1. Have your homework out to be checked!
November 15, 2010
Bellringer #28
Read the green box on page Choose one of the examples of Greek influence on our language that you DID NOT know, and write it into your binder.
Have your homework out to be checked!

3. Greek Mythology and Literature
The Big Idea
The ancient Greeks created great myths and works of literature that influence the way we speak and write today.

5. Instead of scientific explanations, the Greeks used mythology to explain things.
Mythology is stories about gods and heroes that try to explain how the world works.
The Greeks believed gods caused things like volcanic eruptions and the changing seasons.
To keep the gods happy, they built great temples. The Greeks expected help when they needed it in return.

6. Greek Myths One of the most famous myths was about Medusa
Medusa was a monstrous woman, with snakes for hair, who would turn anyone who looked at her into stone

7. Heroes in Mythology
Many Greek myths told about the adventures of great heroes.
Some heroes were real, while others were not.
Some of the major heroes were Theseus, Jason, and Hercules.
Theseus traveled to Crete and killed the minotaur, a half-human, half-bull monster.
Jason sailed across the seas in search of great treasure.
Hercules was the most famous hero. He fought many monsters and performed nearly impossible tasks.

8. Among the earliest Greek writings are two epic poems, the Iliad and the Odyssey by Homer.
The Iliad tells the story of the last years of the Trojan War.
The Odyssey describes the challenges that Odysseus faced on his way home from the war.

9. Story of the Trojan Horse

10. Fables
Other Greeks told short stories that taught the reader lessons about life
These stories were called fables
Aesop is famous for writing fables such as “The Tortoise and the Hare” and “The Boy Who Cried Wolf”

11. Assignment
The Greeks worshipped their gods because they thought the gods would help them out in times of need.
For example, if you were a sailor and you were about to go on a long voyage, you would pray to Poseidon (the god of the sea) for a safe trip.

12. Assignment
Pretend that you are a Greek person who needs help from one of the gods. Write a postcard to the god asking them for help for a problem that you are having.

13. Front—Picture of the god
Make sure that the god you pick can help you with your problem!
You may pick any from the list EXCEPT for Poseidon.
Some of the gods are pictured on pg
Front—Picture of the god
Back—Letter to the god
Your name goes here
Your letter goes here