Mythology Why study Mythology?

Pop Culture Recent blockbuster films drawn from popular books such as Lord of the Rings and Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Lightning Thief and video games like the God of War series have piqued interest in traditional Greek and European mythology—while other films such as Princess Mononoke and Prince of Persia, not to mention the Manga craze, lead young adults toward an interest in lesser-known mythologies such as Japanese and Middle Eastern.

History Mythology in high school is becoming a great way to become interested in reading, writing, and researching ancient history. You will come in contact with a variety of world cultures while comparing those cultures to your own Mythology also teaches history by examining ancient times and their effect on the modern world.

Literacy The study of Greco-Roman and Norse mythology also strengthens students' understanding of language since many English words are derived from characters and events found within. It can also increase students' appreciation for Literature and art by understanding the many mythological allusions.

High Level of Thinking By studying ancient mythologies, students start thinking analytically about modern culture, analyzing the traces of ancient mythology left behind and the legends that have been created in their own day.

Multifaceted Because of its multifaceted nature, mythology is hard to categorize into one single subject area. Some schools teach mythology as a history or sociology course. Others emphasize the literary importance and teach mythology as an English or Communication Arts course. Teachers of Latin often teach mythological stories to supplement the study of language.

The Best Part Mythology combines many different facets of learning into one object of study. Mythological stories are often interesting and fun! A Mythology course can be simultaneously educational and entertaining. Mrs. Madden is the teacher

ARTHURIAN LEGENDS The legends associated with King Arthur and his legendary court of Camelot have delighted generations of readers. Modern concepts of chivalry and valor find their roots in these medieval tales of gallantry. By studying these legends, students can better understand the way real events can inspire legends and how a society's values can redefine the ways in which legends are told.

GREEK MYTHOLOGY Out of all the mythologies of the world, Greek mythology has had the most influence on Western culture. Literally thousands of artists and writers have used Greek mythology as their muse--bringing the ancient stories to life through sculpture, painting, poetry, and song

ROMAN MYTHOLOGY The ancient Romans appropriated (a nice word for "stole") their culture from the Greeks, whose creativity they greatly admired. Along with other facets of Greek culture, the Romans adopted the Greek myths as well-- making sure they changed the names from Greek to Latin.

NORSE MYTHOLOGY The myths of the Norsemen are some of the most rousing tales ever told. Not only do they entertain, but hey perfectly illustrate the Viking ideal of unflinching bravery and courage in spite of inevitable doom. As far as modern-day connections, the Norse gods Odin, Thor, Tyr, and Frigga (along with the Sun and the Moon) are the inspiration for the days of the week: Sun-day, Moon-day, Tyr's day, Woden's (Odin) day, Thor's day, and Frigga's day.

THE HERO'S JOURNEY “A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” Joseph Campbell Years of research lead Campbell to discover several basic stages that almost every hero- quest goes through (no matter what culture the myth is a part of). He calls this common structure “the monomyth.” It is commonly referred to as "The Hero's Journey." George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, claims that Campbell’s monomyth was the inspiration for his groundbreaking films.

JAPANESE MYTHOLOGY Izanagi and Izanami According to Shinto belief, Izanagi and Izanami were the eighth pair of deities to appear after the heaven and earth had been formed out of chaos. They were ordered to create the islands of Japan, and did so by standing on the bridge of Heaven and lowering a spear into the sea and stirring. When Izanagi removed his spear, a droplet fell from its tip and became the first island.

FAIRY TALES AND FOLKLORE The Firebird and Princess Vassilissa: A Russian Folktale In this humorous take on the traditional tale, a young archer must capture the magical creature called the Firebird for his Czar. In the process he also wins the hand of the beautiful princess, Vassilissa. He accomplishes his mission with the help of a magical talking horse.

Class Structure and Project Reader’s Theatre Many of the Myths that we will study will be read in the form of Reader’s Theatre You are required to participate Volunteers will have first choice for parts, other roles will be assigned After reading the script some form of assessment will be given either orally or in writing Local Legend Project Complete a semester project based on a local legend. Students search out the history behind the legend and form a thesis as to how the legend originated. At the end of the semester, make a presentation, turn in a folder filled with collected research, and write an informative paper.

Welcome to Mythology!