ODYSSEUS, PATROCULS, and the two charcters named AJAX!

Dear Mythology Students,

STOP MISSING CLASS! Missing class is like trying to enter Hades without an Obolus.We completed the following presentations: Odysseus, Patroclus, Ajax, the Greater and Ajax, the Lesser. Please review your handouts.

You were also given a new vocabulary word: ATROPHY

Please visit with someone in class regarding etymology, definition, and synonym.

HOMEWORK:

1. Start reviewing for your "Iliad Quest," which will take place on Wed., March 3rd. There are three sections to the "Quest:"

Character Quotes

A list of events ..... you will need to identify if they took place within The Iliad or The Odyssey

You will see three clips from the movie Helen of Troy. I will mute the sound, and you will need to respond to some corresponding questions for the clips.

2. Please read "Niobe" pgs. 249-250

3. Please read "Pygmalion" pgs. 112-115

NOTE: These myths relate to the characters of Artemis and Aphrodite, and will heighten your understanding of the two goddesses.

4. Remember that Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief is due on March 1st!

Odysseus, King of Ithaca, "inventor" of the Trojan Horse

B1:
1."When the moment came to stand by his sacred oath, Odysseus pretended to be mad, as it had been revealed to him in a prophecy that should he go to war, he would not return for twenty years. His duplicity was reveal when Palemedes placed Odysseus' son, Telemachus, in front of the plough. Odysseus avoided the child, proving he was of reasonable mind. He was compelled to join Menelaus' army.

2. "Once at war he proved to be a shrewd and wise general. In Greek myths the idea of the Wooden Horse, which defeated the Trojans and led to the destruction of the city, is Odysseus' idea."

B2:
1. "Renowned for his eloquent and persuasive speaking, Odysseus was called upon many times to give advice. Although he fought bravely he preferred strategy to heroics."
2. "...if anything went wrong...the men inside the wooden horse would surely die. Odysseus, as can be readily believed, had not overlooked this fact....he was prepared."

B4:
1. same as b2

2. same as b1

PATROCLUS, friend to Achilles

B1:
1. "Give me your armor. If they think I am you, the Trojans may pause and the worn-out Greeks have a breathing space. You and I are fresh. We may yet drive back the enemy."

2. "And indeed for a time Patroclus fought as gloriously as that great hero himself could have done."

B2:
1."You can wrath while your country men go down in ruin, " he cried to Achilles. "I cannot."
2. Same as B1

B4:
1. "Not even for Achilles' sake could he stay longer away from the battle."
2. Same as B1

AJAX, the Greater

B1

1. "So awe inspiring Ajax, a tower of strength for the Greeks, rose and went into battle."

2. "He spoke little and slowly, but he had a good heart and tremendous courage."

B2

Presentation will take place on Thursday

B4

1."He is not wounded in any of the battles described in The Iliad, and he is the only principal character on either side who does not receive personal assistance from any of the gods who take part in the battles. "As such, he embodies the virtues of hard work and perseverance."

2. "They were soon rallied by Ajax, who, next to matchless Achilles, was the best-looking and best fighter of all the Greeks. He charged through the front of the line, fierce as a wild boar in the mountains who easily scatters the hounds and lively young huntsmen as it turns at bay in the glades. So glorious Ajax charged and easily scattered the ranks of Trojans, who had gathered round Patroclus and made up their minds that they were going to win the glory and drag his body into the city."

AJAX, the Lesser (Sorry, I couldn't find an image of him that I liked)

B1

1. "Ajax, not the great Ajax, of course, who was dead, but a lesser chieftain of the same name--tore her from the altar and dragged her from the sanctuary."

2."Not one Greek protested against the sacrilege. Athena's wrath was deep. She to Poseidon and laid her wrongs before him. "Help me to vengeance," she said. "Give the Greeks a bitter homecoming. Stir up the waters with wild whirlwinds when they sail. Let dead men choke the bays and line the shores and reefs."

B2

Presentation will occur on Thursday.

B4

1."Athena herself threw a thunderbolt at Ajax's ship and sank it, but he swam ashore boasting that he had defied the anger of teh gods and escaped with is life."

2. "Yet there you are mouthing off as usual, and there is absolutely no need for it. There are many better men here than you, Ajax."

I look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Hector, Cassandra, and Achilles were the characters discussed on Friday!

Achilles, hit by Paris' arrow

Hector, Prince of Troy, mourned by his wife and son

Cassandra, Trojan Princess, daughter to Priam, sister to Hector and Paris, Agamemnon's "prize of war."

Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you are enjoying your weekend! How was Preference? I look forward to hearing about it when I see you on Tuesday.

You missed the following on Friday:

1. Hector, Cassandra, and Achilles were introduced to you. Check your handouts and visit with another student from class.

2. I returned your Peer Reviews. I have placed them outside my room on the bulletin board. Please take yours home, so that you are aware of the feedback and suggestions given to you. Your 2nd Draft is due on Tuesday.
3. Start reviewing the characters from The Iliad, as your "Quest" is quickly approaching.
4. Continue reviewing your vocabulary works!
5. Please read pages 191-200 of The Iliad located in your textbook for Tuesday.


CASSANDRA

B1

1. "later Apollo turned against her because she refused his love, and although he could not take back his gift--divine favors once bestowed might not be revoked--he made it of no account, as not one ever believed her."

2. "After the war began, Cassandra continued to predict calamities in store for the Trojans."

B2

1. "Ajax, the lesser, dragged her away, overturning the statue, and raped her on the spot, while the image of Athena turned its eyes away in horror."

2. "It was her fate always to know the disaster that was coming and be unable to avert it."

