Greek Mythology
While reading The Odyssey, knowledge of Greek gods, goddesses, creatures, and heroes will help you understand and enjoy the story better.
"'Myth has two main functions," the poet and scholar Robert Graves wrote in 1955. "The first is to answer the sort of awkward questions that children ask, such as ‘Who made the world? How will it end? Who was the first man? Where do souls go after death?…The second function of myth is to justify an existing social system and account for traditional rites and customs." In ancient Greece, stories about gods and goddesses and heroes and monsters were an important part of everyday life. They explained everything from religious rituals to the weather, and they gave meaning to the world people saw around them." (Historychannel.com). |
Assignment Instructions:
In groups of 6, teach the class about your assigned topic.
- Research your chosen topic. (Divide the items on the list as evenly as possible).
- Create a presentation with visuals that is 10-12 minutes long. (You can use notes when you present).
- Every group member should speak for approximately the same amount of time. Everyone must contribute!
- Include a list of URLs from ALL websites you take information from.
Group 1
Gods & Goddesses: Zeus Hera Ares Aphrodite Poseidon Helios Athena Hermes Circe Apollo Artemis Hades Persephone Dionysus |
Group 2
Creatures: Titans Cyclops Sirens Scylla Charybdis Harpies Cerberus Medusa The Minotaur Graeae Centaur Erinyes (furies) |
Group 3
Heroes: Hercules Achilles Perseus Theseus Jason Orpheus |
Group 4
Famous Tales: Sisyphus King Midas Prometheus Pandora Icarus Narcissus |
Submission Instructions:
Bring your presentation to class on Wednesday, Aug 17. Two groups will present on Wednesday (randomly chosen) and two groups will present on Thursday, (This due date has been pushed back due to macbook re-imaging).
Grading:
You will receive a group grade for this assignment based on the check-bric below: