Boo! Things that Go Bump in the Night:
Mythical Monsters
Engage
ETYMOLOGY: the study of the history and
historical meaning of words over time.
In English, we use [the word] monster to describe something or
someone outside the bounds of acceptable form or behavior.
Let’s really dig into the etymology of the word monster. By doing so,
we will get a much better understanding of how complex the concept
of “monster” actually is.
monster (n.)
-Early 14thc: , monstre, "malformed animal or human, creature
afflicted with a birth defect,"
-12thc: Latin monstrum "divine omen (especially one indicating
misfortune), portent, sign; abnormal shape; monster,
monstrosity," -figuratively "repulsive character, object of dread,
awful deed, abomination,"
-monere "to remind, bring to (one's) recollection, tell (of);
admonish, advise, warn, instruct, teach,"
-1550: sense of "person of inhuman cruelty or wickedness, person
regarded with horror because of moral deformity"
-In Old English, the monster Grendel was an aglæca, a word
related to aglæc "calamity, terror, distress, oppression."
Please respond:
What do these definitions suggest to you about “monsters”?
Why do you think humans “create” monsters?
What is the purpose of a monster?
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What is the purpose of the “monster” in
mythology?
Learning Outcomes
● By the end of this task you should the characteristics of a
monster
● By the end of this task, you should be able to extract precise
information from a video
● By the end of the task you should be able to create a monster
and orally describe the choices you made in the creation of
aforementioned monster.
Please view the following RESPOND to the following
Video: Monsters. They’re questions:
Us, Man.
1. What makes a monster, a
If you need it for later, here monster?
is the TRANSCRIPT for
this video.
2.Why are “social norms”
important when we decide
whether a creature is a monster or
not?
3. According to the video, what
are some reasons monsters exist?
A.
B.
C.
D.
4.Can you have a hero without a
monster? Yes, no, or maybe?
5. Summarize the story of the
Windigo. Include at least 4 points.
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1.
2.
3.
4.
What makes the Windigo, the
“quintessential” monster?
Quintessential mean “perfect
example of”.
5. How is it possible that “monsters
are us”? What does this mean?
Extend
If you complete your work or need MORE because you are
curious, here is another informative video about
Mythology. Watch it and then discuss it with either your
teacher, or family, or one of your classmates.
1. Crash Course’s Serpents and Dragons
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