Comparative Mythology
Greek Gods Essay Assignment
Mythology
(50 pts.)
You will be writing about one of the topics below. Your finished product should be one-and-a-half to two
pages in length and in MLA format. There are no quote or citation requirements.
Create your own myth. You may set this myth in ancient Greece or in modern times, but not in the future. You may
use Greek gods as a basis or create your own deities. Bring your written pre-writing to class so that I can review it
at the beginning of the hour. Please use the back of this sheet to do pre-writing. Remember that one of the purposes
of myths is to entertain.
1.
Write a myth about a hero that you create. Incorporate as many of the common elements and characteristics as
you can and use a heroic journey. One possibility is the Firebird. Your pre-writing must include the hero, her
great deeds or journey, the setting, the common elements you will use, and all deities involved.
2.
Write an etiological myth about a modern device or phenomenon. Possible topics include pollution, nuclear
power, e-mail, computers, faxes, copy machines, toasters, and refrigerators. This list is only a beginning.
However, you may not use any type of phone. Your pre-writing must include the device you are going to
explain the origins of, how it comes to be, the setting, and all deities involved.
Or
1.
Discuss the significance of tests and quests. Discuss at least three characters subjected to tests, their tests,
and who subjected them to these tests.
2.
Choose one of the five heroes read in class, and discuss all the common elements of a hero and tell how
her or his life exhibits them.
1
Pre-Writing (10 pts.)
Topic:___________________________
Thesis:____________________________________
__________________________________________
First paragraph idea:
Second paragraph idea:
Third paragraph idea:
Conclusion statement
2