Greek Mythology
Overview of Myths and Activities included in presentation
1) Introductory Lesson – What is a Myth
a. Identify the elements of a Myth in Pandora’s Box – Student
Worksheet included
b. Retell Pandora’s Box
2) Odysseus and the Cyclops – Choice Activities with assignment sheet
and criteria sheet
3) Daedalus and Icarus – Sort and Predict Strategy, Flip Book
4) Echo and Narcissus – Choice Activity for defining narcissism.
5) Prometheus and Fire – Identifying plot elements. Creating a poster
showing the journey of the main character. Includes Student
Worksheet.
6) Assorted Activities to be used with Mythology. Final choice activity
with Evaluation sheet.
Other myths to consider reading to give a wider base of to draw on
from the assorted activities
Demeter and Persephone, The Seasons of Time
Pegasus the Winged Horse
Perseus and Medusa
King Midas
Introductory Lesson:
What is Mythology?
Notes:
A Myth is a traditional story whose original author is
unknown.
The Key elements of myths:
1. They utilize the supernatural. This includes the
inclusion of Gods and people with extraordinary
strength and/or power. Gods will usually intervene to
help or change something.
2. Myths explain the nature of humanity. They try to
show what people are really like by showing human
weaknesses and then teaching a lesson or giving a
warning.
3. Myths explain something about the earth.
Mythology is the study of Myths.
After completing notes and discussion about the three key
elements in a Myth, read Pandora’s box orally.
Students then complete the student worksheet, on which they
identify the key elements of a Myth in Pandora’s Box.
They with then rewrite the myth from Pandora’s Point of
View.
They will need to include details as to why she
opened the box, and how she felt afterwards. They need to
keep true the format of a Myth, and include the three key
elements in her retelling.
Name: ________________________
Pandora’s Box – What is a Myth?
Part A: Elements of a Myth
In the space provided, identify the parts of a myth in Pandora’s Box.
1) The Supernatural
Who is the God / Goddess in this myth and how do they interfere in and/or change
life?
__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
2) The Nature of Humanity
What does this myth explain and/or tell about human nature?
__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
3) Explanation About the Earth
What does this myth explain about Earth?
__________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
Part B: Retelling the Myth
On a separate piece of paper, retell the story of Pandora’s Box from her point of view. In
your retelling be sure to include the following things:
o Why she opened the box
o How she felt after opening the box
o The Three elements of a Myth
o The Supernatural
o The Nature of Humanity
o Explanation About the Earth.
Lesson Idea for Echo and Narcissus
Read Echo and Narcissus as a class
After reading the myth. Discuss the following points as a class. Write responses and
ideas on chart paper or the white board.
Key Questions:
What kind of person is Narcissus? Generate a list of words to describe him
Why is he “narcissistic” i.e. totally in love with himself?
How is this different then having a healthy self-image?
Why is his punishment fitting?
Then assign the following choice task. The following tasks all have the same outcome,
demonstrating an understanding of what it means / looks like to be narcissistic. The
different tasks allow the students to have choice in the delivery of that information.
Assignment: “Don’t Be Like Narcissus”
Topic A: Create an advertisement that stresses the message “Don’t Be Like Narcissus.”
Be sure to include what is and isn’t narcissistic behaviour.
Topic B: Create a collage of images with captions. On one side, include images of selfabsorbed people acting in particularly grating ways, or celebrities / models demonstrating
narcissistic behaviour. On the other side, include images of people doing the opposite.
Or
Topic C:
Write a set of rules outlining what it is and isn’t narcissistic behaviour.
Name: _________________________
Prometheus and Fire
Part A: Identify the elements of the Story
Who are the gods or goddesses involved in this myth?
What is the problem?
What is the climax?
What is the resolution?
What is the moral of the myth?
Do you agree with consequences / actions of Prometheus?
Part B: Poster Assignment
On an 11x17 piece of paper create a movie poster for the
story of Prometheus.
Be sure to include the following
o Title of the Movie (story)
o Key Characters in the movie
o The director and the Producer
o An image from the movie
o Review and commentary about the movie.
Name: _______________
Prometheus Movie Poster Evaluation
Content:
/20
o Title of the Movie (story)
o Key Characters in the movie
o The director and the Producer
o An image from the movie
o Review and commentary about the movie.
Overall Presentation:
Grand Total:
/5
/25
Name: _______________
Prometheus Movie Poster Evaluation
Content:
/20
o Title of the Movie (story)
o Key Characters in the movie
o The director and the Producer
o An image from the movie
o Review and commentary about the movie.
Overall Presentation:
Grand Total:
/5
/25
Name: _______________
Final Greek Mythology Assignment
For this assignment, you have to choose two of the following activities. Each activity
incorporates a written and artistic component. All artwork must be done by hand, no
clipart etc. Each activity is work 20 marks. This includes 10 for the written portion and
10 for the artistic component.
1. Postcard
Pick a location form one of the myths we have read
Design a postcard with a picture of that location on one side
Write on the back to a friend about your adventure visiting there, including who
or what your saw there.
2. Create your own Greek God / Goddess
Come up with a new god or goddess to add to the Mt. Olympus Family!
Explain his or her birth, special gifts and a famous adventure
Show how he/she fits into the Mt. Olympus family
Include a picture
3. Letter Writing
Pretend you are a character in one of the myths; write a letter to another character
in the myth.
Then, write a letter back as that character.
Be sure to discuss the main events that both were involved in, and their
perspective on the event
For each letter, include an illustrated boarder and an envelope with an original
stamp design.
4. Sporting Event
Design an original sporting event that a god or goddess would have liked to play.
Write a description of the game, the rules, number of players, object of the game,
and other important information.
Include a picture of where they would play the game, equipment and uniforms.
5. Poem / Song
Create an original poem or song about a god / goddess
Be sure to include information about his/her personality, duties and adventures.
Illustrate your poem or song
6. Obituary
Write a one-page obituary announcing the death of a mythological creature
Include highlights of his / her life, cause of death, and other important
information. Include a picture of the mythological creature.
Name: _________________
Final Greek Mythology Marking Sheet
Activity #1 ___________________________________
Written Component:
/10
(includes content, spelling, organization)
Comments:__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Artistic Component:
/10
Comments:__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Total Mark:
/20
Activity #2 ___________________________________
Written Component:
/10
(includes content, spelling, organization)
Comments:__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Artistic Component:
/10
Comments:__________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Total Mark:
Grand Total:
/20
/40