"Ex Nihilo Beginnings" is a concept in Leeming's book, The world of myth: an anthology 3rd edition, which describes the creation myths that depict the origin of the world from nothingness. It refers to the idea that the universe was created from the void or nothingness, without any pre-existing substance or material. This concept is common in many creation myths from different cultures around the world, including the Judeo-Christian creation story in which God creates the world out of nothing. The term "Ex Nihilo" in Latin means "out of nothing."
Ex Nihilo Beginnings is a section in Leeming's book, "The World of Myth: An Anthology," 3rd edition. This section focuses on mythological stories that explain the creation of the world or the origins of humanity directly from nothingness—ex nihilo meaning "out of nothing" in Latin. In this section, Leeming explores myths from various cultures and civilizations that involve the concept of creation out of nothing. These myths often depict gods or divine beings bringing existence, order, and life to an initially formless and empty void. By examining these myths, the author provides readers with insights into the diverse ways different cultures have conceptualized the creation of the world.
