Senior English: Myth, Folklore, and Legend
Honors Project
Choose only one of the following options. Note the written requirements for each project
depending on which option you choose:
Option 1: Select a culture, whether ancient or contemporary, and explore the stories that form a
significant part of that people's beliefs and/or identity. In an analytical and reflective essay, discuss the
following questions: Which story(ies) do you find most compelling to you? What is the essence of each
story? What values or principles does the story convey? What are some of the archetypal and universal
qualities of the story? What qualities of the story seem more unique and particular to that culture?
typed, double-spaced, type size 12, one inch margins, 3 pages minimum
Option 2: "The Ages of Humanity": In reflecting on both the Greek and Hindu ideas about the condition
of human civilization, write an argumentative essay in which you define which Age you believe our
society most closely corresponds with, in either the Greek or Hindu view. To support your position,
research and cite current examples of the qualities which define our age, such as current levels of
violence, or dishonesty, or materialism… or perhaps virtues and heroism, depending on which Age you
identify for us. You will need at least 3 sources of research, and these must be cited in your essay.
typed, double-spaced, type size 12, one inch margins, 3 pages minimum, 3 cited sources
Option 3: "Modern Adaptation": Many of our favorite stories from ancient cultures have been preserved
through contemporary retellings. And, in some cases, modern stories have been inspired by some of the
archetypal characters and structures of other stories. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings has some of the elements
of the Norse Saga of the Volsungs, for example. Modern super heroes like Superman are similar to
ancient characters and their trials. For this option, choose a modern, mythical story—which can be a
book or a film version—and analyze a major theme of the work, as well as the mythic or archetypal
elements of the story. This could be a retelling, like Disney's Aladdin, or it could be a new story with
ancient inspiration, like The Dark Knight. It can be from a variety of genres, whether fantasy, drama,
science fiction, romance, etc.
typed, double-spaced, type size 12, one inch margins, 3 pages minimum
Option 4: "Un-Fair-y-Tales" One definition of a fairy tale is a story about magical or fantastical
characters and events, usually intended to entertain and teach children. These can often be some of our
favorite stories. But, there is a potential dark side to these tales. Whether intentionally or unintentionally,
these stories can teach children unhealthy ideas about social norms and expectations. The word fair can
be associated with both ideas of justice and things that are pleasing and beautiful to our senses and minds.
With this in mind, choose a fairy tale and write an argumentative essay in which you discuss how the
story may teach ideas to its audience that can be unhealthy—unfair. Discuss the unjust or the ugly side to
the fairy tale and how this can be seen in society through modern trends in thinking and behaving.
typed, double-spaced, type size 12, one inch margins, 3 pages minimum
Option 5: "Discussion Moderator": For this option, you will be the discussion moderator for the
class period. You will choose a text that you find is strongly connected to the ideas of myth we
have explored this semester. The text should be something we can read in twenty minutes or
less. This could be an essay, short story, poem, short film, piece of music, etc. As the discussion
moderator, you will guide the discussion we have of the text you have chosen by planning and
using key questions throughout the class period. In addition to moderating and guiding the
discussion, you will write an essay in which you discuss a major theme of the text.
typed, double-spaced, type size 12, one inch margins, 2 pages minimum
Option 6: "Delusions and Deceptions": Another definition of myth is an idea or belief that is
widely held as true, but is actually false. For this option, choose an idea or belief which you
think is false and write an argumentative essay to support why the belief is false. Discuss the
way this idea or belief has shaped or impacted our society, then develop why you think it is false.
You may also discuss what you think has been the harm of this idea or belief.
typed, double-spaced, type size 12, one inch margins, 3 pages minimum
Option 7: "Myth, Legends, and Folktales in the Arts": Mythology, legends, and folktales have
long been the inspiration and subject matter for artists, whether literary, musical, visual, or
performing. For this option, select a work of literary, musical, visual, or performing art that
strongly alludes to or depicts a myth, legend, or folktale. This may be one or more poems,
paintings, pieces of music, film, or a performance (such as interpretive dance or drama). For
your essay, discuss how the artist depicts or intermixes elements of the original story into the
artistic work. How do the artistic choices shape the artist's message?
typed, double-spaced, type size 12, one inch margins, 3 pages minimum
Option 8: Select a myth, legend, or folktale from a culture, whether ancient or contemporary,
and create an original work of art (visual, literary, performance) that is your own response or
depiction of the story. This could be a painting, drawing, sculpture, series of photographs (3 or
more), film, poetry (minimum of 50 lines divided over 1-10 poems), short story, music, dance,
drama, or film. Along with the piece of original art, you will write an essay discussing your
artistic choices in responding to or depicting the story. Only choose this option if this is an area
of strength for you, as your grade will be a reflection of the artistry and quality of your work.
typed, double-spaced, type size 12, one inch margins, 2 pages minimum