Guidelines for Myth Research and Presentation
As an introduction to The Odyssey, you will investigate a Greek myth and share your findings with the
rest of the class. The myth that you research and summarize will be the same one that you present.
Purposes:
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Share the workload
Build background knowledge for The Odyssey as well as the plethora of other texts that allude to
the Greek myths
Skill development: summarization, research, presentation
Tasks:
Review the list on the back of this handout and note a few myths that interest you. Myths will be
awarded on a first come, first served. Each student must select his or her own myth.
1. Media Literacy
a. Find at least two sources for your assigned myth
b. Cite your sources
2. Summarize the myth – You need to use your own words. Don’t just cut and paste from a web
site.
a. Typed and double-space- submit to Turn it in.com
b. No longer than one page
3. Create a poster – Use 8 ½ x 11
a. Includes visual images
b. Is organized into an identifiable pattern
c. Is neat and professional in appearance
4. Present your work
a. Myth is in own words
b. Myth retell is accurate
c. Retell includes major/essential events and details
d. Delivery is professional and obviously well-rehearsed (good eye contact, no fidgeting or
fillers, appropriate tone and volume, presentable in appearance)
Note: Both your poster and your presentation should include the following information:
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Identification of god/goddess (other names, nicknames, patronage)
Any known symbols
Very brief summary – preferable only a few bullet points; you can elaborate orally
How or why myth is significant
Note: It is imperative that you take notes on the presentations as there will be a comprehensive test
on all of the myths following the presentations.
Myth Research List
1. Apollo and Daphne
2. Prometheus and Io
3. Phaethon
4. Europa
5. Cadmus
6. Semele
7. Tiresias
8. Echo and Narcissus
9. Pentheus and Dionysus/Bacchus
10. Mars and Venus
11. Story of Atalanta
12. Artemis
13. Niobe
14. Tantalus
15. Glaucus and Scylla
16. Otus and Ephialtes
17. Cupid and Psyche
18. Pegasus and Bellerophon
19. Perseus
20. Jason and Medea
21. Daedalus and Icarus
22. Theseus
23. Hercules
24. Orpheus and Eurydice
25. Apollo and Hyacinthus
26. Pygmalion and Gaatea
27. Midas
28. Procne and Philomela
29. Myth of Persephone
30. How Athens received its Name
31. Eris and the Golden Apple
32. Helen, Paris, and Menelaus
33. Agamemnon
34. Story of Achilles
35. Pandora