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 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 _____________________

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

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

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.

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 ____________________

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

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