GREEK CULTURE AND THE MYTHS

Myth characteristics  They function on simple logic and are believable, even if not true.  They contain some “god or goddess” interacting with humans or the physical world.  They often teach a lesson OR they explain something about human behavior or the natural world.

 While mythology is entertaining, and was used that way during festivals and holidays, mythology also had a purpose.  Mythology was a way for people to explain the “unexplainable” events and items in their world, things they couldn’t explain often due to a lack of technology.

It’s important to remember that while myths tried to explain things to a culture, they also revealed the values and fears of a culture.

Greek values  Living a balanced life  Keeping your pride in check  Honoring the gods  Doing right by your family  Contributing to your social group or family  Developing intellectual and physical skills – (strategy as well as weaving or physical strength)

Greek fears Being exiled from society (family or town) Anger of and punishment by the gods Attack by unknown forces Rebellion – not having the courage to fight injustice OR dealing with those who wanted to change a just system. Which myths from HGM connect to these fears?

In other words, myths…  Have simple, believable logic, even if not true.  Contain some “god or goddess” interacting with humans or the world.  Teach a lesson, such as hubris, following directions, avoiding extremes OR they explain something about human behavior or the natural world.

Quietly please! Something to write with would be good, too. YOU NEED PAPER NOW

Set up the brainstorm for YOUR myth  Front of the new page – write “ TEACHES A LESSON” in a bubble in the middle of the page  Back of the page – write “explains the world/human behavior” in a bubble in the middle of the page  FILL the page by branching off those clouds. Both clouds need at least three branches.  Which gods/goddesses will you include/create for your myth?  Keep your writing LEGIBLE.

Spend some time on your brainstorm working out details. Jumping to the story too soon leads to problems with the story later. NOT A CHALLENGE, just an observation… DO NOT WRITE THE STORY YET!

Next time you should have…  Both brainstorms completed and ready to share with a neighbor (handwriting!)