The Valentinian creation myth places heavy emphasis on the fall of Sophia. These Gnostics believed that through the fall of Sophia, they were able to understand the creation of the material world. This creation myth also teaches the essentiality of gnosis to salvation.

The Valentinians believed that aeons had some degree of psychological dependence, resulting from their emanation from the Father. The limit (or boundary) separated the aeons from God, despite the fact that they lied within Him.

These aeons sensed that they were incomplete and longed to know their true origins. This sense of longing passed to Sophia, and she took up the quest to know their supreme parent. Sophia knew that to meet the Father on her own, she would be required to think. This became impossible, and she fell from her companion into a state of deficiency and suffering. The limit separated Sophia into two halves. Restored to her companion in the pleroma, the upper Sophia did not fall. However, Sophia’s other half fell into the deficiency. This is how the lower Sophia became associated with the physical world.

After the tragic events of the fallen Sophia, the other aeons meditated through the Son, and attained gnosis of God, their Father. Once the aeons attained this knowledge, they celebrated their knowledge, and integrated themselves into the power of the Savior. This is how Jesus Christ became destined to be the bridegroom (or male partner) of the fallen Sophia.

Meanwhile, the fallen Sophia remained in the physical world, constantly tormented. She continued to plead for assistance, and the Savior (with the help of the aeons) descended through the limit to save her. The Savior then gave Sophia the necessary gnosis to ascend back through the limit to the pleroma. Sophia was freed of illusions and suffering.

The lower Sophia rejoiced at the sight of her Father. Sophia then brought forth spiritual seeds in her image. Valentinian Gnostics believe these spiritual seeds are elements found within every Christian. The seeds compose the spiritual church.

Through the tale of Sophia, the Valentinian Gnostics arrive at three states of Being. The first of these states is one of illusion. This illusion characterizes material existence; brought forth through ignorance and suffering. This state’s personification is the Devil. The second state of Being is the intermediated stage. Here, the soul comes from conversation, and is personified by the Craftsman. Finally, Sophia brings the spiritual seed. Naturally, Sophia personifies the third and final state of Being.