What did I miss on Monday, March 30th?

Dear Mythology Kids,
STOP MISSING CLASS, guys! Norse Mythology is so unusual that missing class will only be a determint to your future success. If you did miss class:

1. You have an assignment that is due on WEDNESDAY that involves some research. Each student has a tag on their desk with one of the Norse gods written on the tag. Your assignment is to research this particular god, and prepare a handout with your findings.

B1
Marlyse: You have Freyja (equivalent to Aphrodite)
Andrea: You have Frigg (equivalent to Hera)

B2
No one was absent! Yes!

B4

The following is an explanatino of your assignment:
The ttag you have on your desk is important for your assignment. You are being asked to do some research on one of the Norse gods. You have ___________________. The Greek god is included simply to help you make a connection.

INSTRUCTIONS:
1. You are to locate at least TWO SOURCES pertainting to your god. One must be the Internet; the other should be a book or periodical. Your book is a strong source. A great Internt source is "Norse Gods vs. Greek Gods." You are welcome to use my books, but you won't be able to check them out; however, you can find the information that you need after school, make your copies, and then bring the books back. The copy center is open until 3 p.m.

2. This is what should be included on your handout:
a. A handout that thoroughly details information you discovered about your god. The handout should be neat, organized, typed, numbered points, and include specifics on your deity (domain, physical appearance, abilities, enemies, children, likes/dislikes, etc.)

b. Works cited information included on the handout

c. Two copies of your handout (0ne is for me and the other to use as a reference in class)

d. Come prepared as the "expert" on your Norse god

2. You are also to continue making cards for the characters that we discuss today. You will have a quiz on Friday covering the Norse gods and the information discussed today (Monday) and the information that will be shared on Wednesday.

Inroduction to Norse Mythology

Norse Mythology is the stories of the Scandanavian people. The Norse were extremely skilled at sea faring; consequenlty, they were exposed to different cultures. The Norse came upon the Romans, who in turn, hired them as mercenaries. The Roman culture was extremely advanced; consequenlty, the Norseman adopted some of their belief system into their own culture. This is why when we start to read the myths you will note some strong similarities to Greek Mythology. Remember that the Romans stole their religion from the Greeks. Another important point that you need to know involves the conversion of the Romans to Christianity. The Norseman continued to be influenced by the Roman culture, and therefore they also adopted Christian influences into their mythology, as well.

Dear Mythology Kids,

Everyone of you should have a new textbook, and a "packet" of handouts that will be used during the next two weeks. Your homework assignments for Monday include the following

1. Plesae read pages xx-xxiii in the "Introduction" section of your book under the heading "Cosmology.

2. Complete your flashcards for the first 12 words indicated on your "flashcard" handout. This is the bright green handout.

3. Be prepared for a quiz on Monday covering the information that was shared on Thursday.

Norse Mythology is difficult to fully explain in this forum, but I will do my best.......In the beginning, there is no formed matter that exists. This enormous chasm of unorganized matter is called GUNNUNGAGAP! To the north of Gunnungagap is an immense area of frozen ice. This area is called NIFLHEIM

To the south of Gunnungagap is an immense region of heat called Muspelheim. Nothing exists but these two regions.

Suddenly these two regions begin to move closer together. The heat from Muspelheim causes the ice from Niflheim to melt and droplets of water land in Gunnungagap. Some how and I don't know exactly how this happens, and neither did the Nordic people, so you just have to accept it, two important beings are created at the same time......an enormous man called Ymir, who is also called a "frost giant" and a cow whose name is Adumla. I know, it's a little unusual.

Ymir begins to suck on the teats of Audumla, so she is nourishing this evil frost giant, and then he begins to "give birth" to other frost giants. As he is sucking on the teats of the cow, Ymir begins to sweat and his sweat morphs into other giants. In the mean time, Audumla begins to lick some of the ice from Niflheim that did not melt when Muspelheim moved close to it. Every place her saliva touches the ice a human form is created from the ice. You can see this depicted in the image above. The individual that is created from the saliva is known as BURI. He is entirely positive. He, in turn, gives birth to two individuals; their names are BOR and BESTLA. Bor is a male and Bestla is a famale. These two have three children whose names are Odin, Vili, and Ve. Odin becomes the king of the Norse Gods because he is recognized as the "first born."

OH......Sorry guys I am having major computer problems. My screne is informing me that I am short on memory. So, I must say good-bye to you. Please visit with someone in class. You could even look the following information up on Google: Gunnungagap, Muspelheim, Niflheim, Ymir, Audumla, Buri, Bor, Bestla, and Yggdrasil. I hope that I've given you enough information that you won't be too confused.

