Monday, October 5, 2009

The Oedipus Complex...Yikes!

Dear Mythology Kids,

I introduced the myth of "Oedipus" to you today (Tuesday, October 6th) as a catalyst for understanding Greek Drama. I have included some additional images below from those I shared with you class. This myth is extremely significant, as it illustrates the ancient Greeks desire and ability to take their myths and transfer them to the genre of drama.
Oedipus in his quest to solve the "riddle of the sphinx."
This image depicts Oedipus with two of his children, Antigone and Ismene, upon learning that he is the guilty party in the death of his father, King Lauis.

This image depicts a theater troupe performing the play of "Oedipus Rex." The character of Oedipus is in the center, and the chorus members are around him.

IF YOU MISSED CLASS TODAY....
If you missed class today, please read the myth of "Oedipus" located on pages. 268-273 in your textbook. You will have a QUIZ over the myth on THURSDAY! This is a valuable piece of literature, as it was originally written as a narrative, and then transformed to a play by Sophocles. It also contains the literary element of IRONY, which adds to the plot line. We discussed the three different types of IRONY today in class.

In addition, the due date for your nature myth has been changed to Monday, October 13th.

1. Dramatic Irony: This occurs when the audience is aware of specific information that characters are not.

2. Irony of Situation or Situational Irony: This occurs when the outcome of a literary work turns out differently than what the audience originally anticipated.

I used The Illusionist and The Prestige as strong examples of literary work that contain the element of Irony of Situation. If you haven't seen either of these films, you must watch them, as they are both excellent.

3. Verbal Irony: This occurs when a character uses words, but means something completely different. Remember that verbal irony is not meant to be derogatory, where as sarcasm is meant to be painful.

YOUR QUIZ covering Oedipus.....

After the introduction you had today to Oedipus, and upon reading the myth, it becomes obvious that the literary tool of irony is significant to the plot of this story. For your quiz on Thursday, you will respond to ONE of FOUR quotes. I will ask that you explain the irony of the chosen question in relationship to the plot of Oedipus. Your response must be thorough. Responding with, "This section is ironic because Oedipus does not realize Laius is his father," is not detailed enough. You will need to explain ALL the circumstances behind the quote that you "pull from the bag." You will not be able to use your textbook or notes for the quiz. This is why you must READ YOUR MYTH, my fine young friends! You do have access to the questions, as they are below, and you can consider a strong response for each one.

1. "He left his home, Corinth, where he was held to be the son of the king, Polybus, and the reason for his self exile was another Delphic oracle. Apollo had declared that he was fated to kill his father."

2. "...whoever had murdered King Laius must be punished. Oedipus was relieved. Surely the man or men could be found after all these years, and they should know well how to punish him."

3. He spoke to his people..."Let no one of this land give him shelter. Bar him from your homes, as one defiled, companioned by pollution. And solemnly I pray, may he who killed wear out his life in evil, being evil."

4. "No one suffered more than Oedipus. He regard himself as the father of the whole state; the people in it were his children; the misery of each one was his too."

I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday! Please don't miss class!

YOUR MASKS ARE DUE on Tuesday, October 6th!



Mythology Kids,

Please remember that your mask is due on Tuesday, October 6th. It needs to be decorated in such a way to indicate the god you have created. In addition, you must be able to WEAR IT; therefore, please have an elastic attached to the inside of the mask.

I have enjoyed reading your "Plot maps;" you have developed strong story lines for your myths. I will return the maps to you on Tuesday.


Cheers,

Crampton




Friday, September 25, 2009

WE MADE COOKIES IN CLASS TODAY!

Dear Mythology Kids,

Everyone submmitted their throne and bandage(s). We then discussed the following:
1. Exposition
2. Rising Action
3. Climax
4. Falling Action
5. Resolution/Denouement
6. Conclusion

We discussed why it is important to identify each part of the "Dramatic Stucture."


