myths and legends

Myths and LegendsNov. 5, 2014

SWBAT analyze why the idea of on possessing one “Evil eye” appears in myths throughout various cultures.

Do Now – On the index card (4 minutes)

• How is Polyphemus represented in the The Cyclops story from The Odyssey? Think of both his physical and mental characteristics.

• How is Odysseus represented?

• Does the Cyclops possess any redeeming qualities? Explain your answer either way.

Make your own Cyclops Pizza!

The real thing!! A Shark with Cyclopia

• http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/10/18/cyclops-shark-found-scientists_n_1017893.html

Return to The Cyclops Play

• After we finish, discuss, why do storytellers cast one-eyed creatures as being “evil”? Think of various reasons humanity appears to obsess over this idea of one singular eye being “evil”.

Granny….what an evil eye you have!!

• We will read a Slavic Tale called One-Eyed Likho.

• Underline key / interesting moments.

• Annotate (take notes on the side) of everythingYou notice about the myth. Some ideas – 1. Note when there are similarities between this and The Greek Cyclops story.2. Note how women are represented.3. Note the idea of “adventure” and of “finding evil”. What does this say about

humanity?4. Think about other myths / fairy tales that are similar to Likho.

Likho

• Share out loud what we noticed.

Myths and Legends – I SEE YOU!!

• SWBAT analyze the differences and similarities between Likho & the Cyclops and what it might say about the culture the myths came from.

Do Now - Discuss with partners

Please look at your Cyclops and Likho story

1. What are three striking similarities between Likho and Polyphemus? 2. What are three specific differences?

(Think about character, setting, plot)

Work

• I will hand back work as you do a free-write

Free – Write Ten Minutes

• Choose either character, plot, or setting and write a detailed page about what you think the “differences” between the two say about the cultural values of where the myth came from (Greece and Slavic country). Give at least three examples.

Thoughts – Why is the Cyclops a man, but Likho is often portrayed as an old woman?Why does Odysseus seem heroic, but the men in Likho appear to seek out evil?Why does Likho request another eye (as if she is deformed), but the Cyclops seems fine with his?

I see you….

Freemasons

Thomas Smith Webb’s The Freemasons Monitor wrote in 1797:“although our thoughts, words and actions may be hidden from the eyes of man, yet the All-Seeing Eye, whom the Sun, Moon and Stars obey, and under whose watchful care even Comets perform their stupendous revolutions, pervades the innermost recesses of the human heart and will reward us according to our merits

Balor

• We will read the Celtic tale of the Danaan’s & Balor (yet another Cyclops character). Once again, note how the “eye” plays a role in this myth, and be ready discuss the similarities between this, Likho, and the Cyclops.

• Make annotations and please Keep your stories for a writingPiece we will do soon.