The first day of "The Odyssey"

Dear Mythology Kids,
Welcome to The Odyssey, by Homer. We started on this amazing piece of literature on Thursday. As part of your homework assignment, I asked that you read pages 211-224 in your textbook. You will not have a quiz over this information until Wednesday. I gave each student a "storyboard," which is an effective way of "breaking" the epic "a part" so that you can understand it better when you actually read it. If you did miss class on Thursday, please make sure that you obtain this information from someone that was present that day.

DON'T FORGET THAT THE BACCHUS BASH is schedule for Tuesday, March 24th. Each student was given a food assignment, in addition to their "Birthday Card" assignment. Please visit with me when you return to school so that I can show you examples of the "Birthday Card."

I will visit with you soon.
Cheers,
Crampton

If you missed class on Tuesday, March 10th...The "Bacchus Bash"is coming up!

(Dionysus/Bacchus the Greek god of wine and performance)

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class on Tuesday, you missed your "Quest" covering The Iliad. You need to make sure that you take your quiz on or before Monday, March 16th! Your term ends on Friday the 20th, so we need to make sure all of your outstanding work is completed. YOu did not have any homework for tomorrow. DO NOT MISS CLASS tomorrow, as I am going to tell you about the "Bacchus Bash" and explain the assignment that you will submit on the day of the bash.

Cheers,

Crampton

"Quest will be on Tuesday......"

Dear Mythology Kids,

Don't forget that your "Quest" covering The Iliad is Tuesday. In addition, the revision for your "Movie Essay" is due on Tuesday, as well. To prepare for your "quest," I would do the following:

1. Read through all of the handouts for each character.

2. Complete the light green character sheet that I gave you in class the day we started the presentations. Fill in information about each character without the use of the handouts. Doing this will let you know which characters you need to study more than others.

3. Review all of the quotes given to you by each group.

4. Make sure you have read pages 185-210 in your textbook.

5. Don't miss class on Tuesday!

Don't forget to move your clocks back one hour this weekend!

Cheers,

Crampton

Q

Third Day of "Iliad Character" Presentations

Dear Mythology Kids,

We discussed the characters of Cassandra, Achilles, Patroclus, Hector and Odysseus (except in b1) on Friday. We will finish with the character presentations on Tuesday with Odysseus (for b1), Ajax (g) and Ajax (l), Aeneus, Penelope and Telemachus. Your homework for the weekend was to complete reading The Iliad (read up to page 200), and read the myth of"Niobe" found on the bottom of 249-251 for Tuesday. This myth helps to further characterize Artemis and how livid she could become if mankind ever affronted her. Remember to keep reviewing the characters, as your "Quest" covering The Iliad will be on Thursday.

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

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 no 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 her to be mad...In fact, to avoid scandal, her father had her locked away, order the women who attended her to report everything she said."

2. "When the Greeks sacked Troy she was in Athena's temple clinging to her image."

Achilles, son to Peleus and Thetis, Greek hero

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 an 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:

1. "I did not help my comrade in his sore need. I will kill the destroyer of him I will the destroyer of him I loved; then I will accept death when it comes."

2. " Our comrades lie dead on the field and you call to food," answered Achilles scornfully. "Down my throat shall go neither bite nor sup until my dear comrade is avenged."

Patroclus, Greek, friend/lover 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

Hector, Prince of Troy, husband to Andromache and father to Astynax

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. Same as B1

2. Same as B2

B4:

1. "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 she be told among me hereafter."

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

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

B1:

Presentation for Odysseus will be on Tuesday

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:

Quotes will be given to us on Tuesday by the Odysseus group for B4.

Second Day of "Iliad Character" Presentations...

Dear Mythology Kids,

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

For Wednesday, February 25th we discussed five characters. These included Helen, Menelaus, Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, and Iphigenia. Please review your handouts covering each of the characters. 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. The HOMEWORK for Wednesday was to read pages 185 to the last paragraph on 196 of The Iliad located in your textbook.

Cheers,

Crampton

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."

Menelaus, King of Sparta/Husband to Helen

B1:

1."When Agamemnon's leadership was jeopardized, Menelaus tricked Clytemnestra into trusting them with her daughter, Iphigenia, who was sacrificed to the gods so that Agamemnon might retrain command."

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.

The burial mask of "Agamemnon," found by Henrick Schleimann, while he

was doing excavation work at Mycenae

B1:

1. "When Menelaus' wife, Helen, was enchanted by Aphrodite and taken to the city of Troy by Alexandros, Agamemnon formed an army and sailed to Tory to retrieve Helen and her dowry."

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

The first day of "Iliad Character" Presentations

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class on Monday, February 23rd, we started our presentations concerning the characters of The Iliad. Each partnership and/or individual student submitted their handouts and their visual representation of their assigned character. Due to the fact that Monday was an "early out," we were only able to complete the presentations for PRIAM and PARIS. I have included images below of both characters and the quotes selected by the groups that
presented for each class.


