4th Grade
Mythology
Objective: Every word has its own story to tell. And the most fascinating words come from the names of gods and goddesses,
heroes and humans, in Greek and Roman mythology. Their names have survived as words we use every day. Not only do these
tales explain words but they also help us to understand our own world a little better. Students will begin to understand many popular
expressions used today come from characters and events from Greek myths.
Learning Targets:
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I know important Greek characters and their character traits
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I can determine the meaning of certain phrases used in a myth
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I know common references to Greek characters and why/how they are used today
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I know common phrases from Greek mythology and why/how they are used today
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I can use my background knowledge about mythology to determine meanings of words and phrases (e.g., the Midas touch,
Herculean effort).
Standards
RL.4.3 Describe in depth a character, setting or event in a story, drawing on specific details in the text (ex a character’s thoughts, words or actions.
RL.4.4: Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g.,
Herculean). ---- therefore—
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determine meaning of words and phrases when used in mythology ---o
determine the meaning of the significant mythology content such as Opening Pandoras Box, Midas Touch, or
Herculean effort and what that means to students
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Determine the meaning of words and phrases: that allude to significant characters found in mythology as they are used in
text
o
Know significant Greek characters and their defining characteristics--- So, they should know common references
to Greek mythological characters and why/how those references are used
Resources
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Gift from the Gods: Ancient Words and Wisdom from Greek and Roman Mythology, Lise Lunge
Larson (LAWR)\
o Pandora’s Box from Gifts from the Gods, Lise Lunge Larsen
o Archilles from Gifts from the Gods, Lise Lunge Larsen
Myth PowerPoint
Myth PowerPoint question sheet
Greek Gods video- History Channel http://www.history.com/topics/greek-mythology/videos#greekgods
Myth graphic Organizer
Pandora’s Jar Summary and Comprehension worksheet
Pandora’s Jar craft activity
Quiver (arrow) craft activity for Archilles
Literature Pockets: Greek and Roman Myths
Classic Stories: Greek Myth, Retold from the Originals, Diane Namm (LAWR)
Gifts from the Gods: Ancient Words and Wisdom from Greek and Roman Mythology, Lise Lunge
Larsen (LAWR)
Myths from Many Lands: Greek Myths, Anna Claybourne (Lowe)
Graphic Mythology: Greek Myths, Rob Shone (Lowe)
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King Midas and the golden touch / by Nathaniel Hawthorne 398.2 Hew (Lowe)
King Midas and the golden touch [videorecording] / Rabbit Ears Productions. VR 292 Kin (Lowe)
Pandora's box / retold and illustrated by Lisl Weil 292.13 Wei (Lowe)
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Phaethon; Theseus and the Labyrinth; Jason and the Argonauts; Perseus —Lowe video
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http://library.thinkquest.org/C0119204/pandora.htmlPandora's Box, The Iliad, The Odyssey, The
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12 Labors of Hercules, Arachne, Perseus, Jason and the Golden Fleece
http://www.mitchellteachers.org/WorldHistory/AncientGreece/DiscoveringReferencest
oGreekMythology.htm
Lesson 1 (will take 2 class periods to show PowerPoint)
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Begin lesson by discussing popular books and movies that relate to Greek mythology.
Encourage students to define the term myth. After a brief discussion explain myth are tales that are
considered scared that attempts to explain gods and how things came to be.
Next show the Myth PowerPoint to the class. (Gives background of myths in general, Greek Myths, and a
link to a short video about Greek gods)
Students complete Myth question sheet while viewing the PowerPoint.
After showing the PowerPoint continue the discussion of additional terms from Greek mythology still used
today:
a. The Midas touch- comes from the story of King Midas
b. Opening up Pandora’s box- comes from the story of Pandora from Greek mythology
c. Herculean effort- comes from the 12 labors Hercules must perform before being forgiven by the
gods
d. He has the weight of the world on his shoulders- comes from the story of Atlas in Greek mythology
e. Caught between a rock and a hard place- Odysseuss’s boat passing between the six headed
monster Scylia and the whilrlpool Charbdis he had to give the lives of 6 men for the sake of the
rest of the men.
f. If looks could kill- Perseus does not look directly at Medusa. Medusa would turn anyone looking
at her to stone.
