Olympians and Ancient Voices:
Ideas for Using Mythology in the Classroom
Nancy Irons and Danja Mahoney
Blueprint for Educational Excellence National Institute
Reading Memorial High School
April 15, 2011
Greek Myths, Organized by Theme
Love
Cupid and Psyche
Pygmalion
Pyramus and Thisbe
Transformation
Daphne and Apollo
King Midas
Echo and Narcissus
Arachne
Baucis and Philemon
Callisto
Stories of Human Hubris
Daedalus and Icarus
Phaethon
Creation Stories
Prometheus
Pandora’s Box
Stories of Heroes
Odysseus
Hercules
Theseus
Jason and the Argonauts
Perseus
Bellerophon and Pegasus
The Underworld
Orpheus and Eurydice
Hades and Persephone
Aeneas
Odysseus
Hercules and Cerberus
Sisyphus
Tantalus
Ixion
Myths Organized by God and Goddess
Zeus/Jupiter
Dionysus/Bacchus
Baucis and Philemon
Prometheus
Pandora’s Box
Europa
Callisto
Dionysus and the sailors
Athena/Minerva
Poseidon/Neptune
The contest for Athens
Apollo
The contest over Athens
Arachne
Daphne
Phaethon
Niobe
Aphrodite/Venus
Hades/Pluto
Adonis
Cupid and Psyche
Atalanta and Hippomenes
Pygmalion and Galatea
Hera/Juno
Io
The kidnapping of Persephone
Orpheus and Eurydice
Artemis/Diana
Endymion
Orion
Niobe
Useful Sources for Greek and Roman Mythology—Books
Recommended by Nancy Irons
Aliki. The Gods and Goddesses of Olympus. London: HarperCollins, 1997.
This book is meant for younger readers and gives information about the Greek gods and
goddesses. Interesting illustrations.
Allan, Tony, and Sara Maitland. Titans and Olympians: Greek & Roman Myth.
Amsterdam: Time-Life, 1997. This book contains myths organized by god/goddess. The
set-up is easy to read and is approachable for students. Includes many pictures from
ancient art.
Amery, Heather, Linda Edwards, and Jenny Tyler. Usborne Greek Myths. Tulsa, OK:
EDC Pub., 2001. A kid-friendly book that students would enjoy reading. It's a small book
that contains lots of information and beautiful illustrations.
Barnett, Mary, and Michael Dixon. Gods and Myths of Ancient Greece. New York,
NY: SMITHMARK, 1996. This book is unusual because every description of a god or
hero is accompanied by relevant images from ancient artwork. Students may be put off
by the tiny font size of the text, but this book is a great source.
Connolly, Peter. Greek Legends: the Stories, the Evidence. New York: Barnes &
Noble, 1994. This book is a good source for the legends of Perseus, Hercules, Jason, and
Theseus.
D'Aulaire, Ingri, and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire. D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths. Garden
City, NY: Doubleday, 1980. This book is a classic of children's literature. Contains lots
of valuable information about the gods and heroes. Appealing to people of all ages.
Edgar, Frank, and Sheri Leigh Lewis. Greek and Roman Mythology: [Social Studies
Activity Book]. [Rockville, MD.]: Mark Twain Media, 1994. This activity book contains
myth readings and review sheets that can be photocopied and given to students. Contains
lots of information on the heroes and the Trojan War.
Evslin, Bernard, and William Hofmann. Heroes, Gods and Monsters of the Greek
Myths. New York: Dell Laurel-Leaf, 2005. Myths are told in story format with
interesting dialogue. No pictures.
Gibson, Michael, and Giovanni Caselli. Gods, Men & Monsters from the Greek
Myths. New York: P. Bedrick, 1991. This book contains a wealth of information on the
gods and heroes. Students will like the interesting illustrations.
Herzberg, Max J. Myths and Their Meaning. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, 1984. An
extremely useful textbook on Greek mythology. Myths are arranged by theme and there
is a lot of information on the Greek heroes.
Low, Alice, and Arvis L. Stewart. The Macmillan Book of Greek Gods and Heroes.
New York: Macmillan, 1985. I discovered this book recently and started using it as a text
in class immediately. Myths are told in story format and are written in an approachable
style. The illustrations are beautiful.
Ovid, and Horace Gregory. The Metamorphoses. Mentor, 1958. This is an English
translation of a Latin poem by Ovid. The poem weaves together many famous myths and
focuses on the theme of transformation.
