Introduction
Let's explore some of the world's best-known stories with the help of the world wide web. The goal of this "subject sampler" introduce you to mythology from several different cultures. Each activity is a way for you to learn a bit about world mythology and discover what stories and cultures you are especially curious about.
Sixth-graders will choose 1 question out of each section to answer; seventh-graders will choose 2 questions out of each section to answer; eighth-graders will complete all questions from each section. Each section is labelled; click on the heading for each to go to the website the questions are based on. Open the sites in another tab so you can easily go back and forth to answer the questions.
Task
Section 1: Encyclopedia of World Mythology
1) Click on the site above: "Encyclopedia of World Mythology." Explore this site and explore at least 3 regions. What region(s) did you visit and why?
2) Why do mythological stories persist over time and in so many different cultures, do you think?
3) What common themes do you think we might find in mythological stories from around the world?
Section 2: Greek Mythology
1) Click on the heading above, "Greek Mythology." What role did stories about gods and goddesses play in ancient Greece? Do you think there is anything comparable for people today living in the United States?
2) Read the list of Olympians and about the Heroes and Monsters. Then pop over to the Greek creation myth here, on pantheon.com. How would you describe the relationship between the gods and the "common man"? What strikes you about this creation myth, what do you like/dislike about it, or what do you find interesting about it? If you are familiar with the Bible, do you notice any similarities?
3) Watch some videos on the History Channel website by clicking on the "Greek Mythology" heading above. What ones did you watch, and what would you like to learn more about?
Section 3: Norse Mythology
1) What is something you found on this website that is especially awesome or interesting? What do you want to learn more about?
2) Read about the creation of the world in Norse Mythology. What strikes you about this creation myth, what do you like/dislike about it, or what do you find interesting about it?
3) Read about the animals, dwarves, giants, and humans of Norse Mythology. Which would you like to draw a picture of or write a story about? Which would you like read more about? Include an illustration if you would like--this is not required.
Section 4: Native American Mythology
1) Click on the heading above. Find three or more creation myths and read them (Need help? Try the Cherokee creation story, the Blackfoot story "Old Man and the Beginning of the World," and the Tuskegee story "The Origin of Earth"). What strikes you about these stories? What do you think about them?
2) Explore the stories on this site. Choose another story to read, then tell why you chose it and what it is about.
3) What similarities and differences do you notice between these myths and the Norse and Greek myths that you read?
Conclusion
This is just the beginning in our discovery of world mythology. Think about what captured your attention. What are you interested in learning more about? As we explore mythology we will read, think, and talk about this very big question: Why and how does mythology inform, describe, and guide human civilization?