B4

1. "Cassandra foresaw everything that was to happen. Even her family believed she was mad. In fact, to avoid scandal, her father had her locked away, ordering the women who attended her to report everything that she said."

HECTOR

B1

1. "His glancing helm was everywhere and one gallant warrior after another fell beneath his terrible bronze spear. When evening ended the battle, the Trojans had driven the Greeks back almost to their ships."

2. "Apollo forbade Hector to enter upon a contest with Achilles, but when the two heroes met, they were protected by Apollo and Athena. The Trojans fled, but Hector, although called back by his parents in the most imploring terms, remained and awaited Achilles."

B2

1."If I kill you, I will give you back to your friends and you do the same for me."

2. "My doom has come upon me; let me not then die ingloriously and without a struggle, but let me first do some great thing that may be told among men hereafter."

B4

1. Same as b2

2. Same as b1

ACHILLES

B1

1. "Beg no more you fawning dog--begging me by my parents! Would to god my rage, my fury would drive me now to hack your flesh away and eat you raw."

2. "She held the young Achilles by the heel and dipped him in the river Styx; everything the sacred waters touched became invulnerable, but the heel remained dry and therefore unprotected."

B2

1. "If I do not make Hector pay with his life for Patroclus' death, then I can say that I did not help my comrade in the hour when he needed me most."

2. "...an expert with sword, spear, bow and arrow, and he could outrun any horse except his own two immortal stallions. In his flashing armor, forged by the god Hephaestus, he filled the enemy with terror."

B4

We did not complete the presentation regarding Achilles on Friday; therefore, you'll be given the quotes on Tuesday.

I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday!

Cheers,

Crampton

The characters of MENELAUS, AGAMEMNON, CLYTEMNESTRA, and IPHIGENIA were introduced to you today!

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class today, we completed the following:

IMPORTANT: IF YOU MISSED CLASS, YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR "PEER REVEIW" ON THURSDAY! PLEASE SLIDE IT UNDER MY DOOR! I AM RETURNING THEM ON FRIDAY!

1. Presentations covering Menelaus, Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, and Iphigenia. Please review your handouts and visit with someone from your class.

2. Your homework for Friday is to read pages 185- to the top paragraph on 191 in your textbook. This is the beginning of The Iliad.

3. In addition, please begin reviewing your vocabulary words. You currently have 14 vocab. words; I will give you #15 on Friday. You will soon receive an unusual assignment regarding the words, and if you start reviewing them now, you will obtain unmeasurable success on this future assignment.

4. Remember that your deadline for Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief is March 1st!

Menelaus, King of Sparta/Husband to Helen

B1:
1."Hear me also! This touches me most clearly. My mind is that the Acheans and the Trojans should now be reconciled. You have suffered enough this quarrel of mine and Paris. Call his grace, King Priam, as a witness, and we do not wish to violate this old man, he looks both before and behind, to see that the best is done for both sides."
2. " Paris struck first, but Menelaus caught the swift spear on his shield then hurled his own. It rent Paris' but did not wound him. Menelaus drew his sword, his only weapon now, but as he did so it fell from his hand broken. Undaunted though unarmed he leaped upon Paris and seizing him...he would have dragged him to the Greeks victoriously if it had not been for Aphrodite saving him. "

B2:
1. "Menelaus and Helen received him graciously as their guest. The ties between guest and host were strong. Each was bound to help and never harm the other. But Paris broke that bond. Menelaus trusting completely to it left Paris in his home and went off to Crete."
2. "Later after Paris' death, the Trojans gave Helen to his brother Deiphobus, in whose house, on the night of the fall of Troy, Menelaus found her. He had meant to kill her on the spot, but her beauty and Aphrodite's power deterred him."

B4:
1. "Menelaus saw who was making the challenge and was as glad as a lion coming on the carcass of a wild goat....He stood and looked at his rival with contempt."
2. Same as the second quote for B1..refer to the second quote for B1.

Burial mask discovered by Henrik Scheilmann. Scheilmann thought he had discovered the mask of Agamemnon. He was actually incorrect, as the funeral mask is several hundred years older than the Agamemnon of history.

B1:
1. "Artemis was so angry. One of her beloved wild creatures, a hare, had been slain by the Greeks, together with her young, and the only way to create the winds and ensure a safe voyage to Troy was to appease her by sacrificing to her a royal maiden, Iphigenia....He dared the deed, slaying his child to help a war."
2. "Agamemnon, in Greek Mythology, was King of Mycenae, and a commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. When the Greeks had assembled at Aulis for their voyage to Troy they were held back by adverse winds. Agamemnon had killed one of Artemis' sacred hares and the young; she was angry with Agamemnon's arrogance, so she caused the winds to blow unceasingly. To punish Agamemnon, she required the sacrifice of his eldest daughter Iphigenia. "
B2:
1. ""Agamemnon sent a letter to Clytemnestra and their child, Iphigenia, asking them to come and join them at Aulis, where Iphigenia he said was going to be married to the great Achilles."
2. "He insulted the goddess Artemis by bragging that he was a better hunter than she and by killing a sacred hare. As punishment, Artemis caused the winds to blow so hard that the Greek fleet could not set sail."

B4:
1. "Agamemnon had been forewarned about the danger of returning home with Cassandra, yet his pride blinded him and he thought himself invinsible. He was vulnerable because he refused to listen to Cassandra, so Clytemnestra killed him."
2. Same as the second quote for B2

Clytemnestra, Queen of Mycenae, wife to Agamemnon, mother to Iphigenia, sister to Helen of Sparta

B1:
1. " She saw no reason to explain her act or excuse it. She was not a murderer in her own eyes, she was an executioner. She had punished and murdered the murderer of his own child."
2. "Dark red stains were on her dress, her hands, her face, yet she herself looked unshaken, strongly sure of herself...It was his blood that stained her dress and face and she was glad."
B2:
1: Same quote as b1
2: Same quote as b1
B4:
1. Same quote as b1
2. "Here lies my husband dead, struck down justly by my hand."

