CREATE YOUR OWN ORIGIN MYTH!
Due: ___________
Just as the Native Americans started the first American literature with the passing down of origin myths, you will now do
the same. Your origin myth will explain the creation of some aspect of the natural world using many of the same elements
as Native American myths.
Requirements:
Writing of the origin myth: Your writing must be in narrative format, include the use of personified animals, elements of
the natural world (earth, fire, wind, water), to explain the creation of EITHER humans OR the earth or both. You must
include the creation of one of these. You must also include the creation of TWO other natural phenomena outside of
human control, and it must have evidence of a personal cultural value (i.e. forgiveness, hospitality, friendliness, etc.). The
myth must be titled and of 1.5-2 pages in length (typed, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced).
Illustration: Include a drawn illustration on an 8.5x11 sheet of white computer paper. A LARGE MAJORITY of the
illustration must be in color (almost no “white” showing), and you must use the whole sheet of paper. This drawing will
visually represent the creation of ONE of your phenomena (Earth, humans, or other of your choice).
Explanation: Write a paragraph of at least 10 sentences explaining how/why your story is a valid creation myth. Be sure
to explain the role that animals, elements, and spirits/gods play in your myth, as well as how the cultural value manifests
itself and why it is important to the myth. This should be on a separate sheet of paper (typed, Times New Roman, 12 pt.
font, double spaced).
CREATE YOUR OWN ORIGIN MYTH!
Due: ___________
Just as the Native Americans started the first American literature with the passing down of origin myths, you will now do
the same. Your origin myth will explain the creation of some aspect of the natural world using many of the same elements
as Native American myths.
Requirements:
Writing of the origin myth: Your writing must be in narrative format, include the use of personified animals, elements of
the natural world (earth, fire, wind, water), to explain the creation of EITHER humans OR the earth or both. You must
include the creation of one of these. You must also include the creation of TWO other natural phenomena outside of
human control, and it must have evidence of a personal cultural value (i.e. forgiveness, hospitality, friendliness, etc.). The
myth must be titled and of 1.5-2 pages in length (typed, Times New Roman, 12 pt. font, double spaced).
Illustration: Include a drawn illustration on an 8.5x11 sheet of white computer paper. A LARGE MAJORITY of the
illustration must be in color (almost no “white” showing), and you must use the whole sheet of paper. This drawing will
visually represent the creation of ONE of your phenomena (Earth, humans, or other of your choice).
Explanation: Write a paragraph of at least 10 sentences explaining how/why your story is a valid creation myth. Be sure
to explain the role that animals, elements, and spirits/gods play in your myth, as well as how the cultural value manifests
itself and why it is important to the myth. This should be on a separate sheet of paper (typed, Times New Roman, 12 pt.
font, double spaced).
NAME: ______________________
Origin Myth Rubric
Written Origin Myth
 Meets minimum length
 Explains origin of Earth or humans
 Explains 2 other natural phenomena
 Includes use of worldly elements
 Includes personified animals
 Includes cultural value
Illustration
 Represents the creation of a natural phenomena
 8.5x11 white computer paper
 majority is colored
 appears as if valid artistic effort is put forth
Explanation
 Paragraph of at least 7 sentences
 Defends validity of your origin myth
 Explains roles of animals, elements, and spirits
 Explains value
General Effort and Creativity
 Origin myth is valid yet creative
 Appears as though student put in a valid effort
Origin Myth Rubric
Written Origin Myth
 Meets minimum length
 Explains origin of Earth or humans
 Explains 2 other natural phenomena
 Includes use of worldly elements
 Includes personified animals
 Includes cultural value
Illustration
 Represents the creation of a natural phenomena
 8.5x11 white computer paper
 majority is colored
 appears as if valid artistic effort is put forth
Explanation
 Paragraph of at least 7 sentences
 Defends validity of your origin myth
 Explains roles of animals, elements, and spirits
 Explains Value
General Effort and Creativity
 Origin myth is valid yet creative
 Appears as though student put in a valid effort
________ / 50
________ / 20
________ / 20
________ / 10
NAME: ______________________
________ / 50
________ / 20
________ / 20
________ / 10