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Myths and Legends
Dec. 2, 2014
SWBAT analyze the importance of “time” in myths.
Time…if it exists
• For the next several days we’ll be exploring a variety of themes within
myths and legends.
• Please make sure you give me your “love” myth if you have not
already. (I received nothing in my email or in my inbox)
• I will continue handing back work.
Do Now
• Turn and share – What are your favorite stories (books, movies, tv
shows, etc…) about “time”?
In groups of four – Come to a consensus
• Would you rather go back in time or go to the future?
• How far back in time would you go, or how far into the future would
you go? ….would you return to the present if you could?
• What would your purpose be? Explain.
• If you could not return to the present, what would you miss the
most?
Time After Time
• Swbat analyze how Urashima Taro and what “time” means in their own lives.
DISCUSS
• Would you leave everything behind if you found the
person of your dreams?
• What would your fear be of returning home three
years later for a visit?
Read Urashima Taro
History
• The name Urashima Tarō first appears in the 15th century
(the Muromachi period), in a genre of illustrated popular
fiction known as otogizōshi; however, the story itself is much
older, dating back to the 8th century (the Nara Period). The
story bears a striking similarity to folktales from other
cultures, including the American legend of Rip Van Winkle,
Irish legend of Oisín, and the earlier Chinese legend of
Ranka.
Yo, that phrase is so not cool anymore. Got
it, daddy-o?
• "Urashima Jyotai" (浦島状態) is a phrase used in popular
culture to describe someone who has been left behind by
the times, or otherwise rendered unaware of his changing
environment. It can also be used describe someone who is
unfamiliar with a formerly familiar surrounding, upon his
return from an absence.
The Seven Sleepers
• Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, the heroes of a famous legend
that, because it affirmed the resurrection of the dead, had a
lasting popularity in all Christendom and in Islam during the
Middle Ages. According to the story, during the persecution
of Christians (250 ce) under the Roman emperor Decius,
seven (eight in some versions) Christian soldiers were
concealed near their native city of Ephesus in a cave to which
the entry was later sealed. There, having protected
themselves from being forced to do pagan sacrifices, they
fell into a miraculous sleep.
Continued…
• During the reign (408–450 ce) of the Eastern Roman
emperor Theodosius II, the cave was reopened, and the
Sleepers awoke. The emperor was moved by their
miraculous presence and by their witness to their Christian
doctrine of the body’s resurrection. Having explained the
profound meaning of their experience, the Seven died,
whereupon Theodosius ordered their remains to be richly
enshrined, and he absolved all bishops who had been
persecuted for believing in the Resurrection.
Worksheet
1. Complete the first two questions of the worksheet. (Discuss after)
• 2. We will read the “Time” handout as a class.
• 3. Answer Questions 3 and 4
• 4. Read about Cronus. (The God of Time)
Exit ticket
• What is the difference between the Japanese and the
Christian tale’s ending? What might this say about what the
cultures wanted teach?