Sacrifice of Iphigenia, daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra

B1:
1. "When she came to her wedding she was carried to the alter to be killed by her father."
2. "She would only send a favorable wind if the king propitiated her by offering up Iphigenia, the most beautiful of his daughters, as a sacrifice to the goddess."

B2:
1. Same as B1
2. "Iphigenia was a tragic heroine. She was the first person to have her life flipped upside down because of the Trojan War and it was her death which allowed the Greek fleet to set sail for Troy. Iphigenia was extremely brave and she is the reason why the entire war was able to continue."

B4:

1. same as b1

2. same as b2

PRIAM, PARIS and the always junoesque HELEN were introduced to you today!

First day of Iliad Character Presentations

Dear Mythology Kids,

For those of you gone on choir tour, I hope you are having a wonderful time.

For Friday, February 12th we discussed three (four if you are in B4) characters. These included Priam, Helen, Paris and Menelaus( for B4). I am going to wait to post the quotes regarding Menelaus, as I don't have the selections for B1 or B2. I will post the Menelaus info. on Wed. I have included an image of each character below, and the quotes that were chosen by the groups for each class. I would review the quotes for EACH CLASS, as doing so will give you insights into each character, and the QUOTES will appear on your "Iliad Quest."

HOMEWORK:

1. Remember that your Peer Review for your Film Essay is due on Wed., Feb. 17th

Priam, King of Troy, begging Achilles to relinquish the body of Hector

B1/B2:
1. "I have endured what no other mortal on the face of the earth has yet endured, to reach forth my hand to the face of him that has slain my sons."
2. " So accompanied the old man past the guards and came into the presence of the man who had killed and maltreated his son. He clasped his knees and kissed his hands and as he did so, Achilles felt awe and so did all the other there....."
B4:
1. "Priam was killed by Neopotolemus, the son of Achilles. Achilles had spared Priam, but Achilles' son struck him down before the eyes of his wife and daughters."
2. ""In Greek Mythology, Priam was the last king of Troy, a ruler who witnessed the destruction of his city in the Trojan War. His son Paris caused the war, while another son, Hector, became the greatest Trojan hero during the long struggle with the Greeks."

Paris, Prince of Troy

B1:
1. "Hera promised to make him Lord of Europe and Asia; Athena, that he would lead the Trojans to victory against the Greeks and lay Greece in ruins; Aphrodite, that the fairest woman in all the world would be his."
2. "Paris, a weakling and something of a coward, too, as later events showed, chose the last."
B2:
1. "Paris himself, who had not fought at all, except to throw his spear, she caught up in a cloud and took him back to Helen."
2. "His single combat with Menelaus, Helen's husband, was suppose to have settled the outcome of the whole war. Instead it revealed Paris as a coward, who only escaped through the intervention of Aphrodite."
B4:
1. "In Sparta, Menelaus, husband of Helen, treated Paris as a royal guest. However, when Menelaus left Sparta for a funeral, Paris abducted Helen and also carried off much of Menelaus' wealth."
2. "What men care for most was set before him. Hera promised to make him Lord of Europe and Asia; Athena, that he would lead the Trojans to victory against the Greeks and lay Greece in ruins; Aphrodite, that the fairest woman in all the world should be his. Paris, a weakling and something of a coward, too, as later events showed, chose the last. He gave Aphrodite the golden apple."

Helen, "the face that launched a thousand ships"

B1:

1. "Then Priam brought Hector home, mourned in Troy as never another, even Helen wept. 'The other Trojans upbraided me, ' she said, 'but always I had comfort from you through your gentleness of spirit and your kind words. You were only my friend."

2. "The most fascinating things about Helen was her story. It was far better than she was. We do not see any real character development in her and have to regard her as a a pawn of the gods. The larger story is involved with the people around her, their rise and fall. She herself seemed oblivious to the horrors that surrounded her."

B2

1. "If only death had pleased me then, grim death, that day I followed your son to Troy, forsaking my marriage bed, my kinsmen and my children."

2. "Never set food on Mt. Olympus ...never! ---suffer Paris, protect Paris, for eternity....until he makes you his wedded wife---that or his slave. Not I, I'll never go back again. It would be wrong, disgraceful to share that coward's bed once more."

B4

1. "Aphrodite led Paris to Sparta, the home of a Greek prince named Menelaus. Helen, his wife was considered the most beautiful woman in the world. Paris fell in love with Helen and carried her off to Troy."

2. "When Menelaus returned home and discovered Helen gone, he called on the leaders of Greece, who had sworn to support him if necessary. The Greeks organized a great expedition and set sail for Troy. Their arrival at Troy marked the beginning of the Trojan War."

I hope this assists those of you that were not in class on Friday. Enjoy your long weeekn full of EROS!

Cheers,

Crampton

Pre-Reading Strategies for THE ILIAD

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class on Monday, Feb. 1st........

Homework:
1. Remember that your Five Paragraph Film Essay is due on Monday, Feb. 8th. Please include a copy of your CORRECTED rough draft and then a copy of your FIRST DRAFT.

2. I gave each group some additional information concerning their character. If you missed class, then please visit with me on Wed., so I can give you the information for your character. I asked that the information be read prior to class on Wed.

3. TWO DIFFERENT IMAGES of your character are required on Wed. The pictures need to be at least 5x7 or 8x10 in size and preferably in color. Use "GOOGLE IMAGES" and remember to cite your sources for the pictures.

