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Myths
Unit 3: Mythology
Georgia Standard
• Identify and analyze similarities and
differences in mythologies from different
cultures
EQ: How are myths and traditional
literature from different cultures similar
yet different?
You will learn about myths
across cultures. Myths are
stories shared by a group,
and which are a part of
their cultural identity.
Myths
• stories shared
by a group, and
which are a
part of their
cultural
identity
Myths
• Tells stories of gods,
goddesses, explaining
something in nature
• Teaches a lesson
6 Primary Uses for Myths
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
To explain a natural occurrence
To explain the creation of the world
To teach people moral lessons
To explain some historical event
To explain some ancient religious
practice
6. To reveal the common hopes and fears of
mankind
7 Characteristics of a Myth
• To explain the universe
• gods and goddesses are present
• The gods, goddesses, and heroes have
super natural powers
• Human emotions are experiences by the
gods
• Magic is often present in myths
• Gods sometimes appear in disguised form
• A metamorphosis may occur
Let’s Read a Greek Myth
Persephone
Persephone is the goddess of the underworld in Greek mythology. She is the daughter of
Zeus and Demeter, goddess of the harvest. Persephone was such a beautiful young woman
that everyone loved her, even Hades wanted her for himself. One day, when she was
collecting flowers on the plain of Enna, the earth suddenly opened and Hades rose up from
the gap and abducted her. None but Zeus, and the all-seeing sun, Helios, had noticed it.
Broken-hearted, Demeter wandered the earth, looking for her daughter until Helios
revealed what had happened. Demeter was so angry that she withdrew herself in
loneliness, and the earth ceased to be fertile. Knowing this could not continue much
longer, Zeus sent Hermes down to Hades to make him release Persephone. Hades
grudgingly agreed, but before she went back he gave Persephone a pomegranate (or the
seeds of a pomegranate, according to some sources). When she later ate of it, it bound her
to underworld forever and she had to stay there one-third of the year. The other months
she stayed with her mother. When Persephone was in Hades, Demeter refused to let
anything grow and winter began.
Answer these questions about the Greek Myth
“Persephone”
1.What characteristics are present
in this myth?
2.What is the primary use for writing
this myth?