Myth WebQuest

MINDS, MYTHS & MORES

Introduction

On one level, etiological myths are described as a narrative derived to explain some natural phenomenon. We, like Joseph Campbell, view myths on an entirely deeper level. Myths are stories that embody a society's values, instructions on how to live, love, and survive in a seemingly cold and hostile world. Archaeologists can show us an ancient culture's homes, their houses of worship, their meeting places, even their bones, but an evaluation of a myth reveals the hearts and minds of the people.

The Task

You will research a selected myth independently, and write a report summarizing your myth, inferring the values of Greek society, and comparing those values to today's standards. You, within a group, will provide the class with an oral presentation evaluating your assigned myth. The groups are:

Group 1: Narcissus & Echo		Group 6: Phaeton
Group 2: Demeter & Persephone (Proserpine)		Group 7: Apollo & Daphne
Group 3: Icarus & Daedalus & Perdix		Group 8: Galatea & Acis
Group 4: Prometheus & Pandora		Group 9: Midas (2 myths)
Group 5: Niobe

The Process

The following instructions will make the completion of your task easy!

1.	You will be assigned a myth for your group to examine. Whoever else is assigned the same myth is a group member.
2.	Begin exploring the resources listed below with Bulfinch's Mythology. Locate a copy of your myth. (Use the "Find" function to help you locate the link in the table of contents.) The other sources will assist in giving a quick background on the characters involved. Use all sources that make reference to the main characters in your myth.
3.	Read your myth. Keep in mind where you are going with your research; your written and oral presentations will include the following points:

A summary of your myth

Any pertinent background information regarding the "major players" associated with your myth (Try to collect Greek & Roman names, alternate spellings, etc.)

Identification of the natural phenomenon associated with the myth

Explanation of what the myth says about ideas such as family relationships, human nature, struggle; in short, what does your myth say about life? (Support your findings with specifics from your myth.)

How do the ideas portrayed compare to today's viewpoints and standards of conduct? Are there any negative stereotypes or portrayals in your myth with which you would disagree? (Look especially at the roles of women and the young.)

4.	*Read your selected myth, highlighting and taking notes as you fulfill the above criteria. Everyone individually completes their own research and written evaluation.*
5.	Assign specific areas to each group member for the oral presentation. Decide who will address what in the presentation phase. Everyone individually completes their own research and written evaluation.
6.	Groups present their findings to the class while the audience takes notes.

Resources

The following links should help you gather your information; however, please note, not all sites have information for every group:

(Each link will open in a new window.)

Bulfinch's Mythology	Greek Mythology: From the Illiad to the Fall of the Last Tyrant
Encyclopedia Mythica	In2Greece.Com: Who Is Who in Greek Mythology

Evaluation

This WebQuest will be evaluated according to the following criteria:

Is the summary of the myth focused?

Is the summary of the myth complete?

Did you include a detailed list of characters?

Did you identify the natural phenomenon associated with the myth?

Have you drawn plausible conclusions about Greek society?

Is specific information from the myth used to back up your findings?

Did you compare the myth to today's society?

Did you evaluate the myth for stereotypes?

Is your written presentation well written, organized, and free from most errors?

Did the group speak clearly when giving their presentation?

Did all group members equally participate in project presentation?

Click on a Face to Look at a Sample Myth WebQuest Report

Conclusion

When you complete this WebQuest, you will be able to describe the feelings and ideas in the hearts and minds of a group of people who walked the earth long before you. Have you found that human beings have changed all that much? Do you feel we are progressing or digressing? You may want to explore myths of other cultures to gain greater insight into what it means to be a member of the human race.

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Created by L. Lopez
01/27/13