Explain to students the many gods and people in Greek mythology have powerful personalities. It is their
character traits that help them overcome or cause them lose in their struggles. It is very important to take a
close look at their character traits to help us to understand:
a. the tale,
b. how the character affects the events in the story and the final story outcome
c. and how their actions lead to the popular Greek phrases still used today.
d. And how these phrases are still used today
Explain you will read two Greek mythology stories to the class to take a closer look how characters traits
are vital to the events, outcome, and the phrases born from these tales.
Review character traits- what the character thinks, feels, does, say and what others say.
Lesson 2
9. Review character traits
10. Define Pandora’s Box. A source of many unforeseen troubles or problems.
a. The minute you open that can of worms, it was all there: every evil thing and you’ll never be able
to put it back. It’s now out.
11. Read Pandora’s Box to the class
12. After the story follow up with the following questions: (questions from Literature Pockets book)
a. How did Pandora come into existence?
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
How would you describe Pandora? List her character traits.
What were the two gifts Zeus gave to Pandora? What problem did those gifts cause Pandora?
Why did Pandora ignore Zeus’ warning? What were the consequences of her actions?
What evils emerged from the box? (Disease and envy, spite and revenge, anxiety and misfortune)
What little creature did Zeus include in the jar of evils? Why? (this tells use the message of the
myth)- Hope
g. What do you think was the purpose of the myth?
13. Students fill out the mythology graphic organizer in part as a class and in part individually as directed
based on the questions above.
a. Emphasize popular Greek expression that derived from this myth- Opening up Pandora’s Box
b. Explain- Zeus created a box in revenge for Prometheus’s stealing fire. She was given a box that
she was told not to open. Either she or her husband Epimethues- telling diverge on that pointopen the box, allowing all manner of evils to escape and plague the world.
c. Modern day connect- This is anything that, upon investigation, leads to extensive and unexpected
troubles.
14. As independent work students may complete the Pandora’s Jar Summary and Comprehension worksheet.
15. If time allows read the comment about Hephaestus (known as known as Vulcan by the Romans), the
creator of Pandora and his connection to volcanoes:
a. Hephaestus, the god of fire lived inside Mount Etna where he constantly labored at his forge
making tools and jewelry. Sometimes he worked so hard that his forge overheated, causing
Mount Etna to burst forth with black smoke and fire, sending melted rock down the mountainside.
Because it was Vulcan who brought about these eruptions, people began to call Mount Etna and
every mountain that behaved similarly a volcano,
Assessment: Review the graphic organizer to verify student listed at least: 4 details in the summary, 4
character traits, and clear interpretation of the expression/phrase that emerged from the myth.
Extension:
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To help students remember the myth students may create a Pandora’s jar listing the 6 evils mentioned
in the myth and how Pandora’s character traits caused her to open the jar.
Read an addition Greek myth as a class (
Teacher will follow up by reading additional Greek myths, filling out the graphic organizer and
executing other related activities in the classroom.
Lesson 3
16. Review character traits
17. Before reading the story explain:
a. Achilles was not a god. He was the son of a nymph (a nature goddess)
b. Gods and mortals often had children together. These children sometimes grew up to be so strong
and courageous they seemed like gods.
c. To distinguish them from ordinary humans, the Greeks called them heroes meaning
defenders and protectors.
18. Read Achille’ Heel to the class
19. After the story follow up with the following questions: (questions from Literature Pockets book)
a. Who was Achilles
b. What was the power of the river Styx?
c. Why did his mother dip him in the river Styx?
d. Why was he stronger than a human?
e. What was his one flaw?
f. What do you think was the purpose of the myth?