We also reviewed the importance of "plotting" your ideas prior to writing. This information can also be obtained from the "Make-up Box" in the room. Students were given the assignment of a plotmap.This assignment is due on THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1st. Please visit with someone from Mythology prior to checking with me. I am asking you to organize the events of your myth on a "map," so that when it is time for you to begin writing your myth, you will have little difficulty in doing so.

I will look forward to seeing you on Tuesday. Remember to wear old clothes, remove your make-up and jewelry.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Cheers,
Crampton

Friday, September 26, 2008

Thursday, September 24, 2009

THRONES (and plaster bandages).....

Dear Mythology Kids,

Just a reminder....your Throne is due on Friday, September 24th, in addition to your plaster bandage.

If you missed class on Wednesday, I am so sorry, as you missed the opportunity to work with other students. We reviewed several nature myths that were submitted several years ago. Each example had some problems regarding plot structure, organization, mechanics, and valid connections to Classical Mythology. We discussed ways each myth could be improved.

I look forward to seeing you on Friday.

Cheers,
Crampton

Monday, September 21, 2009

Your assignment entitled "Nature Myth Part 1"

Dear Mythology Kids,


An authentic ancient Greek theater masks worn during a Greek tragedy performance.


Dear Students,
Let me enlighten you regarding MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21st. ......

1. We completed our quiz covering the myths of "Arachne," "Daphne and Apollo," "Io," and "Echo and Narcissus." If you missed class, please be prepared to take the quiz upon your return.

2. We also completed Journal #2 entitled "Melody Time." This journal involved watching a cartoon clip about Pecos Bill, and then identify the aspects of nature depicted in the clip. You can watch the clip upon your return.


3. We then discussed a new assignment that was given entitled "Nature Myth Pt. 1." You will need to collect the instructions from someone in class. In essence you are being asked to create your own nature, and the first step is developing a god. "Nature Myth Pt. 1" is due on WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd. The handout/assignment is below. You can copy it as a word document and access it that way.

Name______________________ Period_________________ Score______________
Nature Myth Part 1
We have recently completed reading several Greek nature myths. These include Pandora's Box, Prometheus, Arachne, Daphne, Narcissus, and Demeter. Each of you should have a clear concept that a nature myth was the Greeks' way of explaining aspects of nature that they could not comprehend. You will eventually write your own nature myth. There are three parts to your "Nature Myth" assignment: the written portion is the second part and the performance section is the final part. The following directions relate to the first part of this assignment which is the creation of your god for the nature myth.

Part 1:
You are to create your own god or goddess, as he or she will be the primary character within your nature myth. You can decide if your deity is the protagonist or the antagonist. Please respond to each of the questions below, as this information will be used in the writing portion of your assignment.
1. What is the name of your god or goddess?


2. What is his or her domain?

3. What is his/her symbol? What does the symbol represent?

4. Include special powers or abilities possessed by your god or goddess:

5. What does your deity look like. Describe him/her below and then draw a picture of the god on the back side of this paper. The drawing should be large enough that it is easy to see specific details. You only need to include the face (mask). It is not necessary to draw the god's face using color, but I do request that you label the areas of the face with the specific colors you will be using on the mask. NOTE: THE FACE YOU DESIGN IS THE MASK YOU WILL BE MAKING IN CLASS, and eventually wearing!
Description of god's face:

3. Remember that your Throne and bandage are due on Friday!

4. Don't forget about Parent/Teacher Conferences. They will be held from 3-9 on Wed., Sept. 23rd. I will be in attendance from 3-6p.m.

Cheers,

Crampton

Thursday, September 17, 2009

We had a "guest" in class today!

Dear Mythology Students,

I hope you enjoyed our "guest" on Thursday, September 17th. I know that many of you were inhibited by Rosie's appearance, but after you realized that she would not harm you, you "warmed" up to her. I like using "Rosie" as a visual aide because she is so frightening, and of course, her appearance is relevant to the myth of "Arachne."