Useful Online Sources for Greek and Roman Mythology
Recommended by Danja Mahoney
http://www.unrv.com/culture/mythology.php - UNRV [United Nations of Roma Victrix]
A good general introduction to the gods and goddesses. Lists the major and minor gods
and gives a brief description but no longer stories. Their page on Roman Religion
http://www.unrv.com/culture/roman-religion.php gives a good description (though
perhaps HS reading level) about the Romans’ attitude to the gods and the cults that
emerged during the empire.
http://www.pantheon.org/areas/mythology/europe/roman/ Encyclopedia Mythica is a
very complete source of information for mythology from around the world. This is also
an introduction that lists the basic facts about the gods and goddesses. The reading level
is more advanced and the site may be difficult for younger/inexperienced students to
navigate. There are so many links and connections that could be followed that it might be
easy to get lost in the site and lose track of your goal.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roman_mythology - Wikipedia - Since we all go here
anyway, let’s talk about it! Like the Encyclopedia Mythica, the huge number of links to
other sources could easily lead unfocused students astray. But the essential facts are
accurate and there are always sources listed at the bottom of the page. On the left side (in
the Toolbox) there’s a single button that allows you to cite the page. I insist my students
cite Wikipedia if they use it.
http://www.angelfire.com/geek/romanmyth/ - Roman Mythology - this is written for a
younger reading level and details the basic facts of each god or goddess. There is a
(multiple choice) quiz that students can use to test their knowledge as they go. However,
this site has advertisements that might be distracting or lead to filtering issues. Also, the
site is wordy and does not contain many images.
http://www.theoi.com/ - Theoi Greek Mythology is a very comprehensive site on all
things mythological. There are many images, usually taken from ancient sources such as
mosaics, clay vessels, or sculpture. As with many sites, the links + reading level might
lead distracted students astray. There is a lot of information for teachers and parents who
are guiding students in their research. And you can’t find another site with original
images like this.
http://www.mythweb.com/ - MythWeb is designed for students (MS reading level, in my
opinion). The illustrations are cartoons and make the site attractive and inviting. The
section on Heroes allows students to explore the primary legends of the great Greek
Heroes. The Hercules page even has a version in Latin (late Latin 1 or early Latin 2). The
main image on the Olympians page has imagery that could be used as either a quick intro
to see what students already know or as a final assessment.
http://www.bartleby.com/181/ - Bulfinch Mythology - the original book (last published in
1913) brought to the web. There are links to connect sources. Written at an advanced
reading level, but accessible for adults and based directly on Ovid.
http://rome.mrdonn.org/gods.html - Mr. Donn’s Roman gods and
http://greece.mrdonn.org/myths.html - Mr. Donn’s Greek myths
Both sites are designed for younger readers with cute pictures and appealing storytelling.
There are many links - often to other sites - that can be useful for teachers and students.
These are worth exploring.
http://www.greek-islands.us/greek-gods/ - Greek Gods - this page has a nice (and
detailed) family tree of the gods, beginning with Chaos and down to the Olympian gods.
The video at the bottom of the page (about 20 minutes, I think) is a nice intro to the gods.
Preview it, though. It might be good for independent viewing.
http://www.mythman.com/ - MythMan - MYTH MAN’S AWARD-WINNING
HOMEWORK HELP! - If this is how he sells himself, teachers should know about it,
right? These descriptions are written with students in mind. The site is factual, based on
Robert Graves and Bulfinch, with mentions of the source usually on each page. Most
pages have several images (sometimes a pictography is linked at the bottom). My biggest
concern here is the lack of citation, particularly of images. His image gallery is extensive
but since there are no citations, it’s hard to imagine that none of the images is
copyrighted.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/primaryhistory/ancient_greeks/gods_and_heroes/ - BBC
Ancient Greek gods and heroes - Many of the BBC sites are designed to meet the
curriculum for British schools. The Greeks and Romans must be taught during the late
elementary + middle school years, so the sites are at that reading and interest level. They
aren’t terribly detailed, but the descriptions are accurate, the pages are visually appealing,
and there are many links to images. There are also links to Teacher’s Resources with
quizzes, games, and handouts to print.
http://storynory.com/category/greek-myths/ - StoryNory - I’ve downloaded stories from
this site for my own children (ages 4 + 6) to listen to on long car trips! The stories are
read by Natasha (usually) in the style of a storyteller speaking directly to children. The
mythological story is provided on the webpage and the length of the recording is
indicated near the download button (most appear to be between 9 and 18 minutes).
http://camphalfblood.wikia.com/wiki/Camp_Half-Blood - for any Percy Jackson fans - a
wiki with lots of links and reference information (the site is careful to note the differences
between the books and the actual myth)
http://www.abc.net.au/arts/wingedsandals - students who visit this Australian website
can watch animated movies of four myths (including the stories of Persephone and
Orpheus), find suggestions for craft projects related to Greek history, and even get advice
from the Pythia (Apollo’s priestess) in Ancient Greek.
http://www.etclassics.org/nme.html -- the website for the National Mythology Exam
offers registration advice for students in grades 3-9 who wish to take this annual exam.
