Transcript Introduction to Mythology by Edith Hamilton

Edith Hamilton Mythology
Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes
Unit Introduction
pp. 13-243
Objectives:
• Students will recount the various theories for the
origins of myths.
• Students will differentiate between classical and
the earlier, primitive myths.
• Students will discuss the explanatory myths.
• Students will research the historical period of
ancient Greece and outline notes on the
information.
• Students will appreciate the moral and political
view of ancient Greece.
Agenda:
• Bell ringer: Think-Pair-Share
• Discussion of the definition of myth and why
we study mythology.
• Pre-reading: Historical Periods
• Pre-reading: Political Views
• Unit introduction questions/discussion.
• Homework assignment
Bell ringer
• Think-Pair-Share:
–What is the difference
between a folk tale, a
fairy tale, a legend, and
mythology?
What is the difference?
• Many times, the words “folk tale,” “fairy
tale,” “legend,” and “myth” are used
interchangeably.
– Folk tales/fairy tales- usually purely imaginative,
fictional stories intended to amuse, entertain, or
teach.
– Legends- usually true stories of events in history
but exaggerated for dramatic or humorous effect.
Myths
• Myths are imaginative stories resulting from
man’s attempt to understand the phenomena
of nature or to explain cultural customs and
rituals.
• Mythology is a way to explain things in the
world that had no explanation before.
Why we study mythology!
• Much of the literature that you read in school
will contain allusions to Greek and Roman
mythology.
– For example, a character in a novel may be
described as narcissistic, as an Adonis, or as
undertaking Herculean tasks.
• All of these are references to Greek myths. Recognizing
the myth leads to greater understanding of the
character which is being developed in the book.
Cultural Literacy
• Our culture traces its political, philosophical,
and social roots back to Greek culture.
• Mythological stories serve as the subject for
works of art, commercial advertisement,
comic books, and science fiction, among other
things.
– Were there any allusions to Greek Mythology in
Fahrenheit 451?
It will make you smart/well read!
• A student who has some familiarity with
Mythology is intellectually and academically
ahead of a student who has no knowledge of
mythology.
– This is not difficult reading, and the subject matter
itself can be interesting and informative.
Pre-Reading: Historical Periods
• Objectives: Students will research the
historical period of ancient Greece and
outline notes on the information.
The development of Greek civilization is divided
into three main periods-Stone Age, Bronze Age, and
Iron Age-and each of these periods can be broken
down into subdivisions.
Pre-Reading: Political Views
• Objective: Students will appreciate the moral
and political view of ancient Greece.
– After reading the excerpt from “Pericles’ Funeral
Oration” you will answer the 7 questions.
– As you read, consider how his view of Athens
compares to your opinion about our country.
#1. What is the difference between
primitive and classical mythology?
• Classical mythology is from a more civilized
time than primitive mythology.
– Primitive mythology deals with the ugliness and
terror found everywhere.
– Greek mythology is more inclined to deal with
nymph-like creatures in the forests, heroes,
explanations of the world, and other more
pleasant topics.
#2. How are the Greek gods different
from Egyptian or Mesopotamian gods?
• Gods from other cultures are part animal,
such as part bird or part lion.
• Greek gods are primarily human in form and
feature.
#3. What is “the miracle of Greek
mythology”?
• Because Greek gods appear more human,
man can feel more comfortable and at ease
with them, whereas half-beast/half-human
gods of other mythologies instill fear.
#4. What are the “dark spots” referred
to by Edith Hamilton?
• When Greek gods behave in a cruel or
indecent manner, these traits can be traced to
older times of beasts, satyrs, or partly human
creatures.
#5. How does Edith Hamilton define
mythology?
• Mythology is an explanation of something in
nature; it is not an account of religion.
• However, there are examples of myths that
explain nothing and other examples where
religion seems to be a part of mythology.
#6. What is her explanation for
differing views of the same gods?
• Mythology changes as people develop and
change. There are different versions of a
single story because these stories come from
different times and from different authors.
– One example is the fact that two writers, Homer
and Hesiod, both recognize Zeus as the chief of
the gods, but they view his character in different
ways.
Reading Assignment
• Please read Chapter ONE (pp. 17-50)
– You are reading for details and character
comprehension.
– * Complete the God Chart and crossword puzzle
for Friday!