20. Students fill out the mythology graphic organizer in part as a class and in part individually as directed
based on the questions above.
a. Definition of Achilles’ heel- a seemingly small but actually crucial weakness.
b. Emphasize popular Greek expression that derived from this myth- Achilles heel
c. Explain- made invulnerable as a baby by being dipped into the River Styx. Only his heel- the
place he was held by when being dipped- was left unprotected, which led to his downfall when it
was struck by an arrow.
d. Modern day connect- This refers to a person’s vulnerability of fatal flaw. As independent work
students may complete the Pandora’s Jar Summary and Comprehension worksheet.
e. Superhero connection- Superman- vulnerable to kryptonite
21. Students
a. write on the quivers each of Achilles strong character traits:
i. Ran faster than a horse
ii. Fought tirelessly for hours
iii. Great skill with sword
iv. Powerful
v. One flaw- his heel was his weak spoke
b. On the quiver bagi. Definition of Achille’s Heel
ii. Modern day connection- Hundini (magician), Fergee (voice)
Assessment: Review the graphic organizer to verify student listed at least: 4 details in the summary, 4
character traits, and clear interpretation of the expression/phrase that emerged from the myth.
Greek Mythology
Student Notes
1.
Define the term myth:
2.
What are the purposes of a myth:
3.
What are the common themes in Greek Myths:
4.
Are Greek Myths just about Greek Gods?
5.
What were the characteristics of many Greek gods:
6.
Name some Greek gods and their character traits
Discovering References to Greek Mythology
http://www.mitchellteachers.org/WorldHistory/AncientGreece/DiscoveringReferencesto
GreekMythology.htm
Our popular expressions and art have been influenced by Greek mythology. For example, you might of
heard of the expression, "he has the weight of the world on his shoulders." This comes from the story of
Atlas in Greek mythology.
Before the Greek Gods, seven giant Titans ruled the world. Titans were the sons and daughters of
Heaven and Earth. The strongest Titan was named Cronus, and was the father of the Greek God Zeus.
Cronus was told by a prophet that is son, Zeus, would be more powerful than his father, and so Cronus
tried to devour Zeus. Zeus escaped to Mount Olympus in Greece and lived with the Olympian Gods
there, plotting his revenge. When he grew up, Zeus challenged Cronus and the other Titans to a war to
see who should rule the world. Atlas, the son of the Titan Eurymedon, agreed to the challenge. He
disliked Zeus and was eager for war. Zeus and the Olympian Gods prepared themselves for a long and
bloody battle. After fighting for 12 months straight, they defeated all of the Titans, and Zeus declared
himself King of the Olympian Gods. he reorganized the world with the heavens above the earth and the
oceans and mountains below. In order to punish Atlas for fighting against him, Zeus made Atlas stand
with one foot in the oceans and one foot in the mountains and hold the whole earth on his shoulders,
forever.
Expressions
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he has the weight of the world on his shoulders." This comes from the story of Atlas in Greek
mythology.
Achilles’ heel- Goddess Thetis dipping her son Achilles into the River Styx
beware of Greeks bearing gifts"- Greeks leaving their hiding place inside the
Trojan Horse in order to attack Troy
"caught between a rock and a hard place" Odysseus's boat passing between the
six-headed monster Scylia and the whirlpool Charybdis. Scylla has plucked six of
Odysseus's men from the boat
"the face that launched 1,000 ships" Paris abducting Helen by force
Herculean effort"Hercules performing one of his labors
"he's so full of himself"Narcissus reaching out to touch his reflection in a pool
"if looks could kill"Perseus holding Medusa's head in his left hand. He is
encouraging Andromeda to look at its reflection in a well so that she will not be
turned to stone by Medusa's gaze.
"opened up a Pandora's box Pandora trying to close the box that she had opened
out of curiosity. At left, the evils of the world taunt her as they escape
Mythological Allusions
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0934910.html
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Achilles heel: In Greek mythology, the warrior Achilles was made invulnerable as a baby by being dipped into the
River Styx. Only his heel—the place he was held by when being dipped—was left unprotected, which led to his
downfall when it was struck by an arrow. An Achilles heel refers to a person's vulnerability or fatal flaw. He was a
shrewd business man and investor, but his Achilles heel was gambling.