B1 STUDENTS: Remember that "your" copy of Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief is due back on Wed., Feb. 3rd

What did we do in class?
1. Two new vocabulary words were given during B1 and B4.....PROCRUSTEAN and HERCULEAN. Visit with someone in class regarding definitions and etymologies!

2. I check-off each student's Internet Source for their Iliad character.

3. I thoroughly explained the assignment associated with your Iliad Character. I have included a copy of the explanation below.

4. We worked in our groups organizing information about our character.

“Characters”Creating Homer’s

In order to fully grasp any literary work it is essential to gain an awareness of the characters. This assignment will assist you in developing a strong understanding of the primary characters in The Iliad, and strengthen your knowledge of the epic’s plot line.

You and your partner have selected one of the following characters from the epic.
Priam
Paris
Hector (Andromache/ Astanax)
Cassandra
Aeneas
Menelaus
Agamemnon
Achilles (Peleus/Thetis)
Patroclus
Odysseus
Ajax (Greater)
Ajax (Lesser)
Clytemnestra
Iphigenia
Helen

Your assignment is to create a visual representation of your character and enlighten us on his/her significant to The Iliad. You will have the opportunity to do this through the use of you textbook (pgs. 185-210) and other sources (the handouts I have provided for you, and the Internet sources found by you and your partner).. In order to successfully complete this assignment, you will need to do some research.

Requirements for visual representation: Part I
Character’s name must appear somewhere on your visual
“Greek” or “Trojan” must also be indicated.
Biography of your character
1.Connection to other characters in the epic
2. Personality traits (interpreted through research)
3. Outcome of the character
4. Death? How? Who was involved?
5. Imprisoned? Why?
6. Concubines? Circumstances?

Five quotes from The Iliad (found within your textbook/pgs. 185-210) and other sources (ones I provided for you and your Internet Information) to indicate personality traits of your character.
* A total of five quotes are required. Three of these quotes must come from your textbook. The remaining two need to come from the other source material that you use for your research.
Two Images of character

5. Neat, organized, thorough, and creative.



Requirements for handout: Part II
A handout is required that details the information in #1-4 mentioned for Part I. The handout will be given to each class member to assist them with remembering the characters in The Iliad.

1. Two pictures of your character must appear on the handout.
2. Character’s name
3. “Greek” or “Trojan”
4. Biography of the character (refer to #3 above)
5. Five quotes from The Iliad to illustrate personality traits.
6. Works cited information (any source which I did not give to you needs to be included in your Works Cited listing)
7. Organized, typed, 12 point font, Times New Roman print.

Presentation: Part III
You will share your “findings” with us. The following are required on the day presentations begin:

1. Copies of your handout for each class member. (I am happy to make copies for you, but I need the original of your handout ONE class period prior to the due date).
2. Your handout saved to a USB drive. In order to project your handout on the screen, I will need to save it to my desktop.
3. The “visual image” of your character.

Schedule
_____________ Research Day/ Prep Day/ Organizing Information
_____________ Organizing information on handout/ typing handout/ typing information that will appear on visual representation/ visual representation work.
_____________ Handout due if you want me to copy for you/ work day to “tie up loose ends”
_____________ Presentations begin (everything is due even if you don’t present your character)

If you missed class today, January 28th, 2010...

Dear Mythology Kids,

We completed the following today:

1. Journal entry #7 ("Troy/Ilium") covering a film clip entitled Troy (creative, I know!) This was an excellent review concerning the introductory information (red handout) that was given to you on Tuesday.

2. We took the quiz covering the introductory information shared with you on Tuesday.

3. The desks were rearranged today in pairs or triples. Students were able to select their seat and their partner(s). Each group then selected a character significant to The Iliad for their research assignment. I gave everyone some information about their "chosen" character, but in addition, as part of your homework assignment, each student was asked to do some research via the Internet regarding their specific character. I expect to have a HARD COPY of your Internet source on Monday!

• Jeff b2- You are researching "Ajax, the Greater."
• Chelsea b2- You are working with Carson and Brittany (imagine that!). I'm typing this from home, and don't have my list of students and their characters. So, visit with Carson or Brittany!
• Cortney b2- Check with Laura, girl! You will work with her!

4. If you are in B2, you were given two new vocabulary words today:

• Procrustean
• Herculean

Visit with someone in class regarding definitions, synonyms and etymologies.

HOMEWORK:

1. Remember that your five paragraph film essay is due on November 8th. If you would like me to review your essay, then I need your rough draft on Wed., Nov. 3rd.

2. Please read the information I gave to you regarding your chosen "Iliad" character for Monday.

3. Please research your character via the Internet. Please bring a HARD COPY of your Internet source to class on Monday. You should read it before coming to class.

Cheers,

Crampton

Introduction to THE ILIAD

Dear Mythology Students,

Don't forget that you have a quiz on Thursday covering the introductory information I gave you regarding the ancient city of Troy. If you did miss class on Tuesday, make sure you obtain the information from someone in class. I have posted the handout for her below. Please remember to read the back of the handout for your quiz.

Homework:

1. Your Five Paragraph Film essay is due on Monday, Nov. 8th! If you missed class, please visit with a friend regarding this assignment. I can give you you the explanation when you return on Thursday.

2. The deadline for reading Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief for B1 is Feb. 3rd, B2 is Feb. 10th, and B4 is Feb. 17! The book must be read prior to watching the film, which opens on Feb. 12th. I gave each student a handout to use while reading the text. If you missed class on Tuesday, please remind me, so I can give you the appropriate handout.

In order to be prepared for Thursday's quiz, please familiarize yourself with the following:

1.Did the Trojan War actually take place? If so, what was the cause?

