Who's Your Hero?

Taken from Google Images



To begin our unit on Heroes, I want you to think about the various heroes you've been exposed to in your life.  What do each of these Heroes have in common?  What makes each of them unique (if anything)?  What it similar about the Journeys they go on to fulfill their individual Quests? 

Whether you know it or not, there is a "formula" for the Quests that each Hero finds him/herself embarking upon, filled with the archetypes that we learned about last semester - The Hero's Journey.  And despite the fact that many of the Hero stories you've seen or heard about seem different (what does Frodo Baggins have in common with Luke Skywalker?), they have a lot more in common than you might think because they all embark upon a similar Journey to fulfill their individual Quests!

For this journal prompt, I want you to discuss the various Heroes you've been exposed to in your life.  What commonalities do these Heroes have with one another, and what makes each of them so great?  Use your genre sheet!

Fatal Flaws

Bloodthirsty Ares
Taken from Google Images

It's good that the Greeks created the gods with flaws - what fun would it be if the Olympians didn't have something they struggled with?  Zeus is known for his womanizing ways, Hera is known for her jealousy, Poseidon is vengeful, Hestia must be boring since she's not featured in any myths, Ares is a hot-head, and Hades - well - he is just plain creepy. 

For this journal prompt, I want you to consider your flaws (you have them, I promise) and make a list.  Out of all of them, which one would you consider to be the worst - that one fatal flaw?  Use your multi-genre sheet for this journal prompt!

What Would Hades Have to Say?

Taken from Google Images



For this journal prompt, I want you to think back on the story of Hades, Persephone, and Demeter - the whole situation is a bit messed up, right?  What ever possessed the Greek god of the Underworld to snatch a woman from earth and make her his wife?  How do you thinks Persephone felt having to hang out amongst the dead for a few months out of the year?  We know that Demeter was torn up about it because as legend goes, the three months when Persephone is gone, her mother weeps and neglects her godly duties, hence why we endure winter (who knew it was Hades' fault all along?!).

Write a journal or diary entry from the perspective of either Hades, Persephone, or Demeter.  Maybe you want to create a twist to the story: perhaps Hades is just lonely and misunderstood, and he really is a good guy.  Perhaps Persephone actually likes the down time in the Underworld.  Maybe Demeter has plotted something evil to pay Hades back for taking her daughter.  This is your journal prompt from the perspective of one of these Greek characters - do with it as you please, but for the wrath of Zeus - be creative!

Like Father Like Son

Zeus battling his father Cronos.
Taken from Google Images

Cronos overthrew his father Uranus.  Zeus overthrew his father Cronos.  Why do you suppose that sons defeating their fathers is such a major theme in mythology?  Why do you suppose that fathers are so afraid of giving up power to their sons? 

In what other stories, plays, or films have you seen this idea?  Let me tell you this - it is more common than you think!  Use your example and compare it to the stories of Uranus, Cronos, and Zeus for this journal prompt.  Use your genre sheet to come up with an original and fresh writing approach!

The Obvious Archetypes in The Princess Bride

Look at the cover of this film; which side
represents the Ego, and which the Shadow?
Taken from Google Images

The Princess Bride is a comical fairytale told by a grandfather to his grandson.  This film is loved by generation after generation, but why?  Because it is full of archetypes that we have all seen many times before!  As a matter of fact, the film makes fun of archetypes, illustrating them in a blatantly obvious light for viewers.  As we conclude our unit on archetypes, I want you to watch this film closely, making notes of the various archetypes that you find within it. 

Your last journal prompt for this week will be based on this film.  Some ideas for your blog entry based on The Princess Bride and its archetypes are...

1. An autopsy of the archetypes within the film - if you cut them open, what do you find?
2. A critique of the archetypes in the film - how accurate are they to your knowledge of primary and secondary archetypes?
3. A diagram similar to the Jungian archetypes handout - where would each secondary archetype be placed within the diagram?
4. A Facebook page for one of the characters that illustrates them as an archetype, along with your knowledge of Jung's archetypes
5. An interview - "Mr. Westley, how does it feel when you are your Ego self?  What about when you put the mask on and become the Shadow?" or "Miss Buttercup, what is the most difficult part of being a lovely maiden?"
6. A nursery rhyme or poem that illustrates the various archetypes in the film
7. A portfolio of the various secondary archetypes within the film that analyzes each of them
8. A compare/contrast essay of Westley's Ego and Shadow - what he shows others and what he hides from them
9. A funny song that illustrates your knowledge of the film's archetypes

Possibilities are endless!  Have fun with this prompt!

...know the place for the first time.

