Study for your TEST! Review ALL of your notes, literary terms, and the character list!

Greek mythology is the basis of The Odyssey and still influences our world today. Brainstorm with a table partner and list as many modern examples of words, traditions, or stories that are originally derived from Greek myth. Example: The story of Achilles and our modern naming of the “Achilles Tendon”

I will learn how myth, particularly Greek mythology, influences modern language and storytelling by taking notes and synthesizing the information into my own words.

Myth and Language ~Etymology~ Ancient Greek myth has influenced the English language greatly. Etymology, the study of word origins helps us understand how Greek myth influences the creation and meaning of many modern words.

Myth and Language ~Etymology~ Titanic - The adjective we use to describe anything of considerable size and the name of the doomed ocean-liner both originate from the Titans, the powerful group of gods who ruled before being overthrown by the young, upstart Olympians, led by Zeus. Harmony - Derived from Harmonia, the Greek goddess who restored a state of peace in the aftermath of war. Hypnosis - Comes from Hypnos, the Greek God and personification of Sleep.

Myth and Language Continued Echo - Comes from the myth of the nymph Echo (or Ekho) who was one of many nymphs who attracted the desires of Zeus. When Hera, Zeus' wife got wind of this she punished Echo, who was known for being overly talkative, by condemning her only to be able to speak when repeating the last sentence of whoever she was with. Narcissistic - Derived from the myth of Narcissus a young man famed for his good looks, was so obsessed with his own reflection in a pond that he leant over too far, fell in and drowned.

Myth and Storytelling ~Archetypes~ Ancient Greek myth has influenced countless storylines with which we are all familiar. The plotlines of these Greek myths are recycled and re-imagined to fit modern audiences. Many of the characters and symbols are literary archetypes, or original models from which all other characters of the same type are copied.

Myth and Storytelling ~Archetypes~ Pandora’s Box: According to Greek myth, Pandora opened up a box releasing all of the world's problems: death, suffering, disease, etc. Like Biblical Eve's eating of the forbidden fruit, a convenient scapegoating of women for everything bad that happens.

Myth and Storytelling Elysian Fields: The term Elysium has come to mean a place or state of ideal happiness or paradise. Elysium or the Elysian Fields were a predecessor to the Christian concept of Heaven, the idyllic destination for certain people after death, in direct opposition to Tartarus ( a particularly gruesome sub-section of Hades), comparable to the Christian notion of Hell.

Myth and Storytelling Pyramus and Thisbe: The story of two lovers who live in houses separated by a wall. They are forbidden by their parents to be wed, because of their parents' rivalry. Their plots to runaway together end in tragedy teaching their parents lessons against unfounded hatred.

Exit Reflection Identify at least ONE Greek myth that has influenced modern language or storytelling.