What is the history of apocalyptic mythologies
The fear of the unknown makes a large part of many mythologies for cultures around the world in ancient and even modern times. The end of the world, or the apocalypse as commonly known, is a genre of mythologies that reflects our deepest fears not only for ourselves but usually our society and culture. This could be, at times, based on some reality or stories of crises for a given culture or society, while at other times it represents a warning that society should heed or even change its ways before it is too late.
Old World Apocalypse Stories
Cultures that discuss the end of the world sometimes differ in their timelines. In effect, for the Flood story from ancient Mesopotamia indicates that the end of the world had already happened. The story of Utnapishtim, who is similar to Noah as being the man saved by the gods from the great Flood, represents a time when the world was ending as the gods were angry. However, a different world, then one representing a new birth of cities and civilization, begins after the great Flood. Similarly, in Greek mythology, periodic waves of destruction by floods and fire occurred. The world, as it is known, 'ends' but is reborn as the gods allow a new rebirth. Perhaps the apocalypse we are more familiar with has similarities to the Zoroastrian story on Judgment Day and end times. In the classical and best known version of Zoroastrian end times, Ahura Mazda, the great Lord, will rectify the evil in this world by creating a great fire that will consume all evil. Angra Mainyu, the evil being, will be destroyed and the resurrection of those who are good and righteous will occur at the end times. This will lead to a new Gold Age, which will be Paradise that includes a righteous life. Those who are evil will be judged and condemned by Ahura Mazda.
Ragnarok is the Norse mythology about the end of the world, which will entail a giant battle between the gods and giants made of frost and fire. The world will be destroyed in the process of this battle, once again in a type of great flood. The remaining gods will meet, once again, and the world will be repopulated by two humans. Similar to the Christian apocalypse, there will be a series of signs about the end times. First, there will be a long winter that lasts for a year, called Fimbulvetr. Then three different rosters will give warning about the end of the world and the coming battle.
