Introduction

In essence, all existing literature has its roots in mythology. Our purpose then, is to examine the mythology of different ancient peoples, and in doing so, learn more about the literature of our times. We will see that, although we are centuries removed from these ancient stories, we can find the same literary elements that are present in our popular stories today. Ancient skalds sat by firelight and told the story of Beowulf, a hero who was stronger and more brave than any man, and his listeners were enthralled by this, just as modern children can sit under their covers at night with a flashlight and read comic books about larger-than-life heroes such as "Superman" or "Green Lantern."

Although there were thousands of different people, all with different beliefs, we will be focusing primarily on some of the most easily researched myths: Greek, Roman, Norse, Celtic, Egyptian and Japanese.

Most myths were about divine figures (dieties or gods, as they were called), and the reasoning behind the writing of these myths was often to explain those things that primitive science could not explain. That being said, it makes sense that even if people were from different parts of the world, there were things that they had in common that would require explanation, such as storms, the Sun, the Moon, and war.
It will be our job to identify these common strands that connect all myths.

The Task

Your task is to be part of a team that will learn about aspects of a specific mythos. You will the assume the persona of one of the major deities of that mythos and present yourself to the rest of the class. You will be explaining how you fit into the mythos and what your responsibilities were and identifying any symbols that were associated with you. You will also retell a myth from your mythos. If you played a role in that myth, it should be in first person, of course.

The Process

1. You will be assigned to a group of 4 students, and your group will be given a mythos that is your topic of study.
2. After you are assigned to your mythos, you will need to make a decision. As the format for your presentation, you will assume the persona of one of the major deities of your assigned mythos, and you will give a talk in front of the class. The easiest way to do this is to consider what aspects of life might have warrented a diety and go from there. Some ideas are: War, death, love, weather, the sun, the moon, the sea. There was also usually a heirarchy in these mythos, so you'll probably be able to find the king or queen of the "gods" as well.
3. Print out the sheet you find here, and record your information in the spaces provided.
   
4. Your talk will include: Your name, your realms (or what your responsibilities were as a deity), any symbols you carried with you or were associated with you. You will also have to tell the class a myth in which you played a part.

Greek

Greek Olympian deities - The Greek pantheon, and it features the Olympian deities - for example Aphrodite, Athena, and Zeus(Note: When you get to this site, some of the god's names are links to myths and further information, and some are not. Links will be underlined.)

Greek Chthonian deities - The Greek deities of Earth and the Underworld - examples are Hades and Persephone (Note: When you get to this site, some of the god's names are links to further myths and information, and some are not. Links will be underlined.)

Roman

Roman gods -The major deities of ancient Rome - this list includes Juno, Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus (Note: When you get to this site, some of the god's names are links to myths and further information, and some are not. Links will be underlined.)

Norse

Celtic

Deities of Ancient Ireland - Celtic deities in ancient Ireland such as Aine, Lugh, and Nuada (Note: When you get to this site, some of the god's names are links to myths and further information, and some are not. Links will be underlined.)

Egyptian

Egyptian Deities - Click on deity's name or symbol name for picture and information or story.

Japanese

Deities of Japan - This page features the "Family Tree" of the Japanese dieties.

Myths of Japan  - This page features myths of Japan

Below is the rubric for your work. Since you are put in groups simply to divide you up, there will be no group grade. You will only be given an individual grade.

	Beginning 1	Developing 2	Accomplished 3	Exemplary 4	Score
Identify deity correctly	The deity is in the mythos, and the realm is identified.	The deity is in the mythos, the realm is identified, and a symbol is described.	The deity is in the mythos, the realm is identified the symbol is described and visually depicted.	The deity is in the mythos, the realm is identified the symbol is  visually depicted and the student  assumes the persona of the deity.	20
Myth	The deity's background is told in third person.	Story about deity (other than background) is told in third person.	The deity's background is told in first person.	Story about deity (other than background) is told in first person.	20
Presentation	No eye contact. Mumbling. Reading straight from the paper.	Some eye contact. Relying heavily on notes. Voice can be heard but could be stronger.	Comfortable perfomance. Good eye contact. Strong voice. Minimal notes.	Performance worthy of Zeus. No notes. Eye contact that makes the audience cringe in fear. Booming voice.	20

As a class, you have now investigated just a fraction of the myths and beliefs that existed long ago in various parts of the world. You should know that there are thousands of mythos and deities that people worshiped and told stories about. More information can be found on the internet or at your library.

http://www.loggia.com/myth