Need some help on my IB essay

I was wondering if any of ya'll knew of an academic source that states something along the lines of "Societies use creation myths to legitimize regimes"

I know it's kind of basic, but I need a source like that to kind of round out my extended essay.

Thanks

Creation myths sound pretty specific. I think the problem is that many regimes derived their legitimacy from gods that were created after the creation story.

I think it might be better to argue from the point that society has used myths (myths in general) to add legitimacy to the ruler, and then introduce creation myths as an element of myths.


Edited by Imperator Invictus

I don't know of a specific source that talks about all societies, but since the theme is so prevalent, from pharohs to the Tian Zi to the Tenno, I'm sure you can probably find something scattered around.

One piece of myth that would fit the definition easily is the Aeneid by Vergil, a retelling of the Roman origin myths comissioned by Augustus for the purpose of political legitimization. The Aeneid basically said that Julius Caesar's family decended from the oldest forefather of Rome (who was half-divine) and that the golden age of Caesar and Augustus was destined before Rome was even founded.

Book 6 of the Aeneid:

"Now fix your sight, and stand intent, to see
Your Roman race, and Julian progeny.
The mighty Caesar waits his vital hour,
Impatient for the world, and grasps his promis'd pow'r.
But next behold the youth of form divine,
Ceasar himself, exalted in his line;
Augustus, promis'd oft, and long foretold,
Sent to the realm that Saturn rul'd of old;
Born to restore a better age of gold.

Thanks for the help guys :]

I'd have thought modern Israel was the closest thing to a modern state justifying itself by a creation myth. Israelis base much of their perceived right to occupy their territory based on the myths of the old testament.