If you missed class on Thursday, September 17, the following is your HOMEWORK:

1. Your "take-home" quiz is due on Monday, September 21st. If you were not in class, in order to obtain a copy of the quiz , you MUST visit with me on Monday, September 21st.

2. Please read the following myths for Monday and be prepared for an "in-class" quiz covering them:

a. "Prometheus and Io" (pgs. 78-81)


b. "Arachne" (from me)


c. "Narcissus" (from me)



d. "Daphne" (pgs. 119-120)



COPIES OF THE MYTHS CAN BE FOUND OUTSIDE MY ROOM ATTACHED TO THE BULLETIN BOARD.

3. Your "Throne" assignment is due on Friday, September 25th.

4. Your bandage is also due on Friday, September 25th. You can purchase the bandage at "Praxair Medical Supply" located at 400 N. Geneva Road, St. F. Their hour of operation are from 5-8 p.m. M-F.

What did we do in class today?

  • We reviewed the myths of "Prometheus," "Pandora" and "Demeter and Persephone."
  • Students were given their "Take-Home" quiz
  • Journal Entries were explained, and students completed their first journal entry entitled "Hope." I asked everyone to respond to the following quote by Freidrich Neiche.

"Hope in reality is the most vile of all evils, because it prolongs the torments of men."

This quote is relevant to the myth of "Pandora."

  • We then read the version of "Arachne" in your textbook, and students were introduced to "Rosie."

THIS IS YOUR PRACTICE QUIZ for "Archne," "Prometheus and Io," "Narcissus," and "Daphne"

Instructions: Please identify either the myth or character based upon the bold/underlined text. With some questions you will be asked to identify the character's Greek and Roman names.

1. "Ah love," he said, looking into the pool, "come forth, whoever you are. Why do you evade me? Why do you disdain me. Somehow you seem to encourage my hopes and desire the hand I offer you. You smile when I smile and cry when I cry. ______________ (you)

2. "She sent a gadfly to plague her, which stung her with madness. "

2.__________________(she)

3. __________________ (her)

4. __________________ (myth)

5. "She was outraged that a simple peasant girl had declared her work superior to that of the goddess."

5. __________________ (girl)

6. ___________/__________ (goddess)

7. "He saw her, and everything ended for her. She was hunting, her dress short to the knee, her arms bare, her hair in wild disarray."

7. _________/___________ (he)

8. _____________ (her/she)

I look forward to seeing you on Monday!

Cheers, Crampton



Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Tuesday, September 15th...This is what you missed....

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class today, I have placed copies of the myths that I gave to each student outside my door. I am working on having the myths converted to jpg files, but in order to do that I need to re-type them. So, you will need to be patient with me. In the mean time, please locate the myths outside my room.

This is an image of Prometheus. He is punished by Zeus for two reasons. The first pertains to a secret that he refuses to share with the King of Olympus, and the second reason relates to a trick that Prometheus plays upon Zeus in order to benefit mankind. Zeus punishes Prometheus by binding him to a mountain range and having an eagle eat his liver each night. It is a never ending punishment.

This is an image of Pandora; the first female created by Hephaestus. She is created to bring pain and havoc upon mankind. She opens a jar that contains all the evils of the world.
This relief depicts the "Rape of Persephone." We have discussed Hades' desire and longing for a companion. He selects Persephone, daughter to Zeus and Demeter, as his wife.


Please read the following myths for Thursday, September 17th:

A. "Prometheus" ( I will give you a copy of this myth)
B. "Pandora" ( I will give you a copy of this myth)
C. "Pandora" pgs. 72-76 in your textbook
D. "Demeter" pgs. 51-55 in your textbook
E. "Demeter and Persephone" ( I will give you a copy of this myth)

  • Plan on a quiz covering the myths on Thursday, September 17th.
  • You were also given your "Throne" assignment. Your throne is due on Friday, September 25th. This can be explained upon your return. Please visit with someone else in Mythology regarding the "Throne" assignment.

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday.

