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Chaos

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The task of art today is to bring chaos into order.
—Theodor W. Adorno in Minima Moralia[1]
Not to be confused with the scientific theory, Chaos theory

Chaos is a term that refers to the state in which there is no order or predictability. The word comes from the Ancient Greek word χάος.

Chaos in religion

Greek myth

In Greek creation myths, the state before the creation of the universe is known as chaos. In Greek myths, Chaos is actually a Primordial Entity or "Protogenoi", which were the first beings to come into existence, before even the titans. Most people would be more familiar with the Protogenoi Gaia, and Chronos.

Creation and Chaos in mythology

Fighting against chaos appears as a common motif, and is referred to as chaoskampf, which is German for "struggle against chaos". Chaoskampf appears in the form of hero gods fighting against powers of chaos.

References

Icon fun.svg For those of you in the mood, RationalWiki has a fun article about Chaos.