2. Why is Henrik Scheilmann important to Troy?

3. Explain Scheilmann's archaeological approach? What was it inappropriate?

4. How is the "Mound of Hissarlik" significant to Scheilmann?

5. Eris' golden apple....How is it relevant to The Iliad's plot line?

6. How does The Iliad begin?

7. Why are the events within The Iliad relevant to events within The Odyssey?

8. Make sure you can define the term "epic."

p.s. The bonus question on your quiz relates to the story from my last post!

THIS IS THE HANDOUT used in our class discussion
Homer's Epic of Troy
The Iliad
Mythology,

Mrs. Kori Crampton

Introduction:
What is an epic?

The Iliad:


Ilium:
Acheans:

The Odyssey:





Did the Trojan War actually take place and what was the cause?

Who discovered the ancient city of Troy?

“Road Map:”

“Schliemann's scar:”

Using a well read copy of The Iliad as his reference guide, he chose a spot on the Asian coast of Turkey called the Mound of Hissarlik, and began digging for the famous city of Troy. In the course of four years, he uncovered nine successive cities built on top of each other. The sixth city he declared the “City of Troy,” or as Schliemann called it the “Burnt City.” Later archaeologists through carbon dating and additional archaeological discoveries, proved that Schliemann's choice was accurate. What was once thought to be myth had been proven historically correct.


What we know about Homer.....
Many scholars have asked the question, “Were the epic poems of The Iliad and The Odyssey written by one poet or were they collective efforts on the part of several poets?” We will never know the answer to this question. Most scholars agree that “a Homer” existed, that he lived in the 8th or 9th century B.C., and that he was a well-known poet. Some references to Homer indicate that he was blind, which has been interpreted as a “sign of his greatness.” We know that Homer had a strong command of the written language, and that at one point he could see. His love for beauty and gory details are too advanced, especially for someone who might have been blind his entire life. He lived about 500 years after the events at Troy; therefore, the story he told was not original with him, but had been passed down in the oral tradition of the times.

Allow me to share two excerpts from The Iliad with you.
“...the spear of bronze went through
Below the brain and shattered the white bones,
Dashed out his teeth, and filled his eyes with blood;
And blood he spurted gaping through his mouth
And nose; and death's dark cloud encompassed him.”
Book XVI, lines 345-350

“Then answered Hector of the flashing helm,
His strength all gone: 'I beg thee by my life,
Thy knees, thy parents, leave me not for dogs
Of the Acheans by the ship to eat,
But rather take abundant stores of bronze and gold-
My king and queenly mother will give it thee-
And render back my body to my home,
So that the Trojans and the Trojans' wives
May give me due meed of fire in death.'

But scowling at him swift Achilles said,
“Do not entreat me, dog, by knees or parents ,
I only wish I had the heart and will
To hack the flesh off thee and eat it raw......”
Book XXII, lines 317-330

Hercules in Church....

Dear Mythology Students,

During our church services this past Sunday, I sat by a man that I did not know. So, naturally, I introduced myself and my family. I asked him what he did for a living and he replied, "I own a construction company."

"Really, what is the name of your company?"

"Hercules construction."

I started to laugh, (yes, in church)and he naturally questioned my response. I explained that I taught Mythology at Timpanogos and that we had just discussed the myth of Heracles this past week. I then asked him why he had elected to name his company after a mythological character.

This was his reply.

"I studied mythology while in college, and I was always interested in the myth of "Hercules." He was recognized for his strength and being able to complete any task given to him, so I thought that using the name "Hercules would be an appropriate title for my business."

I just thought I would share that story with you, as Mythology is every where!

I look forward to seeing you tomorrow!

Cheers,
Crampon

Disastrous Disney!

Dear Mythology Kids,

As you know, Disney films are not my favorites. This is due to the fact that Disney always "warps" the story they are re-telling. You were able to recognize this in class on Friday as you watched 15 minutes of Hercules. Disney's interpretation of the myth was quite poor. Even some of you have admitted that you considered Hades to be a malevolent character due to the impression Disney creates of Hades in the film. This illustrates the value of reading a text prior to watching the film version of it, so that you know what is "correct." I hope when you have time that you will watch the entire movie. It is entertaining to identify the MANY ERRORS within the film in comparison to the actual myth.

For those of you that were absent on Friday, we accomplished the following:

1. Reviewed for your quiz by discussing the aspects of irony within the myth.

2. Viewed 15 the first 15 minutes of Disney's Hercules. We completed a journal entry where I asked students to list all the inaccuracies concerning the myth of "Hercules" and mythology in general.

3. We completed our quiz covering Heracles. If you missed class, please come prepared to take the quiz on Tuesday.

DON'T MISS CLASS ON TUESDAY, as we begin our discussion of The Iliad. You have NO HOMEWORK over the weekend!

Take care,

Crampton

Heracles, the hero who suffered the most!

Dear Mythology Kids,

Don't forget that you will have a QUIZ covering the irony found within the myth of "Heracles," and how those aspects of irony add to the pathos experienced by our hero on Friday!

"How do I prepare for the quiz, Crampton?"

"Make sure you have read the myth of Heracles found on page 166 in your textbook. In addition, review the storyboard that we worked on in class on Wed. The examples of irony that we identified together will be the questions for your quiz.

"Will there be extra credit for this quiz?"

"Absolutely! I have listed the aspects of irony below. Respond to each one as if you were taking the actual quiz. Remember that you will have two of the six listed. If you review this way, you will clearly be successful, as you will have two of the six included below, you just don't know which two. You are to discuss the irony found in each excerpt from the myth of “Heracles,” and how the irony adds to the pathos experienced by Heracles. Please be thorough in your response; assume that your audience has no schema on the character of Heracles. Cut and paste the questions into a Word document, and then respond to them on your computer.

