Greek & Roman Mythology

The Beginning

The Purpose of Myths Entertaining stories with a serious purpose They were to explain the nature of the universe or how people should behave in a particular culture or society

Types of Myths Origin Myths-how the universe, humans, and agriculture came to be -creator-god(s) -universal roles -not all cultures are concerned with the origin of gods; they emphasize creation of their specific people Heroic Myths-teach members of a culture their morals, values, and acceptable behaviors -adventure stories that humans can relate to -show strength & weakness through choices and actions -immortality is achieved by leaving a lasting impression -common theme is desire vs. social responsibility

The Perspectives

The Principal Gods-The Titans Chaos Atlas 300 Hundred-Handed Giants Gaea Uranus Ourea 3 Cyclops Pontus Epimetheus Helios 13 Titans Prometheus Selene Rhea Oceanus

Origin Myth Activity Read Demeter & Persephone Genesis Bushmen

Structure of Origin Myths A narrated story containing a change of circumstances No one has a recollection or source stating where & when the story began The significance of the story impacts how we all should live today Claims that it has taken place-it is factual Other people outside of the story’s origin have opposing views There is no known author http://www.stenudd.com/myth/mythlogics.htm

Hero: An Archetype

Hero: An Archetype What makes a person a hero?

The Hero’s Journey: “The Pattern of Human Experience” “An odyssey, or journey, is a process of self-discovery and self-integration, of maintaining balance and harmony in our lives. As with any process of growth and change, a journey can be confusing and painful, but it brings opportunities to develop confidence, perspective and understanding”-Reg Harris

Literary Analysis: The Archetypal Perspective A recognizable pattern in literature for plot design, character types, &/or images Although diverse, these patterns reflect universal themes across cultures (based on Carl Jung & Joseph Campbell’s work) Common Themes: death-rebirth, heaven-hell, rebel-hero, good-evil…

the setting & time period the characters & creatures Visualize... the setting & time period the characters & creatures the actions & emotions of the characters vizualize the journey...what do you remember?

The Hero’s Journey: “The Pattern of Human Experience” RITE OF PASSAGE

The Hero’s Journey: 8 Steps Process

I. Separation: The Call Invites us/the character into adventure Opportunity to face the unknown and gain something physically or spiritually We may be willing or unwilling to go forth Reclaim something that was taken from us Quest to find what is missing from our life Restore honor Fight for the rights of members in our society

I. Separation: Crossing the Threshold

II. Initiation: The Challenges Physical or psychological Increase in difficulty so one builds skill, maturity & confidence They force us to change and grow Have to differentiate from helpers & “tempters” Strike our greatest weaknesses: fear, doubt, lack of knowledge, poorer skills Acknowledge & face the weaknesses to change them from “demons” to become a strength

II. Initiation: Into the Abyss

Initiation: Transformation & Revelation Transformation-a process of change One must conquer the abyss in order to have a transformative experience Death-birth: part of us must die so we can be reborn Revelation-A sudden dramatic change in the way we think and view life Makes us a different person than we were prior to the journey

II. Initiation: The Atonement At one with ourselves A new sense of self: reborn The imbalance which sent us on the journey has been corrected

III. Return III. The Return Return to everyday life Discovery of our true gift Begin contributing to our society Return to everyday life Discovery of our true gift Begin contributing to our society/share our new message Our message may be rejected Our new “self” might be corrupted & return to who we were before the journey Frustrated that those around us do not have the same level of awareness

The Odyssey

Mapping the Journey

The Challenges

Intellectual Challenges: Polyphemus

Challenges of Choice: Scylla & Charybdis

Challenge of Temptation: Calypso & Circe

The Return

Return: Fate vs. Free will

Conclusion