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Discover the significance of myths as ancient stories that provide insights into history, societal values, and human experience. Explore different types of myths, including creation myths, natural phenomena myths, and afterlife myths, and learn why they continue to hold importance in our modern world. Delve into Greek myths, such as the stories of Prometheus, Persephone and Hades, Daedalus and Icarus, and Orpheus and Eurydice, to understand their cultural significance and the lessons they teach. Uncover the enduring power of myths in shaping our understanding of the world.
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26. MYTH“Myths are old stories that try to explain something in the ancient world.”
Myths are incredibly powerful and important because we can study their history, societal values, human experience and the beliefs of ancient people and compare them to our own modern understanding. Myths, such as the story of Prometheus, still have importance in our world today.
Many myths are called: Creation Myths. These stories try to explain how the world started, who were the first people, and what is the purpose of life.
In Western Culture, most of the myths children study come from the Greeks.
The ancient Greeks believed in powerful gods that lived on Mt. Olympus and interfered with human lives. Many of these gods had human weaknesses, but all represented a cultural belief or importance.
There are three kinds of Greek myths: Natural Phenomena Myths, Human Behavior Myths, and Afterlife Myths.
Natural Phenomena: Persephone and HadesIn this myth, Hades, god of the underworld, enrages Demeter, goddess of the harvest, by kidnapping her daughter Persephone and forcing her to live with him. When furious Demeter refuses to allow the crops to grow, a bargain is made allowing the daughter to return to the mother. During this time the weather is beautiful and the harvest is allowed, but while Persephone is away, the weather turns cold and nothing will grow. This myth explains the seasons.
Human Behavior: Icarus & Daedalus In this myth, Daedalus, a brilliant architect, attempts to escape prison by building wings made of feathers and wax. He warns his son, Icarus, not to fly too close to the sun, but excited by youth and foolish pride, Icarus flies too high, his wings melt, and he falls to his death. This myth explains the foolishness of children who don’t listen to their parents.
The Afterlife: Orpheus & Eurydice In this myth, the beautiful Orpheus refuses to play his lute anymore because Eurydice, his love, was bitten by a snake and died. Since everyone is sad that Orpheus will not longer play music, he is allowed to enter the underworld and take Eurydice back, but he must trust she will follow him and not look back. Orpheus waits until he is at the door to the underworld, but in fear, mistakenly looks back, and Eurydice is lost forever. This myth explains what happens in the death.
Myths can still be used today. Do you know the Greek gods and goddesses? How many can you name and what are they god and goddess of? BRAINSTORM
Writing #26: What are Myths, what are the three kinds, and why are they still powerful today? (Define)Myths are ________________________________. (Explain)Myths are important because _________________ ________________________________________________. (Example)Myth explain three things such as the myth ________________ which explains ___________________, ________________ which explains ___________________, and ________________ which explains ________________. (Describe) I think myths are still powerful today because _________________________________________________. My favorite myth is __________________________ because _________________________________________________ .
