Oral Quiz on Wed.

Dear Mythology Kids,


What did we do in class today?
1. We reviewed "The Mead of Poetry" and then submitted the corresponding notations.
2. We then started on "Treasure of the Gods"
3. Please notate (5/page/ALL COLORS) for each myths required  for Wed.


Please make sure that you are prepared for your reading quiz scheduled for Wednesday. The myths that you need to have read are as follows;:
1. "Mead of Poetry" pgs. 26-322.
2. "The Treasures of the Gods" pgs. 48-53
3. "Njord and Skadi" pgs. 44

Your quiz will be different, again, as it is an oral quiz. I promise it will make sense when I see you on Wednesday. You will need to support your responses by using examples from the myths. MAKE SURE YOU READ THEM! The following questions will be used for the Socratic discussion we will have on Tuesday:

1.. The name “Bolverk” translated means “evil one.” Explain why you think Odin selected this name for the character he portrays in “Mead of Poetry.” Support your answers with examples from the myth.

2. Agree or disagree with the following statement by Odin, and then justify your response. “To be a poet, that is the finest calling.”

3. Consider the “host/guest” relationships within “The Mead of Poetry.” How are these relationships different and/or similar to those in the Greek myths? Support your idea with examples from “The Mead of Poetry” and any Greek myth.

4. The “quest for knowledge” is a strong motif in “The Mead of Poetry.” Primitive societies venerated poets in association with their leaders and gods; however, in some cultures the desire to learn was considered dangerous. Express your ideas concerning both “frames of thought.”

5. What could Sif’s hair represent? (What could it symbolize?) Explain your ideas.

6. What are Loki’s motive, both hidden and apparent, in the myth “Treasures of the Gods?” Explain.

7. Which group of gifts, in your opinion, is more superior? Support your reasoning.


In addition, don't forget that your memorized poem, and the explanation that goes along with it, are due on Friday, April 29nd. Please remember the following:

1. Make sure your poem is memorized
2. Make sure you have included a typed explanation as to why you value the poem and the meaning behind the piece.
3. Remember to include a copy of the poem beneath your explanation.

The role of fate in Norse Mythology

Dear Mythology Kids,
If you missed class, we completed the following:


1. Journal #12 "Fate vs. Choice"
Part 1: Are we victims of inescapable fate, or do we have the power to create our own destiny? Some believe that fate leaves them with feelings of helplessness, while others believe that a belief in fate gives them a sense of reassurance and comfort. What do you believe? Thoroughly explain your response.  Indicate your impressions of the Norse belief in fate, specifically in relationship to the "power" and "lack of power" it provides the Norse gods.

Part 2: The film Serendipity focuses on the idea that fate controls our destiny. As you view the clip, discuss the legitimate and absurd aspects regarding the concept of fate depicted in the film.

2. We continued by discussing the journal entry. Fate is a strong motif in Norse myths; consequently, it is valuable to consider your own concepts regarding this topic.

3. We discussed two different motifs found within Norse literature.

4. We took our quiz covering the gods and the three myths that were assigned for today.


HOMEWORK:
1. Please read "The Mead of Poetry" (pg. 26) for Monday.
2. Please notate the myth with two questions/page. If it not necessary to record your questions in red. You should have a total of 14 questions, as there are seven pages to the myth. If you elect to have more, then extra-credit will be assigned.
3. Don't forget about your poetry piece!

Have a wonderful weekend!
Cheers,
Crampton

Welcome back, cute kids! You only have 6 weeks left, and you can make it!

Dear Mythology Kids,
STOP MISSING CLASS! If you missed today, we completed the following:

1. I explained your new "poetry" assignment. Please visit with me to obtain the information regarding this assignment, and then I will refer you to one of your classmates for a detailed explanation.
2. We then reviewed the myths "War between the Aesir and Vanir," "Building Asgard's Wall," and "Loki's Children and the binding of Fenrir."
3. I returned each student's notations regarding the above myths. You submitted the notations the Friday prior to spring break. We then reviewed the questions you had asked and had a group discussion using your questions as a catalyst.  YOU ASKED SOME VALID AND LOGICAL QUESTIONS!

