Myths  

   Myths are a type of folktale that were told many, many years ago for a reason.  They were often told to explain why something happened, such as why it rained, or why snakes hunted mice.  The main characters in myths are usually gods, goddesses, heroes, monsters, animals, and humans.  There are three main types of myths:  Creation Myths, Nature Myths, and Hero Myths.
   Creation Myths were told to explain how the world began and people came to be, and how the stars got into the sky.  Many years ago people did not understand these things.  Nature myths explain why animals looks the way they do and why we have four seasons.  Hero Myths do not really explain anything.  They are more for entertainment.  They do show bravery and strength of character, however.
  Greek myths are the most common.  The Romans have myths as well, but these are just different versions of the Greek myths.  Norse myths come from the countries now known as Norway, Greenland, England, Ireland, and Iceland.  There are lesser-known myths in Africa and Asia as well.

Lesson 1:  Introduction to Myths
                Watch Jason and the Golden Fleece video
                Look at the different books on myths in the library

Lesson 2: 

Activity #1:  Use the information in the chart to help you with the Greek Mythology word search and the Mythology Mystery worksheet given to you by your teacher.

Activity #2:  Have a student read from one of the mythology books found in the library.

Lesson 3:  Myths Around the World

Activity #1:  Visit Scholastic's site on Myths from Around the World. Read the Norse Lands, Celtic Lands, Africa, South America, and Oceania & Australia Myths.  You may read more if you have time.

Activity #2:  Go to Scholastic's Myth Brainstorming Machine and follow the directions to think of your own myth story starter. Print the Myth Starter page and write your own myth.