InJungian theory, theCosmic Man is an archetypal figure that appears increation myths of a wide variety ofmythology. Generally, he is described as helpful or positive, and serves as a seed for the creation of the world. After death, parts of his body became physical parts of theuniverse.[1][2] He also represents the oneness of human existence, or the universe.[3]
Cosmic Man is a symbol of Self in theJungian archetypes and is part of the goal of individuation for the individual and the collective. The process of individuation in cosmic man is often part of creation but can take place after death. The Cosmic Man archetype combines masculine and feminine orAnima and Animus and thus can be viewed ashermaphroditic or bisexual.[4][5] Physical features include a primordial cosmic giant that goes through the process ofindividuation. The process can include dismemberment, plant or animal qualities, and a quaternary structure. Cosmic Man contains aspects of an archaic identity. Ideas and emotional values are part of a collective unconscious agreement, creating a primordial bond between elements, plants, animals, and humans.[3]
InAztec mythology,Tlaltecuhtli's fragmented body served as the foundation for the world in the Aztec creation myth of the fifth and final era.[citation needed]
InChinese legend,Pangu is thought to have given the natural features of theEarth their form, and when he died his body became theSacred Mountains of China.[6]
InEgyptian mythology,Atum is the first god who emerged from the primordial waters of Nun and created the world by giving birth to the godsShu andTefnut.[citation needed]
InJapanese mythology,Kotoamatsukami refers to a group of primordial, genderless deities that emerged at the moment of the universe's creation.[citation needed]
InGreek mythology,Phanes is a primordial, hermaphroditic deity who represents the first cosmic being, emerging fromChaos and embodying the generative principle of the universe. As the cosmic man, Phanes is seen as the source of creation, from whom all life and order originate.[citation needed]
InHindu mythology,Purusha is a similar figure, who is considered the part of the individual which is immortal.[3] Found in North East India, Kujum-Chantu is a female cosmic giant who remained still. Her body formed the earth and solar system upon death.[7]
Gucumatz (also known asKukulkan in some traditions) is a primordial creator deity in Maya mythology. In thePopol Vuh, Gucumatz creates the world and humanity from the primordial sea and mud, establishing the foundation for the cosmos and human existence.[citation needed]
In Mesopotamian mythology, the Cosmic Man archetype is exemplified by the godMarduk, who, after defeating the primordial chaos deityTiamat, uses her body to create the world.[citation needed]
InNorse mythology,Ymir is the primeval, hermaphroditic giant whose body was the raw material for the creation of the cosmos, representing the initial state of chaos. After his death, the gods used his flesh to form the earth, his blood to create the seas, and his bones to make the mountains.[citation needed]
ThePersian equivalent of Cosmic Man,Keyumars, releasedsemen when he died, out of which came the first human couple,Mashya and Mashyana.[citation needed] In Zoroastrian creation stories found in Persia, modern-day Iran, the primordial figureGayōmart becomes earths metals and produces the first humans from gold.[8][5]
In somePolynesian traditions,Ta'aroa is a primordial deity who emerges from the cosmic egg and creates the world.[citation needed]
InVietnamese mythology,Thần Trụ Trời is considered the primordial deity who created the world by erecting pillars to separate the heavens from the earth.[citation needed]
In some Jewish legends,Adam was created from dust from the four corners of the Earth, and, when bent down, his head was the East and his feet the West. In another legend, he contained the soul of everybody who would ever be born.[3] In the teachings ofKabbalah, such a primordial man is referred to asAdam Kadmon. InMandaeism, the primordial man is known asAdam Kasia, or "the hidden Adam."[9]