Ancient Myths

What is a Myth? A myth is defined as a “traditional story accepted as history, which serves to explain the world view of a people.” This is not to be confused with a fairy tale, which is a purely fictional story.

Ancient Myths Today we will study four different cultures by investigating their mythology: China Egypt Native American Greek We will compare and contrast their myths to determine the differences and similarities.

Chinese Myths In Chinese myths, the main character, the protagonist, will usually outwit his enemy. Intelligence is an important value taught by these myths. Creation Great Flood Gold Colt and the Fire Dragon Aniz the Shepherd The Story of the Three Genjias The Frog Who Became Emperor Don Yong’s Wife

Egyptian Myths Egyptian heroes are their gods, pharaohs, and magicians. They possess supernatural power, intelligence, and beauty. Creation Great Flood Trojan War Cinderella Parting of the Lake Seven Years Famine Se-Osiris

Native American Myths Native American myths deal with respecting others and nature. Often the protagonists in their myths are animals or good friends of animals. Creation Great Flood Chipmunk and Bear Battle with the Snakes How Bear Lost His Tail Turtle’s Race with Bear The Boy Who Lived with Bears

Greek Myths In Greek mythology, the protagonists were men or women of extraordinary beauty or strength. Greek myths glorified physical characteristics, unlike Chinese myths. Creation Great Flood Perseus and Medusa Heracles Theseus Atalanta Cadmus

Ancient Myths Every culture’s myth all have the same theme of what is good vs. what is bad, but exactly what is good or bad is what makes the myths, and the cultures, separate and unique. Which were your favorite myths and why?