Mr. Frodo leaving his home - the Shire.
Taken from Google Images

As we conclude our unit on archetypes, I want you to think about a time in which you left home, came back, and knew "the place for the first time" as TS Eliot suggests we all do.  How did home seem to you before you left?  How did this once-familiar place seem when you got back?  Why do you suppose this change occurred?  How had your perception changed from the time you left, lived (experienced something new), and returned?

TS Eliot had it Right...

Before we start watching The Wizard of Oz, I want you to respond to this quote below (use your genre sheet).  What is TS Eliot trying to convey?  What does the quote mean to you?  How do these words relate to mythology?

"We shall not cease from exploration. And the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time." -TS Eliot

Secondary Archetypes in Your Life

Who's yo' Earth Mutha?
Taken from Google Images

Now that you know all about secondary character archetypes, it is time to apply this knowledge to your own life.  For this journal prompt, I want you to take five of the eleven character archetypes and write about the people in your life who fit these descriptions.

Who is your Wise Old Man?  Who is your Earth Mother?  Do you have a Brother/Sister relationship in your life?  Maybe a Fatal Man or Woman (those high school relationships can brutal!).  Who is your Anti-Hero - your villain?  What about the Monster, Trickster, Maiden, or Father archetypes?  Explain your reasoning behind each choice, illustrating why these people fit each archetype!

Obviously, you are the Hero in your own life, so the Hero figure doesn't count as one of your five, but feel free to post about yourself on your blog this week!  Have fun with this journal prompt!  I expect some amazing work on your blogs - pictures included!

Week of Archetypes!

Shrek, our Reluctant Hero.
Taken from Google Images



We have learned that an archetype is a typical example of a person or thing - a recurring object, image, or pattern of events in mythology, literature, and films.  For this journal entry, I want you to think about your favorite Disney, Pixar, or Dreamworks film.  What are the character archetypes that you can find within this famous animated film?  Who is the Trickster?  Who is the Hero?  Who is the Anti-Hero?  Who is the Wise Old Man?

Why do so many cultures use these images of people and things over and over again?  What's the point?

On this Fine Wednesday...

Taken from Google Images



- What is a Myth? Quiz (28 points)

- Journal Prompt:

Before written language, myths were transported around the world through word of mouth, or oral tradition.  What are some modern myths or "urban legends" that you are familiar with?  Why haven't these stories been written down, and why do they keep circulating amongst us?

Your task for this journal is to think of one of these modern "urban legends" or myths and take initiative like Homer did - write it down.  And remember, these stories change throughout time (just like our game of telephone yesterday!), so feel free to add your own personal spin on the story!

- Get into your groups and begin the construction of your modern myth posters!

Happy Monday!



Greek Amazon Woman
Taken from Google Images



Journal Prompt:

Get out what you researched on Friday; what did you discover about "Modern Myths" in your research?  Were you shocked at what you found?  Why/why not?  Why is mythology so prevalent in our society?  Why do so many artists, film-makers, and businesses use mythological elements for inspiration?

- Introduction to Mythology PowerPoint - What is Myth?

- Homework for tonight: If you haven't done so already, print off photos/pictures of your 15 Modern Myth examples - we will need them tomorrow! 



Amazon.com Logo
Taken from Google Images



Mythology Treasure Hunt!



Mythology is littered everywhere whether you know it or not!  Your task this weekend is to go on an online mythology hunt.  On this adventure, you must find the following:
a. 3 modern films that are based on myths or mythological elements
b. 3 pieces of art (sculptures, paintings, etc) that were inspired by mythology
c. 3 cities that have mythological names (yes, they are even found in MT!)
d. 3 businesses with mythological names
e. 3 products that have mythological names

You think this adventure sounds tough?  It is going to be easier than you think!  Myths are all around you!

On Monday, come in with a list of these 15 items so we can discuss them!  This assignment is worth 30 points!  Take it seriously!

Thursday Journal Prompt

What is a myth?  Why do we study mythology?  If they are just myths, what is the point of studying them?  Why (and how) have ancient myths lived so long in various cultures around the world?



Medusa
Taken from Google Images



Welcome to Mythology!

Taken from Google Images

Hello, my Mythology friends! 

We have an interesting class dynamic this semester, so I ask that each of you come into my classroom with an open mind and respect for your peers (and your teacher).  I also ask that you are ready on Tuesday, January 17th to dive into some mythology!  A lot of the material is difficult to wrap your head around, but I will try my hardest to explain this subject to you in ways you can relate!  Whether you are aware of it or not, mythology affects your every-day life, and we will discover the many ways in which it does! 

I am expecting a lot out of this crew this semester, so (as in previous courses) please "WOW" me - I know that all of you are more than capable!  Until next Tuesday...

-Miss P.