Priam, King of Troy, bowing before Achilles

• 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."

I hope this assists those of you that were not in class on Monday. Do your best to NOT miss any more school, guys, as doing so is extremely detrimental to your future success.

The Iliad

Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. I just wanted to remind you that your presentations are due on Monday, Feb. 23rd, regarding the character that you have been researching for The Iliad. Remember the following requirements:

1. 33 Handouts

2. A transparency of your handout

3.The visual image of your character

Each part of your assignment is due on Monday, even though some of you may not present on Monday. Presentations will begin on Monday and will finish on Friday.

Enjoy your weekend!

Cheers,

Crampton

What to expect for Thursday, Feb. 12th, 2009

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. Your quiz was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but I felt that the quiz was unfair as we hadn't discussed the questions as thoroughly as we needed to; therefore, I postponed the quiz until tomorrow. If you did miss class on Tuesday, make sure you review your white information sheet pertaining to Troy. You should also read the second half of the handout.

DON'T FORGET that your "Desk-Top" teaching assignment for your vocabulary word is due tomorrow. Remember that you are teaching the definition, etymology and correct spelling. If you need assistance, please send me an e-mail so that we can solve your concerns.

Cheers,
Crampton

What did we do in class on Friday, Feb. 6th?

Did the Trojan War actually take place?

This is a replica of the Trojan horse displayed at Troy.

Dear Mythology Students,

Just a few reminders for you:


1. Remember that your "desk-top" teaching assignment is due on Thursday. If you missed class on Friday (shame on you), PLEASE VISIT WITH ME on Tuesday, as your "desk-top" teaching assignment will take some time to explain.


2. Remember that you will have a quiz on Tuesday covering the introductory information that was given to you on Friday concerning The Iliad.


3. Complete the following as a review for your quiz. You know the "routine".....
a. Who was Henrick Schliemann?
b. How was Troy discovered?
c. Define the term "epic."
d. Give a synopsis of The Iliad and The Odyssey
e. What is meant by "nine cities?" Explain.
f. What is the ancient name for the Greeks?
g. What is the ancient name for Troy?

h. What is meant when we refer to "Schliemann's scar."
i. According to history, what was the cause of the Trojan War?

Do you remember this man and his significance to Troy?


Homer would have called this soldier an Achean.

These are recent pictures of what Troy looks like today.
I will see you on Tuesday!

Cheers,

Crampton

If you missed class on Wednesday, Feb. 4th....

Dear Mythology Students,
If you missed class on Wednesday, you missed your quiz covering the irony present in the "Heracles" myth. The quiz takes approximately 45 minutes, so please be prepared to take the quiz tomorrow during lunch or after school. You will need to plan your schedule accordingly.

DON'T MISS CLASS ON FRIDAY!
Cheers,
Crampton

Disatrous Disney!

Dear Mythology Kids,

During our church services today, 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, 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 mythology 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 really is every where!

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.

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 Wednesday.

"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 completed in class on Friday. 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 your 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.”

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend! I will look forward to seeing you on

Wednesday.

Cheers, Crampton

STOP MISSING CLASS!

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class on Monday, January 26th, you were given an assignment to read a section of the Heracles myth. Each student received a portion of the myth to read for class on Wednesday. If you missed class, then my suggestion would be to read the myth in your book. It is located on page 166. You will be a little lost when you return to class, but not by much if you read the myth in your book. You also missed your "mythological allusions" quiz and the submitting of your "Mythological Allusions" assignment. Please be prepared to take the quiz and submit your assignment upon your return.

Oh, and one more item.....STOP MISSING CLASS!

We will be working together in class on Wednesday discussing the myth of "Heracles" and why the irony within the text adds to the pathos experienced by the hero.

Mythology is EVERY WHERE.....

Dear Mythology Kids,

If you missed class on Tuesday, January 20th and Thursday, January 22nd, 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 arise in literary work to mythology. 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 Monday is to complete your "Mythology in Literature" assignment which was explained Tuesday. Again, if you were absent, please visit with someone from class. You will also have a quiz on Monday, 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 Thursday, a copy of the "practice quiz," as I won't have time to post it here due to leaving for California this evening. You are welcome to call someone in class and have them give you the questions over the phone. To prepare for the "official" quiz, you should review the following characters: Fates, Prometheus, Aphrodite, Muses, Cupid, Demeter, Persephone, Pegasus, Graea, Chiron, Creation Myth, and the Greek Underworld.

I will look forward to seeing you on Monday.

Cheers, Crampton

The history behind "Theseus and the Minotaur!"

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.

