Greek Myths Project

Use the links on our website to choose a god/goddess, or hero/heroine that you would like to learn more about.

Once chosen, read the myth(s) about that god/hero. Then read a few short biographies about him/her. You may print out the biography information.

Choose one of the following projects from each of the categories (2 total) to complete about this Greek hero or god:

Arts

Write a bio poem about your god or hero. A copy of the format is attached.

Write your own Greek myth about that god or hero based on what you have learned about him or her. This needs to be a NEW adventure.

In the role of your hero or god, you will be leading an expedition on a dangerous journey (e.g., Jason questing after the Golden Fleece, Perseus seeking Medusa's head or Theseus attempting to defeat the Minotaur). Before you can go, you must order the necessary supplies. You must give a reason for each of your requests. Letters can be addressed to Heroic Discount Supplies, 744 Olympian Way, Athens, Greece. A format for writing a letter is included.
Anyone who has spent time in their local supermarket has seen the latest tabloid headlines: "Rabbit-Faced Baby Born to Buck-Toothed Mom" or "Aliens Abduct Man and Return Him to Earth 100 Years Later." You are now the editor of an Ancient Greek tabloid. You have journalistic license. Create the cover for this tabloid as well as a short article based on your god/hero and a myth surrounding him/her (summary of it). “Three-headed Dog Guards Portal to Underworld" and" Flying Horse Helps Hero” are examples of tabloid god headlines. Tabloid stories are often exaggerated. A tabloid cover sample is attached.

Dear Abby is a popular feature in newspapers. Here people write to “Abby” for advice. If you chose a god, write to your god with a problem and then have him/her answer you. If you chose a hero, write a letter as if you were that hero to a god that you think could help you with your problem, then, write a letter back to that hero. See the attached sample for help.

What would a Greek god or hero have to sell?Make your own list (which might include thunderbolts, archery lessons, love potions, or muscle fitness). With a sizeable list of suggestions, write a ”for sale” ad that your god/hero could have placed in a newspaper. See the sample for help.

Crafts

1.Construct a monument made of sugar cubes to dedicate to your god or hero. Design the monument primarily of sugar cubes. The design has to be somehow connected to the character. For example, Zeus - a lightning bolt (no stealing that one!) Also write a paragraph explaining a little bit about the god/hero and why you chose to dedicate the monument him/her.

2.Design an advertisement that satisfies this question: "What product would your god/hero advertise?" Create a magazine advertisement for this product. Include a slogan, name for the product and a way to grab the audience. Include the graphic as well. This can be done by hand or on your computer.

3.Plan, then create, your own mythology board game, complete with directions for playing, and a demonstration of knowledge about the myths and biography of your hero/god. You must include the actual game board, any needed pieces and directions. The goal of the game should be the same as your god/hero’s goal in life.

4.Create a commercial for something that your god or heromight have sold in ancient Greece. For example, Athena might have created smart pills and Aphrodite,make-up. Video tape this commercial and be ready to show it to the class.

5.Create a "family tree" based on the information that you find about your god or hero’s life. Family trees must be illustrated with pictures and accompanied by short descriptions of each individual's respective importance in the character's life. There must be at least 5 different characters on this tree.

Dear Abby Sample Letter

Co-Worker Wants Her Cake -- And Some For Her Family, Too

DEAR ABBY: I work in an office where folks sometimes bring in birthday cakes, desserts and other goodies to share. "Dolores" is always the first in line, and helps herself to a large portion of the treats and says she's taking some home for her family.

Last week, someone brought in an exotic dessert and I got out the dessert-sized paper plates. Dolores took out two regular-sized paper plates and cut off a quarter of the entire dessert! No one could believe it, but we didn't know what to say or do. One time, she actually cut a huge portion of someone's birthday cake to take home before the "birthday boy" even got a slice. This woman is not poor. What do you recommend? -- "DESSERTED" IN TENNESSEE

DEAR "DESSERTED": Your co-worker is behaving the way she is because no one in your office has spoken up and objected. The next time someone brings something to be shared by the office staff and Dolores makes her usual move, the "bringer" should tell her plainly that she's not to take more than a portion for herself until everyone else has had some -- and to ask permission beforehand if she wants to take any of the remainder home.

Tabloid Cover (Hee! Hee!)

style

Suggested Bio-Poem Form
Line 1: Your first name
Line 2: Who is...(Descriptive words that describe you)
Line 3: Who is brother or sister of...
Line 4: Who loves...(three ideas or people)
Line 5: Who feels...(three ideas )
Line 6: Who needs...(three ideas)
Line 7: Who gives...(three ideas)
Line 8: Who fears...(three ideas)
Line 9: Who would like to see...
Line 10: Who shares...
Line 11: Who is...
Line 12: Who is a resident of...
Line 13: Your last name

In case you cannot access the links from our webpage, here they are: