Navel of the Earth

The myth of the “navel of the world” was common in many ancient cultures. The myth is often known as the omphalos myth, from the Greek word for “navel” (ὀμφαλός, omphalos). The omphalos myth often held that a sacred mountain was located at the center of the earth where the national deity dwelt and could be communicated with. The rest of creation was oriented around this location (Dumbrell, Covenant, 38–39). Wensinck notes five general characteristics associated with the myth (Wensinck, Ideas, xi—xii):

1. The location was exalted above the surrounding areas.

2. It was the place from which creation occurred.

3. It was the center of the earth.

4. It was the place of communication between heaven, earth, and the underworld.

5. It was the medium of distributing food over the earth.