Story Gods/Mortals Moral/Purpose Real World “Apollo’s Tree” Cupid—seeks revenge on Apollo with his powers Apollo—dismisses Cupid and thinks he is a better archer Daphne—struck by arrow, never to fall in love; turned into a Laurel tree Respect the abilities of others; don’t be boastful or arrogant Cupid—symbol of Valentine’s Day and often on cards Laurel wreath—symbol of victory, often seen on medals, trophies; also an academic symbol Apollo space missions—named after god known for speed, power Apollo Creed, from Rocky movies (powerful)

“The Golden Apples” Story Gods/Mortals Moral/Purpose Real World Atalanta—will only marry a man who can beat her in running (kills the others) Hippomenes—falls in love w/ her and plans to race her Venus—goddess of love, gives golden apples to Hippomenes to help him Be thankful and respectful to the gods (or else) How lions were created Venus—planet named after her Atalanta FC in Italy is named after her—implies power in sports (killing opponents) Atalanta Motors—car named after her, which implies speed

“The Great Bear” Story Gods/Mortals Moral/Purpose Real World Callisto—turned into bear by angry and jealous Juno Arcus—son of Callisto, becomes an expert hunter Both turned into constellation by Jupiter Don’t cross the gods How the constellations of Ursa Major and Ursa Minor were created Great Bear—roller coaster at HersheyPark; implies height Arcturus—name of North Star, part of Great Bear constellation, named after Arcus

“How Thor Got His Hammer” Story Gods/Mortals Moral/Purpose Real World “How Thor Got His Hammer” Thor—short-tempered god of thunder Sif—wife, hair stolen by Loki Loki—makes a bet with dwarves to make gifts Dwarves—makers of magic weapons How Thor received his hammer as a gift, to fight the giants Be careful about the terms of your deal or bet Marvel character Thor is based on myth JRR Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings war-like dwarves are based on myth

“The Giant’s Bride Story Gods/Mortals Moral/Purpose Real World Thor—dresses up at Freya to trick giants Loki—also dresses up as a woman Thrym—powerful king of the frost-giants, steals Thor’s hammer Don’t steal/betray others (don’t mess w/ the gods) Loki—also appears in Marvel films, as mischief-maker Thursday is “Thor’s day”

“Thor and the Clay Giant” Story Gods/Mortals Moral/Purpose Real World “Thor and the Clay Giant” Thor Hrungnir—strongest of giants, head/heart of stone Thialfi—Thor’s human servant, distracts giant Magni—Thor’s 3-day old son who saves him Beware of gambling (bet w/ Odin and Hrungnir causes trouble…as does casting bones for Thor) Thursday is named after Thor Thialfi character is basis for Darryl roommate character in Marvel Thor movies

“Odin’s Three Quests” Story Gods/Mortals Moral/Purpose Real World Odin—wisest of gods Mimir—giant disembodied head of a god that guards well of knowledge Baugi—brother of Suttung (who stole Mead of Poetry); Odin works for him to get the mead. How humans came to learn poetry (Odin threw up the Mead of Poetry for us after stealing it) How Odin lost his eye but gained wisdom (and hung from the tree to learn magic) Wednesday is Odin’s day (wodin’s day) Tolkien’s wizard Gandalf in Lord of the Rings was based on Odin