The organization, “Excellence Through Classics,” runs this website and they sell teaching
packets on topics in Greek mythology.
Places for creative presentation of myth stuff:
http://www.myfakewall.com/ - create fake facebook pages (illegal to use FB for this)
Mercury/Hermes sample: http://www.myfakewall.com/w/Hermes+%28Mercury%29
http://myths.e2bn.org/story_creator/ - myths and legends story creator
Requires a free registration (check ages) but has lots of pre-made options for any kind of
mythological story (storyboard).
http://tarheelreader.org/ - A collection of stories - or a site to post your own (student
created) stories. These can be found in many languages, including English and Latin.
Examples:
Latin intro to the gods: http://tarheelreader.org/2009/07/24/little-gods-familia-deorum/
English Hades + Persephone: http://tarheelreader.org/2009/09/30/hades-and-persephone/
http://voicethread.com - A great way to add depth to presentations - particularly good for
younger students who could record their story instead of writing. Examples:
http://voicethread.com/?#q+mythology.b443997.i2438765 - Class VT - maybe 6th grade?
http://voicethread.com/?#q+mythology.b1262927.i6787333 - a myth quiz - would need
some practice for this format to be effective (and not overly repetitive)
 Arachne
The mortal Arachne foolishly challenges Athena to a weaving contest. She is
turned into a spider.
 Daphne and Apollo
Daphne turns into a laurel tree to avoid the advances of the god, Apollo.
 Baucis and Philemon
An elderly couple is rewarded for showing hospitality to the gods Jupiter and
Mercury, who are in disguise.
 Echo and Narcissus
Echo loves the self-absorbed Narcissus, but can’t speak to him to profess her
love. She can only repeat what others say. Narcissus falls in love with his own
image and turns into a flower.
 Daedalus and Icarus
Daedalus, a master craftsman, makes wings so that he and his son can fly away
from their captors. Icarus tragically falls to his death.
 Phaethon
The foolish Phaethon asks his father, Apollo, for permission to drive the chariot
that leads the sun across the sky. He can’t control the horses and the sun
scorches the earth.
 King Midas
Two myths about Midas describe his strange ears and how his golden touch
turned out to be a curse.
 Diana and Endymion
The shepherd, Endymion, falls in love with the moon (a form of the hunter
goddess, Diana)
 Pygmalion
A sculptor falls in love with his own creation – a statue of a beautiful woman.
Venus makes the statue come to life.
 Cupid and Psyche
As punishment for her mother’s arrogance, the gods force Psyche to marry a
monster. Psyche finally discovers that her “monstrous” husband is actually the
handsome god Cupid.
 Atalanta
Atalanta, the fastest runner in the land, does not want to get married and defeats
all potential suitors in a race. Hippomenes beats her by distracting her with a
golden apple from Venus. He wins her hand in marriage.
 Pyramus and Thisbe
This tragic myth was the inspiration for Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet.” Two
lovers meet against their parents’ wishes. A misunderstanding (and the
appearance of a lion) lead to suicide.
 Orpheus and Eurydice
The musician Orpheus goes to the Underworld to beg that his wife be allowed to
return to the world of the living. Through his own foolishness, he loses her forever.
 Persephone and the Underworld
This legend explains the origin of the seasons. Persephone, daughter of the
goddess of agriculture, was kidnapped by Hades to be his wife.
 Sufferers in Hades
Wicked men and women were sentenced to eternal punishment in the Underworld,
e.g. Sisyphus was doomed to roll a rock up a hill but never reach the top.
 Pandora’s Box
Pandora’s insatiable curiosity makes her open a mysterious box from the gods.
Out fly all the miseries of the world, including disease and war.
 Dionysus and the Sailors
Dionysus turns his captors into dolphins.
 The Hero Perseus
Perseus kills Medusa and saves the beautiful Andromeda from a sea monster.

Orion and Diana
This myth explains how the hunter Orion became a constellation.
Latin I
Rubric for Saturnalia Project - 2010
Mrs. Mahoney and Mrs. Irons
Create an ancient Roman costume for Saturnalia on Monday, December 6, 2010. Your Saturnalia
costume will be graded as your 2nd Quarter Latin project. This project will be used to assess you
according to the school-wide rubric. You will be assessed on Creative Expression (goal 3D). The
grade included in your course average is based on the attached grading rubric. To achieve the
highest grade, follow the rubric on the back of this handout.
