Edith Hamilton Mythology Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes Unit Introduction pp. 13-243

Objectives: Students will recount the various theories for the origins of myths. Students will differentiate between classical and the earlier, primitive myths. Students will discuss the explanatory myths. Students will research the historical period of ancient Greece and outline notes on the information. Students will appreciate the moral and political view of ancient Greece.

Agenda: Bell ringer: Think-Pair-Share Discussion of the definition of myth and why we study mythology. Pre-reading: Historical Periods Pre-reading: Political Views Unit introduction questions/discussion. Homework assignment

Bell ringer Think-Pair-Share: What is the difference between a folk tale, a fairy tale, a legend, and mythology?

What is the difference? Many times, the words “folk tale,” “fairy tale,” “legend,” and “myth” are used interchangeably. Folk tales/fairy tales- usually purely imaginative, fictional stories intended to amuse, entertain, or teach. Legends- usually true stories of events in history but exaggerated for dramatic or humorous effect.

Myths Myths are imaginative stories resulting from man’s attempt to understand the phenomena of nature or to explain cultural customs and rituals. Mythology is a way to explain things in the world that had no explanation before.

Why we study mythology! Much of the literature that you read in school will contain allusions to Greek and Roman mythology. For example, a character in a novel may be described as narcissistic, as an Adonis, or as undertaking Herculean tasks. All of these are references to Greek myths. Recognizing the myth leads to greater understanding of the character which is being developed in the book.

Cultural Literacy Our culture traces its political, philosophical, and social roots back to Greek culture. Mythological stories serve as the subject for works of art, commercial advertisement, comic books, and science fiction, among other things. Were there any allusions to Greek Mythology in Fahrenheit 451?

It will make you smart/well read! A student who has some familiarity with Mythology is intellectually and academically ahead of a student who has no knowledge of mythology. This is not difficult reading, and the subject matter itself can be interesting and informative.

Pre-Reading: Historical Periods Objectives: Students will research the historical period of ancient Greece and outline notes on the information. The development of Greek civilization is divided into three main periods-Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age-and each of these periods can be broken down into subdivisions.

Pre-Reading: Political Views Objective: Students will appreciate the moral and political view of ancient Greece. After reading the excerpt from “Pericles’ Funeral Oration” you will answer the 7 questions. As you read, consider how his view of Athens compares to your opinion about our country.

#1. What is the difference between primitive and classical mythology? Classical mythology is from a more civilized time than primitive mythology. Primitive mythology deals with the ugliness and terror found everywhere. Greek mythology is more inclined to deal with nymph-like creatures in the forests, heroes, explanations of the world, and other more pleasant topics.

#2. How are the Greek gods different from Egyptian or Mesopotamian gods? Gods from other cultures are part animal, such as part bird or part lion. Greek gods are primarily human in form and feature.

#3. What is “the miracle of Greek mythology”? Because Greek gods appear more human, man can feel more comfortable and at ease with them, whereas half-beast/half-human gods of other mythologies instill fear.

#4. What are the “dark spots” referred to by Edith Hamilton? When Greek gods behave in a cruel or indecent manner, these traits can be traced to older times of beasts, satyrs, or partly human creatures.

#5. How does Edith Hamilton define mythology? Mythology is an explanation of something in nature; it is not an account of religion. However, there are examples of myths that explain nothing and other examples where religion seems to be a part of mythology.

#6. What is her explanation for differing views of the same gods? Mythology changes as people develop and change. There are different versions of a single story because these stories come from different times and from different authors. One example is the fact that two writers, Homer and Hesiod, both recognize Zeus as the chief of the gods, but they view his character in different ways.

Reading Assignment Please read Chapter ONE (pp. 17-50) You are reading for details and character comprehension. * Complete the God Chart and crossword puzzle for Friday!