#1. "Alcemene's first son was given the name of “Heracles,” which means “glory of Hera.”

#2. “ Athena showed the child to Hera and urged the goddess to pity the beautiful child so cruelly neglected. Without questioning, Hera bared her breast to the baby.”

#3. " The priestess of Delphi instructed him to go to Tiryns and perform 10 impossible tasks devised for him by King Eurytheus.”

#4. "Before returning to Eurytheus to received his next labor, Heracles dipped his arrows in the poisonous blood of the Hydra. Therefore, anyone wounded with one of his arrows would die.”

#5. “ I must bring Alcestis back from the dead. I will go down to Hades to find her. I will return good to my friend who has been so good to me.”

#6. "He sent his servant home to Deianeira in order to obtain the special ceremonial shirt he wore on these religious occasions. When the servant mentioned to Deianeira that Iole was accompany Heracles, Deianeira fear that her husband loved the beautiful princess.”

We will complete your storyboard on Friday!

Cheers,

Crampton

STOP MISSING CLASS!

Dear Mythology Kids,
Many of you are missing class! STOP! If you know that you will miss class, then make the responsible choice to FIND OUT WHAT YOU WILL MISS prior to your absence.

The following is important:
1. Each student was given a different reading assignment based upon a tag stuck to their desk. The reading assignments are located on the bulletin board outside my classroom. For those of you that were absent, I have indicated below what section of the "Heracles" myth you were assigned to read for Wed. Pick up your reading assignment prior to Wed.

Aushel Asay-"Labors 7-10"
Tanner Prestwich-Labors 7-10
Lexin Rockwood-"Birth/Early Years"
Jacob Smith- "Labors11,12 and Death"
Jenny Bullock-"Labors 11, 12 and Death"

2. Please read "Hercules" in your textbook located on pages 166-179
3. Please read "Phaethon" in your textbook located on page 136

If you missed class on Friday, please be prepared to take your "Mythological Allusions" quiz on Wed. In addition, your Mythological Allusions assignment was due on FRIDAY! Those of you that were absent KNEW about the due date; consequently, you will need to submit your assignment with your new homework coupon. By the way, I distributed those on Friday!

Enjoy your long weekend!

Cheers,
Crampton

Allusions to mythology in literary work was our focus today!

Dear Mythology Students,

I enjoyed observing you today in class, as each group discussed the pieces of poetry given to them. You were able to decipher meaning about each piece based upon your schema of mythology....WELL DONE!


Please remember the following for FRIDAY!
1. "Mythological Allusions" assignment is due on Friday.

2. You will also have a quiz on Friday, where you will be asked to identify references and allusions to mythology found in several pieces of poetry. I gave everyone who was in class on Wednesday, a list of the subjects associated with the poems you will evaluate for your quiz. To prepare for the "official" quiz, you should review the following characters: Fates, Prometheus, Aphrodite, Muses, Cupid, Demeter, Persephone, the Greek Underworld, Odysseus and Penelope, and Perseus.

The following is your practice quiz. Please note the BOLD pieces of text. The number next to the text is associated with the corresponding question.

"As an oak tree falls on the hillside
Crushing all that lies beneath,
So, he presses out the life, #1.
The brute's savage life, and now it lies dead. #2.
Only the head sways slowly, but the horns
are useless now."

1. Identify the "he." _________________
2. Identify the "brute." ___________________

"So impressed with all you do.
Tried so hard to be like you.
Flew too high and burnt the wing. #3
Lost my faith in everything."

3. Identify who is being alluded to in this line of text. _________________

"Tis, Apollo come leading his choir, the Nine. #4

4. Identify the "Nine," and explain why the word "choir" is used in connection with them and Apollo.

"He, the first born from out the purple grape #5.
Crushed the sweet poison of misused wine."

5. Identify the "he." _________________________

Dame Helen caused a grievous fray. #6

6. What does the poet mean by "grievous fray?"

"In the last light of the day his tragic song became "Farewell."
It is said that he made his earth-journey and lost what he sought. #7
It is said that they felled him and cup up his limbs for firewood. #8
And it is said his head sang and was swept away out to sea singing.
For him, the music was more mellifluous than any heard before. #9/ #10

7. Explain this allusion.
8. Explain why this event has taken place?
9. Identify the "him."
10. Explain this last line. "Mellifluous," by the way, means "beautiful to the ears."

MYTHOLOGY in LITERATURE!

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class on Monday, January 11th, 2010 you were introduced to the concepts of "Allusion" and "Reference," and the role of mythological allusions and references found in literary work. Please visit with a classmate in order to obtain this information.

I used Icarus as my focus for emphasizing how frequently references and allusions to mythology arise in literary work. This, of course, is due to the fact that universal themes are always prevalent within the myths; therefore, audiences of all types can connect with the themes that are used.

Your homework for Friday is to complete your "Mythology in Literature" assignment which was explained Monday. Again, if you were absent, please visit with someone from class. You will also have a quiz on Friday, where you will be asked to identify references and allusions to mythology found in several pieces of poetry. We will practice this in class.

Cheers, Crampton

I forgot a Michelle Wilkinson...I am so sorry, girl!

Michelle,
You are in group #2 for B1.

Cheers,
Crampton

Well-done on your "Theseus Quiz!"

Dear Mythology Classes,

I hope you enjoyed working your way through the "labyrinth" of T.H.S. Please REMEMBER that your mosaic is due on MONDAY at the beginning of your scheduled class period.

When you come to class on Monday the desks will be rearranged in five different groups. I have indicated the assigned groups for each class below. You will sit in the same location for the entire week of class.

