After reading some examples of creation myths and epics, you will create your own myth about the creation of a natural phenomenon. This phenomenon could be the creation of the world, a natural element, or an emotion. It could also explain the way things are today regarding social, political, psychological, historical, and/or religious issues. The idea must be original.
Your myth must, of course, be appropriate for the classroom.
You will create a plot for the story, and then convey the myth through one of the following media:
 Drama—play/skit (group of 2-4; requires group member evaluation)
 Short story (minimum 3 pages)
 Video (group of 2-4; requires group member evaluation)
 Poem (minimum 30 lines)
 Artwork (requires a one-page paper explanation)
You will need to turn in scripts/outlines for the drama and video projects, and they must be 5 minutes at minimum. Every group member must have a significant role.
You will need to turn in rough and typed final drafts for short story and poem.
You will need to turn in artwork and one-page paper for the art project.
Use the myths from class as examples:
“The Cyclops” and “Odysseus and Penelope” from The Odyssey
Norse creation myth
Mayan creation myth
“Demeter and Persephone”
“Coyote and the Origins of Death”

ORIGINAL MYTH RUBRIC
NAME:_____________________________________________________________ PERIOD:_____
Category
Elements of
Myth
Weight=5
1
Myth fails to display elements of ancient Greek myths and offers no explanation for something
Character
Development
Weight=5
Characters are poorly developed through vague description with no dialogue. Gods and goddesses may not be included.
Plot
Weight=5
Spelling,
Grammar,
Punctuation
Weight= 3
Progression of events is poorly developed and sequenced.
Plot is scarce and may not make sense.
Conclusion is not satisfactory.
Writing does not demonstrate control of language.
2
Myth contains few elements specific to ancient Greek myths and offers a weak explanation for something
Characters are developed through vague description and minimal dialogue. Their actions and the actions/reactions of others are somewhat explained. Gods and goddesses are included.
Progression of events is somewhat scattered, and the events may not seem connected to the rest of the story. Provides a conclusion that may be rushed or underdeveloped.
Myth contains some elements specific to ancient Greek myths and offers a vague explanation of something
Most characters are sufficiently developed through description/dialogue.
The actions/reactions of others are somewhat explained.
Gods/goddesses are characters.
Mostly demonstrates a logical progression of events. Sequence of events shows some planning/thought.
Provides a conclusion that is reasonable.
Writing has 5 or more errors.
3
Writing has 3-4 grammatical errors.
4 5
Myth contains several elements specific to ancient Greek myths and offers an explanation of a natural phenomenon
Most characters are fully developed through description and dialogue. Their actions and the actions/reactions of others are explained. Gods and goddesses are central characters.
Mostly demonstrates smooth progression of events. Generally sequences events so that they build on one another to create a whole.
Provides a conclusion that is logical.
Myth contains most elements specific to ancient Greek myths and offers a logical explanation of a natural/universal phenomenon
All characters are developed fully through vivid description and dialogue. Their actions and the actions/reactions of others are clearly explained. Gods and goddesses are central.
Demonstrates smooth progression of experiences/ events.
Sequences events so that they build on one another to create a coherent whole.
Provides a conclusion that follows from what is experienced over the course of the narrative.
Writing only contains 1-2 grammatical errors.
No grammatical/stylistic errors are present.
Following
Directions
Weight=2
Myth does not follow directions.
Myth follows few directions.
Myth somewhat follows directions.
Myth generally follows directions.
Myth perfectly follows directions and goes above and beyond minimum requirements.
Points
Earned