mMyths and Legends

Dec. 2, 2014 SWBAT analyze the importance of “time” in myths.

Time…if it exists

• For the next several days we’ll be exploring a variety of themes within myths and legends.

• Please make sure you give me your “love” myth if you have not already. (I received nothing in my email or in my inbox)

• I will continue handing back work.

Do Now

• Turn and share – What are your favorite stories (books, movies, tv shows, etc…) about “time”?

In groups of four – Come to a consensus

• Would you rather go back in time or go to the future?

• How far back in time would you go, or how far into the future would you go? ….would you return to the present if you could?

• What would your purpose be? Explain.

• If you could not return to the present, what would you miss the most?

Time After Time• Swbat analyze how Urashima Taro and what “time” means in their own lives.

DISCUSS •Would you leave everything behind if you found the

person of your dreams? •What would your fear be of returning home three

years later for a visit?

Read Urashima Taro

History

• The name Urashima Tarō first appears in the 15th century (the Muromachi period), in a genre of illustrated popular fiction known as otogizōshi; however, the story itself is much older, dating back to the 8th century (the Nara Period). The story bears a striking similarity to folktales from other cultures, including the American legend of Rip Van Winkle, Irish legend of Oisín, and the earlier Chinese legend of Ranka.

Yo, that phrase is so not cool anymore. Got it, daddy-o?

• "Urashima Jyotai" (浦島状態 ) is a phrase used in popular culture to describe someone who has been left behind by the times, or otherwise rendered unaware of his changing environment. It can also be used describe someone who is unfamiliar with a formerly familiar surrounding, upon his return from an absence.

The Seven Sleepers

• Seven Sleepers of Ephesus, the heroes of a famous legend that, because it affirmed the resurrection of the dead, had a lasting popularity in all Christendom and in Islam during the Middle Ages. According to the story, during the persecution of Christians (250 ce) under the Roman emperor Decius, seven (eight in some versions) Christian soldiers were concealed near their native city of Ephesus in a cave to which the entry was later sealed. There, having protected themselves from being forced to do pagan sacrifices, they fell into a miraculous sleep.

Continued…

• During the reign (408–450 ce) of the Eastern Roman emperor Theodosius II, the cave was reopened, and the Sleepers awoke. The emperor was moved by their miraculous presence and by their witness to their Christian doctrine of the body’s resurrection. Having explained the profound meaning of their experience, the Seven died, whereupon Theodosius ordered their remains to be richly enshrined, and he absolved all bishops who had been persecuted for believing in the Resurrection.

Worksheet

1. Complete the first two questions of the worksheet. (Discuss after)

• 2. We will read the “Time” handout as a class.

• 3. Answer Questions 3 and 4

• 4. Read about Cronus. (The God of Time)

Exit ticket

•What is the difference between the Japanese and the Christian tale’s ending? What might this say about what the cultures wanted teach?