The word cosmos is often used as synonymous with the universe. But cosmos refers not just to the universe, but the universe seen as a place of order ("Cosmos, n."). In mythology, the cosmos is often seen in opposition to chaos, order versus disorder. Cosmic myths are those myths which deal with the universe of order, its creation and destruction, its cataclysms, and that ordered, transcendent realm where the soul travels after death. In this unit, we will examine four types of cosmic myths: creation myths, flood myths, myths of the afterlife, and apocalyptic myths. Because of their scope, cosmic myths frequently provide answers to questions like Who are we? How did we get here? Why does evil exist in the world? What is the punishment for evil? What happens when we die?