1. English II

2. A story that is usually of known origin and at least partially traditional. Relates to historical events usually to explain some practice, belief, institution, or phenomenon. Especially associated with religious rites and beliefs.

3. Myths are part of every society, for they help answer difficult questions. Myths are: Simply the imaginative product of a primitive mind Sacred tales Myths were pure fantasy masquerading as reality Depict and reveal behavior and problems common to all humans

4. Simply put: To “Know Thyself” is why we study myths To Teach: How to behave in society A moral directive To Explain: Man’s origin The existence of natural phenomena Political origins

5. Oral History passed by word of mouth They WERE NOT written down A clever storyteller or poet would add touches to the myths in order to keep the audiences attention The versions of the same myth would differ due to how the storyteller embellished it

6. They are eluded to in literature. The gods, demigods, and the heroes of myth play a part in music Myths have influenced the arts Myths are an important link to the past. Although they are NOT true, they provide details of day-to-day life.

7. What is a HERO? A being endowed with great courage and strength celebrated for bold exploits and favored by the gods.

8. Greek Heroes met SOME or ALL of the following descriptions: The hero usually had an unusual birth. His father was often immortal, while his mother was mortal. He was born into royalty. There’s often a prophecy about the hero’s birth. The hero had some accomplishment from his childhood that indicated his potential as a hero. As soon as he reached manhood, the hero chose a dangerous adventure.

9. The hero came face to face with death and returned from his encounter with honor and fame. He married (royalty perhaps). He was forced to leave his homeland again due to an error in judgment. He experienced a violent or unusual death. Normally his was buried without honor.

10. Greek heroes were destroyers as well as conquerors. Greek heroes may have been in a contest or asked to perform a special task of some kind.