Introduction
by Kim Golden
In this webquest, students will be acquainted with Greek mythology. Students will be able to connect these myths with modern society in terms of culture and language.
In the world today, elements of this ancient story-telling tradition may be found everywhere. In literature, we find Cerberus, the mythological three-headed guard dog of the underworld, guarding the sorcerer's stone in the Harry Potter series. Cyclops, well-known for his encounters with Odysseus, shares his name with a mutant in the X-Men series. Nike shoes were named after the winged goddess of victory, who could run and fly at great speeds. Most of the planets are named after deities, as are many modern cities. The Greek hero story is seen again and again throughout literature.
In this webquest, you will learn about the Greek myths and compose a myth of your own.
Task
In this webquest, you will learn about the Twelve Olympians, you will read Greek myths and then you will compose your own myth.
Process
Activity One: Gods/goddesses
Click the link below to learn about the Twelve Olympians. Pay attention as you read because there is a quiz coming! After reading about the Twelve Olympians, take this and record your score on the graphic organizer. Your score will not impact your grade.
The Twelve Olympians:
http://www.desy.de/gna/interpedia/greek_myth/olympian.html#Olympians
Quiz:https://www.proprofs.com/quiz-school/story.php?title=greek-mythology-gods-goddesses-quiz
Activity Two: Greek Myths
Myths are stories used to explain a social or natural phenomenon, or teach a message about the world around us. Some myths are rooted in facts, others are completely fictional. The characters are typically gods, demigods or supernatural humans. Myths answer timeless questions about life, death and the original of humanity, and serve as a compass to each generation.
Read through the following Greek myths. Take notes on your graphic organizer as you go.
Icarus (and Daedalus):
http://www.mythweb.com/encyc/entries/icarus.html
Cassiopeia:
https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Mortals/Cassiopeia/cassiopeia.html
Hades and Persephone:
https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/myth-of-hades-and-persephone/
Orpheus:
http://www.mythweb.com/encyc/entries/orpheus.html
Psyche and Eros:
https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/psyche-and-eros-myth/
Pandora's Box:
https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/pandoras-box-myth/
Aphrodite and Adonis:
https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/myth-aphrodite-adonis/
Tantalus:
https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/the-myth-of-tantalus/
Perseus and Medusa:
https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/myth-perseus-and-medusa/
Pegasus:
https://www.greekmyths-greekmythology.com/pegasus-winged-horse/
Activity 3: Create Your Own Myth:
In this final portion of the webquest, you will create an original myth of your own. You will create a mythological character whose story relates an important message or theme about life and the world around us. As myths are usually very short, your myth does not need to be longer than a page in length, as long as it contains a full story line. Must be at least three paragraphs.