B1
Group #1
Hyrum, Kynia, Hannah, Nicole, Sam, and Jonny

Group #2
Braden Lanham, Aushel, Colten, Mandy, Amy, Rachel,

Group #3
Chris, Kalee, Sierra, Tiffany, Kim, Ceri, Andrew

Group #4
Suzie, Tyler A., Rebekah, Tori, Alysha, Tanner

Group #5
Jacob, Celeste, Braden Lillie, Kacee, Melissa, Tyler, Lisa


B2
Group #1
Eric, Chelsea, Tanner, Jordan G., Cody, Jordan W.

Group #2
Morgan, Carrie, Jeff, Victor, Kaitlyn, Devin

Group #3
Olivia, Bradyn, Jenny, Shae, Brittany, Lexin

Group #4
Laura. Kristen, Cody B., Ritchie, Derrick, Lili-Jean

Group #5
Karlie, Carson, Daniel, Cortney, Kirstin, Beatriz

B4
Group #1
Amy, Natalie Batty, Megan, Andy, Katie M.

Group #2
Tyson A., Alyssa, Carmen, Shelby, Katie K., Natalie Border

Group #3
Tyson E., Jeff, Camlyn. Eric, Brittany, Taylor, Jennifer

Group #4
Elisa, K+Jacob, Jori, Emily, Thad, Janae

Group #5
Vienna, Brooke, Cody, Alan, Sheree, Kelli, Ashley



Enjoy your weekend,
Crampton

WELCOME BACK, oh, and welcome to the Minoan culture...

Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you had an enjoyable holiday! You only have FIVE MONTHS until your "big day!" Hang in there, and please let me know if I can do anything to help you reach the goal of graduation.

This is an arial view of the palace at Knossos. The same palace, according to mythology, where Theseus was held captive and where he destroyed the Minotaur. From this perspective it clearly looks like a labyrinth.

HOMEWORK:

1. Mosiac is due on Monday, January 11th

2. Don't forget that you have an unusual quiz covering "Theseus" pgs. 155-165 on Thursday. As you prepare for the quiz keep the following aspects in mind.

1. When Theseus was a younger man he attempted to carry-off a significant female character. Who is the female character?
2. How does Theseus' father recognize him upon his return to Athens?
3. Why does the witch Medea want Theseus dead?
4. Why does Theseus not want to go by sea?
5. He meets three villains, Sinis, Procrustus and Sciron, along the road to Athens. What did each do to their victims?
6. Identify some of Theseus' flaws...he has many! He is compared to Heracles. How are the two different regarding their inherent characters.
7. Why are the young Athenians given to the Minotaur every nine years?
8. Theseus' best friend is named Pirithous. What poor choice does Theseus make with his friend?
9. Why is Theseus such a strong leader?
10. How is Theseus able to escape the labyrinth? Who assists him and how?
11. Identify at least four aspects that we know about the Minoan culture.

12. Why is Theseus' relationship Phaedra so unfortunante?

The Minoans were peaceful and gifted aesthetically. They valued the use of color in their artwork. This fresco depicts a Minoan youth.

We know that they Minoans valued the bull. One of their most popular athletic events
was that of bull jumping.

We also know that they valued nature, especially aspects associated with the sea, as
seen in the fresco above with the dolphins.

The palace at Knosso partially restored.

Cheers,
Crampton

Mosaic Work is on-going......

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you have missed class, we have been working on our mosaics! You have also received some new vocabulary words.

• Rhadamanthine
• Mnemonic
• Stygian
• Cupidity
• Stygian
• Cupidity

Sorry, I'm not going to give you the definitions or etymologies. You'll need to collect those from someone in class, or use a dictionary. Wow, that's a novel idea (wink).

Cheers,

Crampton

MYTH in the form of ART...Mosaics!

Nemean Lion

Demeter

Medusa

Dear Mythology Classes,

I look forward to seeing the subjects you have chosen for your mosaics. For those of you that missed class on Tuesday, we completed the following:

1. Introduction of your "Mosaic Assignment"

• Your mosaic must be at least 10 x 13 in size
• The subject may be any aspect associated with our study of Classical Mythology (gods, lesser gods, heroes, monsters, and specific myths and their characters)
• You need to be passionate about your selection.
• If you elect to draw the subject, extra-credit will be given
• If your mosaic is larger than the required size, extra-credit will be given
• Choose a subject for your mosaic and have an overhead transparency prepared of the subject for Thursday. This is an assignment! Your transparency is due at the beginning of class on Thursday.
• 50 points will be given for each day you come prepared to work on your mosaic. You will be given Monday, December 14th, Wednesday, December 16th and Friday, December 18th to work on your mosaic in class.

2. Everyone present submitted the second draft of their "Underworld" Assignment

3. We completed our quiz covering "Perseus."

HOMEWORK

1. "Nature Myth Revision" is due on Monday, December 14th
2. Please be prepared for a QUIZ on Thursday covering the NINE TRAITS of a HERO and the interview entitled "THE HERO'S JOURNEY"
3. Transparency of mosaic subject is due on Thursday
4. Works Citation indicating where you found the subject for your mosaic subject is due on Thursday. This needs to be typed, as you will submit it to me.

QUIZ regarding "THE NINE TRAITS ASSOCIATED WITH A HERO" and "THE HERO'S ADVENTURE"

PLEASE REVIEW THE FOLLOWING POINTS REGARDING YOUR QUIZ.

NOTE: THIS IS NOT A "PRACTICE QUIZ," BUT ASPECTS THAT WILL ASSIST WITH STUDYING FOR YOUR "AUTHENTIC QUIZ."