Cheers, Crampton

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Greece 2010 and practice quiz...

You could be standing here in 2010!

Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend; I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday. Those of you who are interested in going to Greece the summer of 2010, please visit with your parents about this opportunity.
If you missed class on Friday, September 11th, we did the following:
1. Presented information on the following gods:
Athena
Poseidon
Demeter
Hades
Hephaestus
Artemis
Apollo
Hermes
Aphrodite and Ares
2. Please make sure you obtain the information that was presented in class, as your QUIZ on Tuesday will focus on this information.
PRACTICE QUIZ
Instructions: Please select the god that BEST fits each description. You will need to identify the character with both Greek and Roman names. For some questions you will need to justify your response. Some gods may be used more than once.
1. Venerate, Vigil, Valuable, Vigilante, Volume, Viscous...I love words that begin with the letter V. ______________/______________ (both Greek and Roman names)
2. I would make an excellent "shop" teacher. ______________/___________
3. I have a PhD in Statistics. __________/______________
4. I am "President Obama" of the Olympians. _____________/____________
5. I directed a documentary film on master thieves. ___________/____________
6. I would do well working in a floral shop, as the buds would always bloom.
_____________/_______________
7. War of the Worlds is my favorite film. ____________/___________
8. I always "hit my mark." __________/_____________
9. I am responsible for desecrating a temple. ____________/_____________
10. Justify your response for #9 ____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________
11. A trick was played to woo me, so "love can not live where there is no trust." ______/_____
12. Justify your response for #11. ____________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
13. I failed to ask my wife's mother for her hand in "marriage." _________/_________
14. "Make me the most beautiful land animal." __________/____________
I will see you soon!
Cheers,
Crampton

Thursday, September 10, 2009

What did we do in class today....Wednesday, September 8th, 2009

Athena turning Arachne into a spider

Hera, Queen of the Gods

Zeus, King of the Gods and Sky


Dear Mythology Students,

If you missed class on Wednesday, September 8th, we did the following:
1. Took practice quiz covering the 13 Olympians
2. Took actual quiz covering the 13 Olympians
3. Corrected quiz
4. Started obtaining additional information on all the gods. We completed Zeus, Hera and Athena. When you return to class, you will need to obtain the GREEN handout which is where we are recording the additional information about the gods. The following information was discussed for each:

Zeus

  • controls all aspects of the weather

  • trick Hera into marrying him by transforming into a cuckoo bird

  • Hera is his second wife
  • Metis is his first wife (she is the mother to Athena)

  • shapeshifts into animals in order to woe women
  • has numerous affairs

  • Just
  • has difficulties in making decisions
  • god of athletes/athletic events were held in his honor

Hera

  • Zeus transforms into a cuckoo bird. Hera loves animals, and finds a "cuckoo bird" outside her window trapped in a storm. She brings the bird to her breast and states, "I will love you forever, cuckoo bird, and I swear by the River Styx that I will honor this vow." At this point, Zeus returned to his true form, raped Hera, and told her that she had to honor her vow by marrying him. If you swore by Styx your oath could not be broken.

  • She loves animals.

  • Hephaestus is her son without a father. Hera was angry that Zeus had given birth to Athena without the assistance of a mother, so she gave birth to Hephaestus without a father. He was born ugly and unshapen, so she cast him off Mt. Olympus.
  • Due to Zeus' affairs, Hera takes her anger and frustrations out on Zeus' lovers and children.

Athena

  • Zeus swallowed Athena's mother, Metis, because an oracle had informed Zeus that if Metis birthed a son that child would overthrow his father. Zeus felt that he could not risk this, so he swallowed Metis. Athena grew within her father, until one day he experience a terrible headache. Hephaestus, the God of Inventions, sliced open Zeus' head and Athena was born wearing full battle armour and holding a shield and spear.
  • Athena values mankind. She taught them how to create tools, use numbers, create nets, weaving and ships.
  • Athena expected mankind to give gratitude to the gods of Olympus. If they were disrespectful, she punished them. She turns a mortal woman names Arachne into a spider because she failed to thank Athena for her gift. In addition, she said that she was a better weaver than Athena.