Argus-eyed: According to the Greek legend, Argus had 100 eyes. The Greek queen Juno had him spy on her
wayward husband, Zeus. Argus-eyed refers to jealous watchfulness. “Why so Argus-eyed, my love?” cried Bill. “I
swear I've been at the office this whole time!”
Bacchanalian: Bacchanalia was a Roman festival in honor of Bacchus, the god of wine (called Dionsyius in Greek
mythology). The holiday was eventually banned due to drunken and libertine excess. Something described as
Bacchanalian is similarly decadent and uninhibited. What started out as a genteel and subdued dinner party
degenerated into Bacchanalian abandon as the hours wore on.
Cupid: Cupid, or Amor, was the Roman god of love, who was also called Eros by the Greeks. He was usually
depicted as a young winged boy with a bow and arrow. To play Cupid is to be a matchmaker, while someone who
suddenly falls in love is said to have been struck by Cupid's arrow. Diane knew Sam had asked her not to get
involved in his personal life, but she couldn't resist the urge to play Cupid and set him up with Rebecca.
Gordian knot: According to Greek legend, King Gordius tied a wagon to a column with an extremely complex and
intricate knot, which many tried and failed to undo. An oracle declared that whoever could untie the knot would rule
the world. With a single stroke of his sword, Alexander the Great cut the knot in two, and went on to rule Asia. A
Gordian knot is an intractable problem, and to cut the Gordian knot is to resolve a difficult problem with swift and
bold action. The president believed he could cut through the Gordian knot of growing civil unrest by sending in the
national guard with tear gas.
Herculean: Hercules was a hero in Greek mythology who was renowned for his strength and courage. He is best
known for completing his 12 labors, which included killing or capturing legendary creatures, gaining various items,
and diverting a river to clean out the stables of Augeas. A Herculean feat is one very hard to perform, especially
one requiring great strength. With a Herculean effort, Valjean lifted the cart off the man trapped underneath.
Nemesis: Nemesis was a Greek goddess of retribution, the incarnation of the gods' revenge for violating their
laws. As the gods' retribution could not be avoided, a nemesis is not only an agent of punishment, but any
challenge or opponent that a person is unable to defeat. He used all his willpower to stay on the diet, but the
doughnut shop next door proved to be his nemesis.
Pandora's box: Pandora, according to Greek mythology, was the first woman on earth. Created by Zeus in
revenge for Prometheus's stealing of fire, she was given a box that she was told not to open. Either she or her
husband Epimetheus—telling diverge on that point—opened the box, allowing all manner of evils to escape and
plague the world. A Pandora's box is anything that, upon investigation, leads to extensive and unexpected
troubles. The investigation of drug use among the athletes opened a Pandora's Box implicating half the league.
Promethean: In Greek mythology, Prometheus defied Zeus, stealing fire from the heavens and giving it to the
human race. His name has become associated with bold originality and creativity. Although religious authorities
and moralists objected to the new procedure, the Promethean scientists would not be denied.
Protean: Proteus was a Greek god who had the ability to change his shape. Someone or something that easily
adapts to changing situations or roles by changing itself is described as protean. The senator's protean policies
always mirrored the whims of his electorate.
Read more: Mythological Allusions — Infoplease.com http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0934910.html#ixzz1deNNHqlD
Mythology Allusions
http://quizlet.com/627348/print/?alpha=true&c=Reconfigure
Achilles heel : made invulnerable as a baby by being dipped into the River Styx. Only his heel —the
place he was held by when being dipped —was left unprotected, which l ed to his downfall when it
was struck by an arrow. This refers to a person's vulnerability or fatal flaw.
1. Actaeon: He was punished by being torn apart by dogs for seeing Artemis bathing naked.
2. Aegis: Zeus and Athena's protective shield;
3. Ajax: Greek warrior in the Trojan War, who "cleaned up" in battle; also popular household
cleanser.
