Based on Lesson Plans by Raymond Huber Myths Based on Lesson Plans by Raymond Huber

What is a Myth? Myths are the oldest and most powerful of all story forms. They often carry an important message for a culture or group. Myths are stories that give people a relationship with the universe, the passing of time, and with their environment. Some myths give the official view of creation, while others are a way to explain natural events (such as fire and floods). Myths were passed on by spoken word, and their function was to explain, to teach lessons, and to entertain.

What is a Myth? The word myth comes from the Greek word “mythos” which means “to tell a story.” Myths are stories with a message that groups of people (cultures) told to explain how life began and how the world of nature behaved.

Is it a Myth? Does it explain how life started, or explain natural events? Does it involve some supernatural power? Does it involve heroic people or gods? Is it believed to be true by the people who tell it?

Creation Myths Myths of “beginnings” How were people created, where did the universe come from? Explanatory in purpose.

Creation Myths Assignment Creation myths help people know they have a special place in the universe. Read four (4) different creation myths. Ask your teacher for help locating the myths. Do they have a similar plot or structure? Create a chart (on PAPER) and answer the following questions about each of the 4 myths: 1- Where is the myth from (which culture/country) 2- What things are created in the myth? 3- How are these things created?

Nature Myths- Flood Look for similar patterns in myths from different cultures Flood Myths usually follow this pattern: CAUSE: The flood is humankind’s punishment SIZE: The flood covers the whole land or world SURVIVORS: A few people survive because they are good SIGNS: There’s a sign of hope, e.g., a rainbow, to show that life will go on

Flood Myths Assignment Read three (3) Flood Myths and see if they fit the pattern explained on the previous slide. Create a chart for each story and include the following information: 1- Title of Myth 2- Cause 3- Size 4- Survivors 5- Signs

Nature Myths- Fire Look for similar patterns in myths from different cultures Trickster Character: Delight in breaking the rules, boasting, and playing tricks on both humans and gods. They often appear as animals, and can also be shape changers. Fire Myths usually follow this pattern: The people have no fire A hero gets fire from the gods, usually by a clever trick People find that fire is very useful But fire also brings evil with it

Fire Myth Assignment Read two (2) fire myths. Do they follow the pattern for fire myths? Answer these questions for each myth: 1- Who/what has the fire at the beginning of the myth 2- How does the hero get/steal the fire? 3- How is the fire useful? 4- Is there evil that follows? Explain it.

Hero Myths Most myths have a hero who is brave, clever, and strong. He usually brings important gifts to his people (such as fire) and is a role model of right behavior and is greatly admired. The story of his life usually follows this pattern: He has a special birth He has unusual skills as a child He is tested as a young man He goes on a journey or quest to find something He has difficult tasks to do He has one weakness He is rewarded for his effort He dies a special death

Heroines These women were usually brave and skilled with a weapon They showed great courage and the ability to survive hardship They also made great sacrifices, even facing death These female characters were usually goddesses

Hero Myths Assignment Create a chart showing the hero myth pattern for the myth you chose to read. Be sure to include the title of the myth. What are his/her special skills as a child? How is he/she tested? Where does he/she journey? What difficult task does he/she perform/she? What evil forces or monsters does he fight? What is his/her weakness? What is his/her reward?

Mythical Creatures Heroes and heroines had to fight against evil, often in the form of a supernatural creature or powerful monster. Examples: Cyclops, Hydra, Harpies, Gorgon, Grendel, Phoenix, Minotaur, Quetzalcoatl, Chimera, Scylla, Unicorn

Mythical Creatures Assignment Choose 4 mythical creatures (from the previous slide or from your own research) to describe. Be sure to include: What does it look like? Does it have any special powers? Is it used for good or for evil? Choose one of these creatures to illustrate. Create a poster that includes information on the creature as well as the picture.

FINAL ASSESSMENT Write your own myth. Do NOT base it on an already existing myth. It can be a creation, fire, flood, or hero/heroine myth. You should also include a mythical creature in your myth. Follow the pattern for whichever type of myth you have chosen. Use descriptive writing (imagery) and figurative language in your myth. Create a full-color, illustrated book for your myth.