Required Costume:
Dress as a character from Roman or Greek mythology or history
Costume Components*
 Three symbolic objects or decorations special to your character (e.g. a bow and arrow, grapes)
 An appropriate Roman/Greek outfit (including sandals, a tunic, a toga, etc.)
*The best Saturnalia costume combines homemade decorations, objects found around the house, and possibly a
few items purchased for the occasion. Do not buy an entire costume or an entire set of Roman armor with
weapons.
Due Dates
Tuesday, Wednesday, November 10, 2010
For Magistra Mahoney’s classes you will submit your proposal on-line. Please complete the form
before midnight on Wednesday, November 10, 2010. This form can be found through a link in the
NEWS section of your Latin class’s Edline page. This form is time-stamped, so be certain to
submit the form before midnight!
Wednesday, December 1
Submit a description of your completed costume, explaining the creation process and any
symbolism. Description must be one page, double-spaced, typed. This composition is worth 25%
of your grade. Your complete bibliography is also due on this day (use www.easybib.com).
Monday, December 6
Bring your costume to Latin class, put it on, and be ready to celebrate. All Latin classes will meet
in the Distance Learning Lab for Saturnalia. The Magister Convivii for each class will read a
description of each costume and a photograph will be taken of each student.
Models for the written components of this project will be posted on Edline.
Latin I
Mrs. Mahoney/Mrs. Irons
Grading Checklist
Nomen
_____________________
1. Costume proposal (due 11/10/10)
________________/5
This is a form you will fill out on-line. Go to your Edline page for the link.
2. Costume Description (due 12/1/10)
(One page, typed. Bibliography is attached)
________________/25
3. Costume Components (due 12/6/10)
_______________/40
Mythological/historical character: ________________
Symbol 1
____________________________
Symbol 2
____________________________
Symbol 3
____________________________
Greek/Roman Outfit
Sandals
Tunic
Toga/stola/cloak/armor
Head decoration (e.g. crown, veil, garland)
4. Costume Research and Accuracy
______________
______________
______________
______________
_______________/10
Costume is historically accurate
______________
Costume is worn correctly
______________
Jeans and other modern clothing are hidden ______________
5. Bibliography submitted (due 12/1/10)
_______________/10
 typed
 follows proper bibliography format (use www.easybib.com)
 lists the sources you consulted to find pictures and information
 includes 3 or more sources (at least one book)
5. Creativity and effort exceeding the rubric
________________/10
Your costume combines homemade decorations, objects found around the house, and a few
items purchased for the occasion. You have not purchased an entire costume or an entire set
of Roman armor with weapons.
Total ________________/100
Latin Studies II
Mask Project
Assignment
1) Paint a papier mâché mask in the likeness of a character from Greek
mythology (or a character from the Ecce Romani textbook)
2) Write a one-page, typed essay that describes your character and explains
the details of your mask.
Grading Checklist
1. Mask is painted to portray a character from Greek mythology ___________/20
or the Ecce Romani textbook. Character: _________________
2. Mask is neat and completely finished
___________/15
3. Mask is attractive and shows creativity
___________/20
4. Mask essay





(due Monday, May 18)
___________/30
includes description of character and background information
describes painted details and decoration you added
one page
typed
uses correct grammar and punctuation
Total _________/85
Latin 1
Mythology Project
Marking Period 3
Assignment:
Create a picture book (in English) that re-tells a story from Greek myth.
You may collaborate on this assignment with one partner.
Your class will spend one period in the library doing research.
Latin 1
nomen___________________
Mythology Project: Grading Checklist
1. Meets project description
(format: illustrated children’s book)
_________/5
2. Project is turned in on time (3/25)
_________/5
3. Story is accurate, complete, and faithful to the Greek myth _________/20
4. Book contains at least ten pages (not counting the cover)
_________/10
5. Every page contains an illustration
_________/10
6. Project is neat and attractive; all text is typed
_________/5
7. Project is imaginative and original in its presentation
_________/10
8. Book is properly bound or formatted (no staples!)
_________/5
9. Uses correct spelling, punctuation, and grammar
_________/10
10. Bibliography included in book,
citing at least two books used (and two different authors)
_________/5
11. Story telling is imaginative and unique
_________/5
12. Illustrations are appropriate and creative
_________/10
Final Grade: _______/100 _________
Nota bene: Text (written story) must be the product of your own work.
Tell the story in your own words. Do not plagiarize someone else’s work.
Do not copy and paste text or images from the internet. Cite your sources!