4. Amazon: Race of warrior women; and a huge on-line bookstore.
5. Apollo: God of music; ______ Theater is a famous music hall in New York city.
6. Ares: Greek god of war; and a popular car model.
7. Argus-eyed: According to the Greek legend, _____ had 100 eyes. The Greek queen Juno had him spy
on her wayward husband, Zeus. This refers to jealous watchfulness.
8. Atlas: Was doomed to support the heavens on his shoulders; ans a modern moving company
9. Aurora: Roman name for Eos, goddess of the Dawn; also a luxury car model.
10. Bacchanalian: a Roman festival in honor of Bacchus, the god of wine (called Dionsyius in Greek
mythology). The holiday was eventually banned due to drunken and libertine excess. Something
described as this is similarly decadent and uninhibited.
11. Charon: Boatman who ferries the souls of the dead to the Underworld;
12. Cupid: was the Roman god of love, who was also called Eros by the Greeks. He was usually depicted
as a young winged boy with a bow and arrow.
13. Damocles: the Greek courtier to Dionysius the Elder who (according to legend) was condemned to
sit under a naked sword that was suspended by a hair in order to demonstrate to him that being a
king was not the happy state Damocles had said it was (4th century BC)
14. Delphi: Sanctuary to Apollo and home to his famous Oracles;
15. Dionysus: god of wine and fertility and drama
16. Eureka: Greek word for "I've found it"
17. Gordian knot: According to Greek legend, King Gordius tied a wagon to a column with an
extremely complex and intricate knot, which many tried and failed to undo. An oracle declared that
whoever could untie the knot would rule the world. With a single stroke of his sword, Alexander the
Great cut the knot in two, and went on to rule Asia. thisis an intractable problem, and to cut this is to
resolve a difficult problem with swift and bold action.
18. Hera: the queen of heaven and the wife and sister of Zeus; often portrayed as the jealous wife
19. Herculean: was a hero in Greek mythology who was renowned for his strength and courage. He is
best known for completing his 12 labors, which included killing or capturing legendary creatures,
gaining various items, and diverting a river to clean out the stables of Augeas. This feat is one very
hard to perform, especially one requiring great strength.
20. Hermes: Olympian Herald and Messenger god; popular brand of soap. Also, the FTD flower
delivery company incorporates his winged heels in their logo.
21. Hydra: Sea serpent with nine heads, killed by Hercules; It's the chosen name of the Internet Chess
Club.
22. Hyperion: Titan whose name means "he who goes before the sun"; a company that specializes in
"business analysis software." Also the name of a book publishing company.
23. Jason and the Argonauts: sailed on the Argos, Jason went with 50 other heroes on a ship to get the
golden fleece, Medea, who he fell in love with, gave the dragon guarding the fleece a sleeping potion,
and they took the golden fleece.
24. Juno: Roman name for Hera, wife of Zeus; a popular web-hosting company ,specializing in free web
pages and custom e-mail.
25. Lotus Eaters: monsters that trap people for eternity so they can eat them, inhabitants of the land
odysseus visits
26. marathon: Site of the famous battle fought between the armies of Persia and the outnumbered
Athenians. Athens was victorious and a messenger was sent to run the 26 miles back to the city with
the news.
27. Mars: Roman name for Ares, god of War; name of popular candy bar.
28. Medusa: Terrible monster whose glance would petrify you, killed by the hero Perseus;
29. Mentor: Athena impersonated, friend of Ody
30. Mercury: Roman name for Hermes, the Messenger god; name of car model produced by the Ford
Motor Company; also an entertainment records label, .
31. Midas: King with the golden touch, who transformed all he touched to gold; a famous muffler and
brake chain of service stations.
32. Minerva: Roman name for Athena, who gifted the olive tree to humans;
33. Narcissus: a flower; also a man who was in love with his own reflection and inspires the term for
someone overcome with an overindulgent love of self
34. Nemesis: a Greek goddess of retribution, the incarnation of the gods' revenge for violating their
laws. As the gods' retribution could not be avoided, this is not only an agent of punishment, but any
challenge or opponent that a person is unable to defeat.