1. You will be asked to identify the nine traits of a hero. You will be given two pieces of text from the myths of "Heracles" and "Theseus," where you will need to identify at least two of the nine traits located within each section of text.
2. Regarding the article...Please focus on the following aspects: Why are there so many stories involving heroes? Heroes experience two types of deeds...identify and explain them. Why are women and children considered heroic? Please be familiar with the term "PATHOS," and its significance to the Greek heroes.

I hope this helps! I look forward to seeing you on Thursday!

Cheers,

K. Crampton

The Heroes of Classical Mythology....Oh, and don'[t miss class!

Dear Mythology Classes,

If you missed class on Friday, December 4th, you missed the following:

1. We completed a Journal #3 entitled "Hero." I asked the following:

• Define the term hero (in your words). What specific qualities, in your opinion, does a hero possess? Identify individuals that you consider heroic, and then tell me why?

2. We discussed the journal entry! The qualities possessed by "your"heroes are much different from those of our Greek heroes. Heroes in ancient Greek were given this title because they experienced what is known as PATHOS, or in other words, they suffered more than other individuals. Through their suffering they became stronger.

3. Each hero possesses NINE TRAITS:

• 1. They are flawed.
• 2. They experience PATHOS, or they suffer more than the average person
• 3. They are "Born" : There are two types of "births"
• 1. They are conceived in an unusual manner
• 2. The hero is "born" when they realize that they possess
• abilities beyond the normal range of human achievement
• 4. They are always assisted by a "goddess" (female character)
• 5. They marry someone that causes them great pain and anguish
• 6. They experience what is known as an "IGNITION EVENT." This event is usually, but not always, tragic. It causes them to "ignite" into action.
• 7. They are faced with physical and emotional challenges.
• 8. Through these challenges they become enlightened (more knowledgeable/physically and emotionally stronger)
• 9. Their deaths are usually violent.
• NOTE: Heroes experience at least 6 out of the 9 qualities

HOMEWORK:

1. Please remember that your "UNDERWORLD 2nd DRAFT" is due on Tuesday, December 8th!
2. Please read "Perseus" pg. 146 in your textbook
3. You wil have a quiz covering "Perseus" on Tuesday, December 8th!
4. Please read "The Hero's Journey" given to you in class. This is an interview between mythology expert, Joseph Campbell, and Mill Moyers, a corespondent for NBC NEWS.
5. Review the 9 TRAITS of a hero. If you missed class and did not receive a copy, I will place several copies of the interview outside my door.
6. You will have a quiz over #4 and #5(above) on Thursday, December 10th!

PRACTICE QUIZ for "PERSEUS"

Instructions: Please answer the questions in association with the bold section of text.

• Acrisius journeyed to Delphi to ask the Oracle's assistance. What she told him was worse than what he had anticipated.
• 1. What is his purpose in going to Delphi?
• 2. What news does the Oracle give him?

• As she sat there through the long days and hours with nothing to do, nothing to see except the clouds moving by overhead, something strange happened
• 3. Okay, so explain this text to me...how could an individual only see the "clouds moving overhead."
• 4. What is the "strange happending?"

• "He wanted her, but he did not want her son, so he set out a way to destroy him."
• 5. Identify the "he" (general response is fine).
• 6. Identify the "her" (proper noun, please)
• 7. Identify the "son", and explain "the way to destroy him."

• "This radiant personage told him that before he attacked her he must first be properly equipped. What he needed was in the possession of the Nymphs of the North, and to find them he must first speak to the aged ones."
• 8. Identify the "radiant personage."
• 9. What does "properly equipped" mean? Basically, what do the Nymphs of the North offer him?
• 10. Explain and identify "aged ones."

• "'Look into this when you attack the Gorgon," she said. '"
• 11. Identify the "this" in the above quote.
• 12. Identify who is speaking (she)?

Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers,

Crampton

Well done on your presentations!

Dear Mythology Classes,

I am so proud of you, as each student and/or partnership did well on their presentation. We completed the presentations today in class. Your quiz on Friday, will cover ALL the characters associated with Odysseus. Please note the list below:

• Lotus Eaters/Polyphemus
• Aeolus/Laestragonians
• Circe/Sirens
• Scylla/Charbydis
• Tieresias/Calypso
• Telemachus/Penelope
• Ganymede/Iris (for B1 only)

HOMEWORK:

1. Please read the myth entitled "Glaucus and Scylla" pg. 296 in your textbook.

2. Prepare for a quiz covering the characters associated with Odysseus.

3. I returned the "peer reviews" for your "Underworld Assignments" today in class. The second draft for your "Underworld" is due on Tuesday, Dec. 8th. If you missed class today (Wednesday), please remember to collect your paper upon your return!

PRACTICE QUIZ:

1. "Drugs, enjoy them while they last." ______________
2. "Let's eat human kabobs for dinner. "______________
3. Odysseus and his crew helped themselves to my stores of cheese and milk.____________
4. "Do not eat the cattle of the sun god, Helios." _________________
5. God of the winds. _______________
6. We are "dying" to hear their song. __________________
7. My friend and I have a habit of not keeping our boyfriends for long. I've had six in the last few days, and she's had so many that I've lost count (any order).
7. ________________________ 8. _____________________
9. "You will set him free, or your little island will find itself at the bottom of Poseidon's sea. " ___________________

10. Next to Athena and Arachne, I am an exceptional weaver._________________

11. "I've waited 20 years to meet you." ____________

12. "Let's see...what animal does your male psyche resemble the most." _____________

13. In exchange for me, Zeus gave my father horses that could run on water. _______________ (B1 Only)

14. Female messenger to the gods. _________________ (B1 Only)

I will look forward to seeing you on FRIDAY!

Cheers, Crampton