Myths

Unit 3: Mythology Georgia Standard Identify and analyze similarities and differences in mythologies from different cultures EQ: How are myths and traditional literature from different cultures similar yet different?

You will learn about myths across cultures. Myths are stories shared by a group, and which are a part of their cultural identity.

Myths stories shared by a group, and which are a part of their cultural identity

Myths Tells stories of gods, goddesses, explaining something in nature Teaches a lesson

6 Primary Uses for Myths 1.To explain a natural occurrence 2.To explain the creation of the world 3.To teach people moral lessons 4.To explain some historical event 5.To explain some ancient religious practice 6.To reveal the common hopes and fears of mankind

7 Characteristics of a Myth To explain the universe gods and goddesses are present The gods, goddesses, and heroes have super natural powers Human emotions are experiences by the gods Magic is often present in myths Gods sometimes appear in disguised form A metamorphosis may occur

Let’s Read a Greek Myth Persephone Persephone is the goddess of the underworld in Greek mythology. She is the daughter of Zeus and Demeter, goddess of the harvest. Persephone was such a beautiful young woman that everyone loved her, even Hades wanted her for himself. One day, when she was collecting flowers on the plain of Enna, the earth suddenly opened and Hades rose up from the gap and abducted her. None but Zeus, and the all-seeing sun, Helios, had noticed it. ZeusDemeterHadesHelios Broken-hearted, Demeter wandered the earth, looking for her daughter until Helios revealed what had happened. Demeter was so angry that she withdrew herself in loneliness, and the earth ceased to be fertile. Knowing this could not continue much longer, Zeus sent Hermes down to Hades to make him release Persephone. Hades grudgingly agreed, but before she went back he gave Persephone a pomegranate (or the seeds of a pomegranate, according to some sources). When she later ate of it, it bound her to underworld forever and she had to stay there one-third of the year. The other months she stayed with her mother. When Persephone was in Hades, Demeter refused to let anything grow and winter began.Hermes

Answer these questions about the Greek Myth “ Persephone” 1.What characteristics are present in this myth? 2.What is the primary use for writing this myth?