35. Nike: Winged goddess of Victory, who can run and fly at great speeds; a famous company that sells
shoes
36. Odysseus: sought to return home to Ithica and endured a 10-year sea voyage after fighting in the
Trojan War
37. Olympus: Home of the _________ gods; name of popular camera and photographic technology
company.
38. Orion: A giant hunter slain by Artemis in Greek mythology; a motion picture production company,
39. Orpheus: a great lyre player who tried to bring his lover back from the underworld. Hades told him
she would follow him out of the underworld but if he looked back she would be taken back. He could
not take it and he looked back and lost her.
40. Pandora's box: Created by Zeus in revenge for Prometheus's stealing of fire, she was given a box
that she was told not to open. Either she or her husband Epimetheus—telling diverge on that point—
opened the box, allowing all manner of evils to escape and plague the world. This is anything that,
upon investigation, leads to extensive and unexpected troubles.
41. Pandora: The first woman in Greek mythology, whose name means "all-gifted";
42. Parthenon: The temple of Athena, built on the Acropolis of Athens;
43. Pegasus: Winged horse that was born from Medusa's head when she was killed;
44. Penelope: wife of Odysseus who waits patiently at home (Ithaca) for his return
45. Phaethon: son of helios who died while riding his father's golden chariot. After losing control he was
struck by Zeus' lightning.
46. Phoenix: A mythical and one-of-a-kind bird that burns on a funeral pyre after a life of hundreds of
years, only to be re-born from the ashes;
47. Poseidon: God of the Sea and brother of Zeus; ______ Travel is a common travel agency name;
Poseidon Seafood is a national brand of seafood products. Neptune, the Roman version, is often also
used by companies, as in Neptune Fresh Lobster Co.
48. Promethean: defied Zeus, stealing fire from the heavens and giving it to the human race. His name
has become associated with bold originality and creativity. .
49. Protean: a Greek god who had the ability to change his shape. Someone or something that easily
adapts to changing situations or roles by changing itself is described as this
50. Pyrrhus: Son of Achilles, and the killer of Priam
51. Saturn: Roman name for Cronus, father of Zeus; also the name of the __________ Automobile
Corporation.
52. Scylla & Charybdis: sea monster with six heads that eat sailors
53. Siren Songs: An enticing plea or appeal, especially one that is deceptively alluring; gets its name
from the temptation Odysseus faced on its journey
54. Spartan: Greek warrior state, devoted to discipline and the martial arts;
55. Tantalus: Odysseus encounters him in Hades, was tortured eternally by not being able to eat and
drink the fruit and wine in front of him
56. Titans: Race of gods preceding the Olympians;
57. Trident: The three-pronged spear of Poseidon, god of the seas; translates literally as 'three-teeth', or
'triple-toothed'. also a product that helps to clean your teeth,
58. Trojan Horse: a gigantic hollow wooden horse, left by the Greeks upon their pretended
abandonment of the siege of Troy, a person or thing attended to destroy from within
59. Trojan: Inhabitants of the mighty city that was destroyed by the Greeks during the ______ War, after
a siege of ten years; international manufacturer of condoms and birth control products.
60. Venus: Roman for Aphrodite, goddess of beauty and love; the name of a famous beauty product
company;
61. Vulcan: Roman name for Hephaestus, god of the smiths and the forge;.
62. Zeus: the king of the gods and the ruler of heaven, the most powerful god of all.
Characters and Phrases/Expressions from Greek Myths
Myth Title: ___________________________________________________
Summary of Myth
Character: _______________
Popular Phrase (expression) from Myth
Character’s Traits:
How the traits affect the story events:
The meaning of the phrase/ expression (in your own
words):
How the traits affect the story outcome:
The central message of the myth:
Modern Situation in which the
phrase/expression may be used:
How these character traits would affect
the modern situation:
How the phrase would be used in the modern
Situation: