Another common theme attributes creation to wars between the gods. Sometimes a god, or even a human being, is said to have dived deep into a massive ocean covering the planet and brought up a piece of earth, on which life could develop. Another myth holds that creation was born from a cosmic egg created by the gods. Many rituals and religious practices seek to repair that breach and bring individuals back into connection with the gods. Creation myths are also said to set the tone and characteristics of a society's beliefs and its symbolic meanings.
Gods take on many forms in mythology and their roles are varied.
Some deities are a part of the creation myths - like those who create the cosmic egg or those who engage in violent battles. Often these creation deities are symbolized as earth and sky and their coming together creates life . Other deities have their origins in the aspects of nature, where lightning, rain, wind and other natural phenomena are said to be the physical manifestation of the gods . Other gods are said to live in nature itself - in trees, springs, mountains and vegetation. Although representing a common aspect of nature, each culture had its own personification of a deity.