1. Greek & Roman
Mythology

3. The Beginning

4. 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

5. The Perspectives

6. 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
Demonstrates our potential for greatness no matter how humble one’s circumstances are

7. 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

8. 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

9. Origin Myth Activity
Read
Demeter & Persephone
Genesis
Bushmen

10. Hero: An Archetype

11. Hero: An Archetype
What makes a person a hero?

12. 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

13. 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…

14. 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?

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

16. The Hero’s Journey: 8 Steps Process

17. 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

18. I. Separation: Crossing the Threshold

19. 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

20. II. Initiation: Into the Abyss

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. The Odyssey

25. Mapping the Journey

26. The Challenges

27. Challenge of Temptation: Calypso & Circe

28. Intellectual Challenges: Polyphemus

29. Challenges of Choice: Scylla & Charybdis

30. The Return

31. Return: Fate vs. Free will

32. Conclusion