  • Athena and Poseidon both wanted Attica as their city-state. The people decided they would select their patron god based upon a gift they offered the people. Athena gave the people an Olive Tree, and Poseidon gave the people a spring of salt water. The people selected Athena as their patron deity; consequently, Poseidon detested Athena.

Monday, September 7, 2009

If you missed class on Friday, September 4th...You missed the Olympians!

1.


2.

3.



4.



5.


6.

7.


8.

9.

10. Note: The artist has added a unicorn purely for effect!
Unicorns are found in Persian Mythology; they have
nothing to do with Classical Myths


11.
12.
Dear Mythology Kids,
I hope you are enjoying the "last weekend of summer!" I have often wondered why we don't actually begin school AFTER Labor Day weekend? Have you ever asked yourself the same question? I'm sure it has something to do with the "180 days of school" rule! Oh well, never mind, at least you were able to sleep in this morning, right? I will look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

For those of you that missed class on Friday, September 4th, we completed the following:

1. We corrected "The Creation" quiz
2. We completed your purple handout detailing the Greek and Roman names, symbols and domains of the gods. Please make sure you obtain this information, as your quiz will focus on ALL of the Olympians and their names, symbols and domains.
3. Each student submitted one copy of "The Handout" assignment, along with a copy of the additional source they used in order to obtain information about their god. The other copy was used in class.
4. Students worked in groups compiling the information they obtain about their god. This information was recorded on a transparency. We will use the transparencies during class on Wed. and Fri. of next week.

PRACTICE QUIZ for "The Olympians" NOTE: I did not find an image of Hades that I felt was accurate. Please be aware of this when taking your quiz. I am having difficulties positioning the images in the body of the text. So, for the time being, you'll need to refer to the top of the post. Good Luck.....
For each image, please identify the Greek and Roman names, one other symbol besides those present in the image, and two of each god's domains. Please following the structure below for your responses.

1. Greek/ Roman Names Symbol Domains

Thursday, September 3, 2009

If you missed class on Wed., Aug. 2nd....

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class on Wednesday, you will need to do the following:

1. Visit with someone else regarding your "HANDOUT" assignment. Each student was given one of the 13 Olympians to research. In addition, I gave each student information regarding their particular god. Your assignment requires that you have a minimum of two sources (I gave one to each student), and then you are to locate another source (Internet, your book, etc.) A valid website is "ENCYCLOPEDIA MYTHICA." This assignment is due on Friday. You should have two copies of your handout. One will be used in class, the other will be given to me. In addition, please make a copy of your additional source (the Internet, book, etc. ), as I want to see the other source you used to obtain information.

COLTEN HENRIE--You missed class on Wednesday. Your assigned god is HERMES/MERCURY. I have placed a copy of the assignment explanation and the information concerning Hermes outside my door. PLEASE COLLECT THEM so that you will be prepared for FRIDAY!

2. I also returned each student's "What is a Classic?" assignment. We discussed the importance of word choice and you were asked NEVER TO USE THE FOLLOWING "Dead Words" again:

GET, VERY, A LOT, SORT OF, KIND OF, LIKE, THINGS, COOL, STUFF, REALLY, COOL, PRETTY

3. We also took the quiz covering "The Creation." If you missed class then you need to be prepared to take the quiz the day you return to school. You can take the quiz during lunch or after school.

Please let me know if you have any questions.
Cheers,
Crampton

Sunday, August 30, 2009

The Creation Myth!

12.

13.

14.


15.




16.



Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend. Although we did not complete our discussion of "The Creation" myth on Thursday, after completing your reading assignments for Monday, August 31st, you should have some cognition regarding how the story ends. When I see you on Monday, we will review, and then complete the myth in class. I wanted to post your practice quiz so that you could start working on it even though we aren't quite finished with our discussion. Remember to use it as a pre-test, so you should put all of your information away while you take the quiz. THIS IS CLEARLY AN INTEGRITY ISSUE ON YOUR PART, my fine young friends. In addition, you should print a copy of the quiz as a word document, and be prepared to bring it with you to class on Wednesday. We will review for the quiz by discussing the questions on the practice quiz. If you choose to use flashcards on the quiz for Wednesday, you can use a 1/4 of the ones that you complete.

PRACTICE QUIZ for "THE CREATION" Myth

1. According to the ancient Greeks, how did formed matter begin?
2. Three "beings" were initially created, please identify them for 2-4.
2._______________ 3.______________ 4.________________
5. Who was Uranus, and what was his greatest fear?
6. Identify his first two "groups" of children and why his wife was so angry with him concerning these children.
7. What characters are created from Uranus' death (in any order)?
7._____________________ 8._________________
9. Describe the Titans to me.............
10. Why is Cronus so willing to destroy his father?
11. Cronus marries his sister, Rhea, who in turn gives him six children. Explain what he does with the children and why.

12. Refer to the image at the top of this post. The two characters on this Greek vase are married. The female is offering the male something of significance. Explain to me what is taking place here.
13. Refer to the second image at the top of this post. Identify the three female characters in the drawing. What was their purpose in Greek mythology?
14. Refer to the third image at the top of this post. Explain the symbolism behind the death of the character lying on his back.
15. Refer to the fourth image...... Why was Uranus so afraid of "these" ( I know there is only one) children?
16. Who is this? Explain her "birth."
I hope you did well! I will see you soon.
Cheers,
Crampton





Tuesday, August 25, 2009

If youmissed class on Tuesday, August 25th....Shame on you!



Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class today, please make sure you visit with someone else taking Mythology.......

Each student received the following:

1. A copy of their textbook, Mythology, by Edith Hamilton
2. A copy of their Homework Coupon ( if you missed class please visit with me about this)
3. Four handouts that were then placed within the notebook
a. a blue handout that is a map of Greece
b. a yellow handout entitled "Tell me a Story"
c. a purple handout that is a chart of the Greek gods
d. and a pink handout that will be used for flashcards
(Each handout was placed in the "NOTES" section of the notebook, except for the pink handout. This one was placed in the "HOMEWORK" section of the notebook.)
4. Each student submitted their "What is a Classic" assignment.

HOMEWORK for THURSDAY:
1. Please read pgs. 13-23 in your book
2. Remember that your Introduction entitled "Where I Stand!" is due on Thurs.
3. Begin reviewing the information discussed today so that you will be ready for your first QUIZ which is scheduled for Monday.

WHAT DID YOU DISCUSS IN CLASS?
1. We reviewed some basic information regarding ancient Greece.
a. What is a city-state?
b. The difference between Athens and Sparta.
c. The terms POLYTHEISTIC and PAGAN
d. The importance of the Minoan culture found on the island of Crete and how they were destroyed by the Mycenean Greeks.
e. We also discussed the brilliance of the ancient Greeks and how their influence still plays a role in our modern culture
I will look forward to seeing you on Thursday!
Cheers,
Crampton

Friday, August 21, 2009

WELCOME BACK to Timpanogos HIgh School!

Dear Mythology Kids,

I couldn't definitely grow accustomed to two day weeks. Don't you agree? I look forward to many more Fridays with you. I wanted to include a quick reminder regarding your assignments for Tuesday:

1. Your supplies are due!
2. Your signed disclosure document is due!
3. Your "What is a Classic" assignment is due!

I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday.
Enjoy your weekend,
Crampton

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

If you missed class on Monday, May 4th....

Hi, Guys
Make sure you have read "Balder's Dream" pag. 147-149 for Wed. This myth is the precursor for the end! Also, don't forget to start reading the myth "Sigurd, the Dragon Slayer" for Tuesday, May 12th. The myth should be read two times prior to watching the film. I promise if you read it twice you will be able to make more connections.

I will look forward to seeing you on Wednesday.

Cheers,
Crampton

Friday, May 1, 2009

OUr time together is growing short!

Dear Mythology Kids,
As I mentioned on Thursday, we only have five instructional B days remaining. This, of course, means that you need to be in class each day, as we will be moving quite quickly.

Your homework for Monday is the following:
1. Read the red handout regarding J.R.R. Tolkien.
2. Your Lord of the Rings assignments need to be completed by May 12th! This included reading the myth, "Sigurd, the Dragon Slayer" at least twice, and watching the film, Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship.
3. #1 and #2 can be obatined from me when you return to school.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Cheers,
Crampton

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

The Mead of Poetry...

Dear All,
For those of you who tasted the "Mead of Poetry," I hope you enjoyed it. If you did not attend class on Tuesday, then we will look forward to you sharing your poetry selection with us on Thursday. The mead will still be available for you to taste, if you choose to do so!

You homework for Thursday is to read the following myths:
1. "Skirnir's Journey" (myth #11)
2. "Necklace of the Brisings" (myth #12)

The best way to be prepared for your quiz is to make sure you can explain the myth to someone that has not read it.

I will look forward to visiting with you on Thursday.

Cheers,
Crampton

Sunday, April 26, 2009

How was the weekend?

Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you've had enjoyable weekend. Are you ready to taste the "Mead of Poetry" on Tuesday? Just a reminder about Tuesday:

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.

Your homework for Thursday is to have read the following myths:
"Necklace of the Brisings" and "Skirnir's Journey"
I apologize that I don't have the page numbers for you, but you are more than capable of referring to the "Table of Contents" in your book! Yes, you should plan on some type of assessment covering the myths.

Big Hugs,
Crampton

Thursday, April 23, 2009

The Plan for Friday.....April 24th

Dear Mythology Students,

Please make sure that you are prepared for your reading quiz scheduled for Friday. The myths that you need to have read are the following:

1. "Mead of Poetry" pgs. 26-32
2. "Marriage of Njord and Skadi" pgs. 44-47
3. "The Treasures of the Gods" pgs. 48-53

Your quiz will be different, again, as it will be an oral quiz. I promise it will make sense when I see you on Friday. You will need to support your responses by using examples from the myths. MAKE SURE YOU READ THEM!

In addition, don't forget that your memorized poem, and the explanation that goes along with it, are due on Tuesday.

I will see you on Friday.
Cheers,
Crampton

Monday, April 20, 2009

Welcome back from Spring Break!

Dear All,
I hope you had a wonderful break. You only have FIVE WEEKS until school ends, so do your best to end strong, and please let me know if I can help you in any way.

Okay...your homework for Wednesday is the following:
1. Your revision for your "Let's go to the Movies" essay is due on Wed.
2. Please read "Idun's Apples" pgs. 38-43
3. Please read "LOki's Evil Children and the binding of Fenrir." Pg. 33-37
4. Plan on a quiz covering #2 and #3.
5. Your favorite poem must be memorized and is due on April 28th. I gave everyone a handout explaining this assignment in class. Make sure you obtain the handout upon your return.

Also, if you missed class today (Monday), please make sure you are ready to take the quiz you given today on Wednesday.

Cheers,
Crampton

Friday, April 17, 2009

I hope that Spring Break is going well for each of you!

Hi, Guys
I do hope that you are enjoying your Spring Break! For those of us who have stayed in Utah, we could have gone skiing! Oh well, we should NEVER COMPLAIN about water, as one day we may be without it. I will be excited to hear about your week off when I see you on Monday. You do realize that when you come back, we only have five weeks and then you will be ready to move on. I can't believe how quickly this year has gone by.

Here is your practice quiz.....GOOD LUCK!

Cheers,
Crampton

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. "An apple a day keeps the doctor away." ______________
10. Black and White, Life and Death, Good and Evil _____________________

Friday, April 10, 2009

Happy Spring Break!

Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you have a wonderful break! Let me remind you of what is due upon your return.

1. Your "Let's go to the Movies" essay is due on Wednesday, April 22nd. If you missed class on Thursday, I returned the essay to their owners. You will need to collect yours the Monday you return from Spring Break.

2. You will have a QUIZ on Monday, April 20th, covering the information you shared with each other about your specific god. The quiz will be application in nature. You are welcome to use 4 flashcards (if you create all 12).

Enjoy the break!

Cheers,
Crampton

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

This was the agenda for Tuesday, April 7th!


Dear All (I'm tired of writing "Mythology Kids"),

The following is your homework for Thursday:
1. Please read "The War between the Aesir and Vanir" pg. 7-9
2. Please read "Building the Wall of Asgard" pg. 9-14
3. "The First Humans" (located in your packet; it's the light green handout).
4. You will have a quiz on Thursday covering the above myths, "Lord of the Gallows," and the Runes!

Any questions???????


For those of you that weren't in class today, we shared information with each other regarding the research that each student did concerning their specific god. We will finish with this on Thursday. Specific information about the gods will not be on Thursday's quiz; however, the information will be on a quiz upon your return from Spring Break.
Here are some images of the characters we discussed today in class. I won't identify them for you. Why don't you see if you can on your own.

Practice quiz:

1. Why do the Aesir and Vanir trade gods?

2. What ends up happening to Mimir? What ultimately becomes of him? Explain.

3. Why are the Aesir so frustrated with the witch Gullveig?

4. Why do the Vanir think the Aesir have tricked them?

5.What does the term Rune mean?

6. Why does Odin stab himself prior to obtaining the Runes?

7. How were the first man and woman created?

8. What is the compromise that Odin makes with the mason concerning the rebuilding of Asgard's wall?

9. Why are the gods so annoyed at Loki regarding the building of Asgard's wall?

10. What price does Loki pay for his involvement with rebuilding Asgard's wall?

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Cheers,

Crampton

Sunday, April 5, 2009

If you missed class on Friday, April 3rd....SHAME ON YOU!


Dear Mythology Kids,

Your homework for Tuesday is the following:

1. Read the myth "Lord of the Gallows" pgs. 15-17
2. Read the purple handout in your packet entitled "Runes."
3. Be prepared for a quiz covering #1 and #2 on Thursday.

We took the quiz covering the gods, unusual characters, and Yggdrasil on Friday. 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 Scandanavian 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 Scandanavian 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.

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

If you missed Wednesday.....




Dear All,

We covered an extensive amount of information today in class. We completed Yggdrasil. So, please make sure you obtain this information from someone else in class. In addition, we completed the information covering the gods and other unusual characters, which is located on the back of your bright orange sheet in your packet. I have included some images below to assist you with developing schema for these characters. YOU WILL HAVE A QUIZ ON FRIDAY covering our discussion today. If you complete your flashcards (32), you are welcome to use eight on your quiz. I have also included a practice quiz to help you prepare for the quiz. Remember you will receive extra-credit for completing the quiz. Please print it off and bring it with you on Friday.




This is an artists rendering of Yggdrasil. Make sure you discover who the following characters are and their role in Norse Mythology.
1. Jormungand

2. Ratatosk

3. Well of Mimir

4. Jotenheim
5. Nidhogg




This is Jormungand; he is also known as the "world serpent."


This is Nidhogg. He is a dragon that lives in the world of the dead known as Niflheim. He chews on the root of Yggdrasil that supports this final world.



This is Odin: King of the Gods, Poetry, Battle, Wisdom. Make sure you learn more about
Hugin and Mugin, as they are related to Odin.



Frigg, wife to Odin, Queen of the Gods, weaver of the clouds



This is Thor: God of Farmers, thunder, protector of the gods.


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 ____________________

Your FINAL exam!

Dear Mythology Kids, It's nice to "see" you again. Let me offer some "study guidance" for your final exam. Please ...