1. Traditional Literature Characteristics
Short stories that are told verbally from generation to generation as part of the oral tradition.
Old stories whose origins are not always identifiable; sometimes the original text of the story is not written down.
Plot and characters of these stories are usually simple.
Usually display cultural values of people living where the story originated (i.e., importance of family, importance of hard work, telling the truth, etc.)
Usually teaches a lesson of some kind that demonstrates a universal truth about humanity.

2. Types of Traditional Literature
Mythology
Fairy Tales
Folk Tales
Tall Tales
Fables
Legends
Epics

3. Characteristics of Mythology
Mythology: A traditional story that was created to explain the mysteries of the universe.
Often explains how something connected with humans or nature came to be.
Reveals consequences of good and bad behavior.
Features Gods or other beings who have supernatural powers with human-like flaws (i.e., greed, jealousy, hubris, vanity, etc.)
Greek myths are best known, but there are myths from all over the world including Egypt, Africa, South America, Native American, Australian, Asian, etc.

4. Family Tree of Greek Mythology

5. Possible Examples Might Include…
Mythology 1. 2.
Possible Defining Characteristics
I think I know that…
I’m curious about… 4.
3. When I think of this term, the images that come to mind are…
Possible Examples Might Include…
Draw It!