HOMEWORK:

1. Plan on a quiz covering the gods and the three myths from #2 above on Thursday. You are welcome to create flashcards to assist you.
2. Please work on obtain your poem and completing the "write-up" for it. This assignment is due on Friday, April 29th!

Practice Quiz: Please choose the god that best fits each clue.

1. "It is so nice to meet you." ( What do you do when you first meet someone?) ____________
2. "Here kitty, kitty....." ________________
3. "The better to see you with, my dear." _________________
4. Malevolent, Mischievous, and Malicious _________________
5. "I love toy boats, especially if they can fold up and fit in my pocket." _____________
6. Salt water is excellent for my skin, because it acts as an exfoliate. _______________
7. He gave me a splitting headache. _______________
8. "Promise me that you won't lay a hand on him. " _________________
9. "If I could only relive my youth again." ______________
10. Black and White, Life and Death, Good and Evil _____________________

Welcome to the Runes

Completion of the gods, unusual characters and introduction to the Runes

Dear Mythology Students,

Your homework for Wed., April 6th is the following:

1. Read the myth "Lord of the Gallows" pgs. 15-17
2. Read the purple handout in your packet entitled "Runes" (if you were ablsent)

3. Be prepared for a quiz covering #1 and #2 , the gods and the unusual characters on Wed.. In addition, we started our discussion of the Runes. Let me give you some schema regarding Runes, even though you will be reading the purple handout in your packet on the same subject.

WHAT ARE RUNES?

Runes are the letters of the ancient Scandinavian people. According to myth, the Runes were created by Odin. In his quest to obtain more knowledge, he stabbed and then hanged himself from Yggdrasil. As he was hanging, and of course, bleeding to death, the weight of his body forced dead branches from Yggdrasil to land in Gunnungagap. The branches fell in unusual patterns, hence creating the Runes. Originally, eighteen Runes were created, but as the Scandinavian language changed, more letters were required.

Each Rune represents a letter, has a sound, name, and has magical powers associated with it. Odin touches each of the eighteen Runes, and therefore he is given knowledge that other characters in Norse Mythology do not have. For example, one of the Runes taught Odin how to return from the dead. Another teaches him how to woo women. One Rune gives him the power to read and write....... Please read "Lord of the Gallows" for a detailed description of the power that each Rune possesses.

The Runes are placed around this rendering of Odin riding Sleipnir.

We covered an extensive amount of information today in class. We completed the back of your yellow sheet. YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ ON WEDNESDAY covering our discussion today. If you complete your flashcards (28), you are welcome to use seven on your quiz. The following characters relate to your quiz:

Odin

Thor

Frigg (a)

Balder

Loki

Hel

Tyr

Heimdall

Hermod

Idun

Njord

Freyr

Frejya

Hugin

Mugin

Norns

Valkyries

Fenrir

Jormungand

Jotenheim

Jormungand

Ragnorok

Mjolnir

Slepnir

Vahalla

Aesir

Vanir

Asgard

Midgard

Ratatosk

I have also included a practice quiz. Remember you will receive extra-credit for completing the quiz.

PRACTICE QUIZ!
1. I am Odin's "thought." _________________
2. I am Odin's "Memory." _________________
3. Mother to Balder; Friday; weaves the clouds ______________
4. Loves gold; hates war ____________________
5. Strong senses _________________
6. Trickster _______________
7. The end of the Norse World is called ______________
8. I have eight legs. _______________
9. Wednesday ______________
10. The "heaven" in the land of the gods is called ____________
11. Loki is our father 11.______________12.______________13.____________
14. I have a special hammer _______________
15. Apples are my favorite fruit. _________________
16. Well of past, present and future ____________________