Download What are Myths

MYTHS
In small groups, “THINK / PAIR / SHARE” the following:
1. Define “myth”:
2. What are the purposes of myths?
3. For homework, select and find information on a Greek myth (ie. Atlantis). What is the myth about?
What do you think the purpose is?
Function of Greek Mythology
 Explain the World: Greek myths lent structure and order to the world and explained how the
current state of things had originated. Ex- Hesiod, Work and Days.
 Means of Exploration- Myths chartered paths through difficult territory, examining
contradictions and ambiguities. Ex- Homer’s Iliad
 Provided authority and legitimacy- A claim, an action, or a relationship acquired extra
authority if it had a precedent in myth. Ex- Aristocratic Greek Families
 Entertainment- Myth telling was a source of enjoyment and entertainment.
Origins of Greek Mythology
 Archaeologists have shown that many of the places where mythical events presumably took place
correspond to sites that had historical importance during the Mycenaean period of Greek history.
 Scholars have also argued that Minoan civilization of Crete has had a formative influence on Greek
myths. - Example- Minotaur.
OTHER TERMS
 A saga is also known as a tale and is based on a great historical event.( ie- Trojan War)

A legend is a fictional (not true) story associated with a historical person or place (ie. King Arthur)

Folktales are usually simple narratives of adventure built around elements of character and plot. (ie. the young man who
slays a monster and wins the hand of a princess)

Urban Legends- urban legends address the concerns and anxieties of urban living (modern day)
Greek Myths
SGA Activity
Remember, it was in Ancient Greece that the
concepts of drama = tragedy and comedy began!
1. Students will break into 6 groups and select one Greek myth from the following link:
http://www.markville.ss.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/history/16th/greekmyths.html
2. Groups will create a SGA (Small Group Acting) based on the myth. Costumes, props, masks,
music, characters and a narrator are all a must! Groups should use the Greek myth as a basis for the
script and can add in additional information, scenes, action etc. A specific morale / lesson should be
drawn upon at the end of the SGA to emphasize the significance of Greek myths as well as the
importance of mythology to ancient Greece.
Checklist
 brainstorm ideas (identify the main ideas and how you want to perform your skit)
 develop a script (you may not read from a paper during your performance)
 practice your skit (run through so that the performance is professional)
 perform your skit for the class
Criteria
o speaking role for every member of the group
o costumes / masks / props / music etc.
o typed script to be submitted on the presentation date
o dynamics / interesting storyline / humour / creativity
o if necessary, the SGA Greek Myths can be divided up intro smaller, shorter skits
o students may video-tape SGAs and show to class on TV on presentation date. Please make sure that
you tell teacher to book a TV!
Small Group Acting Rubric
Thinking /
Inquiry
Research of topic
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Script research shows
limited accuracy and use of
texts
Script research is mostly
accurate and shows
moderate evidence of use
of texts
Script research is accurate
and shows evidence of
competent use of texts
Script research is accurate and
shows evidence of
information from sources
other than provided texts
Communication
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Writing Skills
Language is occasionally
concise and suitable;
grammar and spelling are
rarely correct
Language is sometimes
concise and suited to the
topic; grammar and
spelling are sometimes
correct
Language is frequently
concise and suited to the
topic; grammar and
spelling are usually
correct
Language is concise and
suited to the topic; grammar
and spelling are correct
Acting
Uses voice and body
movements with limited
skill; inaudible voice; little
movement
Supports interpretation of
characters with an
audible voice and some
characteristic action
Varies pitch, tone and
volume to reflect
interpretation of the
characters; gestures and
actions are appropriate
Uses pitch, tone, pacing, and
volume to skilfully render
characters; gestures and
actions reflect and
complement an insightful
view of the characters
Direction
Poor shift from scene to
scene; actors move
aimlessly or stand still;
poor use of space
Awkward shift from
scene to scene; actors
move with some degree
of purpose; awkward use
of space
Good shift from scene to
scene; actors move with
purpose; appropriate use
of space
Seamless shift from scene to
scene; actors move with skill
and purpose; skilful and
creative use of space
Entertainment
Story has limited interest or
excitement; needs
considerable development
Story is somewhat
interesting; needs some
development
Story is well-developed
and presented in an
interesting manner
Story is well developed and
presented in an interesting and
exciting manner
Application
Level 1
Level 2
Level 3
Level 4
Connection to
historical moment /
legacy / importance
-production lacks any real
historical relevance or
meaning to the topic
-adequate production of
the SGA to show the
historical meaning of the
topic
-proficient production of
SGA to show the
historical meaning of the
topic
-exceptional production of
SGA to portray the historical
importance / meaning of the
topic