenetic algorithms, similar to those used in genetics, can help trace the evolution of myths and reconstruct their probable original forms.

Why Myths Persist Throughout History

White concludes by discussing why myths endure across time. Myths often contain sacred truths and are deeply tied to religious and ritualistic practices. They were often told in poetic form, making them easier to remember and pass down through generations. Even when societies change, the core elements of a myth remain intact due to its sacred nature. White uses Zoroastrianism as an example of a religious revolution that retained traces of earlier Indo-European motifs.

Learning More About Mythology

White recommends several books for those interested in studying mythology, including Mircea Eliade’s “The Myth of the Eternal Return” and Joseph Campbell’s “The Hero with a Thousand Faces.” He encourages viewers to read widely across different cultures and to use tools like the Mythology Database to trace the origins of myths.