Dear Mythology Kids,

Don't forget that you have an unusual quiz covering "Theseus" pgs. 155-165 and "Daedalus" pgs. 144-145 on Thursday. As you prepare for the quiz keep the following aspects in mind. You may use these as your extra-credit practice quiz for Thursday.

1. When Theseus was a younger man he attempted to carry-off a significant female character; however, he was stopped due to her brothers. 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!

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.

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.

I have several pictures regarding the Minoan culture that I will post later...one of the girls is crying. I will return shortly.

Cheers,

Crampton

Perseus is a STUD!

Dear Mythology Kids,

Don't you think Perseus is a strong character? I like him! I hope you enjoyed the myth, as his character is different from most of the other Greek heroes we will study. I have included some images of the myth, and then your practice quiz is located below the pictures. At this point in our relationship, you should know the "routine" with your practice quizzes without any question. I look forward to seeing you on Friday.

This image depicts Perseus vowing to bring the head of Medusa back to Polydectes.


Athena coming to assist our hero.

The "death" of Medusa. Can you identify what is incorrect with this piece of artwork?

Practice Quiz: Identify who is being referenced or alluded to in the colored text for questions 2-9. Respond to the questions located below the quoted text. Some explanation may be required. (16 questions, each worth 1/2 point, so your total could be 8 extra-credit points)

1. Identify what is incorrect in the above sculpture.

2. "As she sat there through the long days and hours with nothing to do, nothing to see except the clouds moving by overhead, a mysterious event took place."

a. Identify the "she." ____________________

b. Why would "she" have "nothing to do?" Explain this to me......

c. What is the "mysterious event" that took place?

3. "In that strange boat, she sat with her little son. The daylight faded and she was alone on the sea."

a. Explain why this "boat" is "strange."

b. Identify the "little son."

4. "He probably told him that he would rather have the head of one of them than anything else in the world."

a. Identify the "he."

b. Who is being referenced with "head of one of them."

c. Why is this conversation taking place?

5."This radiant personage told him that before he attacked, he must be properly equipped, and that what he needed was in the possession of the Nymphs of the North."

a. Identify the "radiant personage."

6. "These women dwelt in land where all was dim and shrouded in light."

a. Identify the "women."

7. "Another deity was at hand to help. She took off the shield of polished bronze that covered her chest and handed it to him."

a. Identify the "deity" and "she."

b. What is the "shield of polished bronze called?"

c. Why is it so important for our hero to receive this gift?

8. "He found a lovely maiden had been given up to be devoured by a horrible sea serpent."

a. Identify the "lovely maiden."

9. "An absolute certain way in those day to draw down on one a wretched fate was to claim superiority in anything over a deity."

a. Explain this quote to me. Who is being punished and for what purpose?

Cheers,

Crampton

WELCOM BACK.....Let's talk about being heroic!

Dear Mythology Kids,

I hope you had a wonderful break! Remember that your mosaics are due on Tuesday, Jan. 13th! I hope you made the choice to work on your mosaic over the holiday!

JUST A REMINDER.......YOU HAVE A QUIZ COVERING THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ON WEDNESDAY!

1. The nine characteristics of the archetypal hero. You were given these in class on Monday. Make sure that you are extremely familiar with each of them, as they will be part of your quiz.

a. Pathos: the hero experiences a significant amount of suffering, and this is why he is considered heroic.

b. Birth: There are two types of "birth." The first type of birth pertains to an unusual conception. The second "birth" takes place when the hero recognizes that he possesses skills that are above the norm. In essence he has an "aha" moment!

c. They are flawed, and must do their best to overcome these errors in their character.

d. They are always assisted by a "goddess."

e. They marry or have a relationship with an individual that causes them significant pain, both physical and emotional.

f. They are always faced with physical and spiritual challenges.

g. They become better or "enlightened" through the challenges that they must overcome.

h. Deaths are always violent.

2. Make sure you read the article that I gave you entitled "The Hero's Adventure." Pay special attention to the following aspects, as they will be part of your quiz.

For extra-credit on your "official" quiz, you are welcome to answer the following questions. Just print off the questions, and record your answers. Do not use your notes, as this is a practice quiz. This is clearly an "integrity issue" on you part, my young friends.

a. Why are there so many stories involving heroes?

b. There are two types of deeds that a hero undertakes. Identify the deeds, and then define them.

c. Why does Joseph Campbell consider women and children to be heroic?

d. According to the article, what is Campbell's explanation for the Dragon?

e. Why are flaws significant to the hero?

We will begin with Perseus on Wednesday. Due to our presentations concerning the lesser gods and monsters of mythology, you already have some schema regarding the heroic journey of Perseus.

Cheers,

Crampton

WELCOME BACK!