Myths
Which statement best explains why Roman mythology developed after Greek mythology?
A. Roman gods had more power than Greek gods
B. Roman myths were created before written history
C. Roman mythology was influenced by Greek mythology and reshaped to reflect Roman values
D. Roman gods were completely different from Greek gods
C. Roman mythology was influenced by Greek mythology and reshaped to reflect Roman values
Fables were originally shared:
A. Through letters
B. Through books
C. Orally
D. Through plays
C. Orally
What real historical events influenced The Legend of Sleepy Hollow?
American Revolutionary War
What does opening “Pandora’s box” suggest about the consequences of an action?
Pandora’s box
→ An action that causes many unexpected problems or troubles once started
Fables are found in many cultures because:
A. They were all created in Greece
B. Cultures share the same animals
C. Values and lessons in human behavior often overlap
D. They were written at the same time
C. Values and lessons in human behavior often overlap
Which theme is most strongly developed in The Titans?
A. Fear of being overthrown
B. Justice through forgiveness
C. Power gained through wisdom
D. Cooperation among equals
A. Fear of being overthrown
Why do fables continue to be told today?
A. They include magic
B. They explain nature
C. They are historically accurate
D. Human behavior does not change
What is the difference between a legend and an urban legend?
Warns people, instills fear
What is an Achilles' Heel?
→ A fatal weakness; a small flaw that can cause great harm.
Why do legends often exaggerate real people instead of making up gods like myths do?
A. Legends were meant to explain natural disasters
B. Exaggeration helped inspire hope or pride in real communities
C. Gods were not important to ancient people
D. Legends were only told for entertainment
B. Exaggeration helped inspire hope or pride in real communities
Name 2 mythological gods that were out for vengeance and why.
Nemesis
→ Sought vengeance against people who showed pride, arrogance, or injustice, punishing those who thought they were above others.
Hera
→ Took vengeance on Zeus’s lovers and children because of jealousy and betrayal, often punishing mortals connected to Zeus.
Poseidon
→ Sought vengeance when he was disrespected or ignored, such as punishing Odysseus for blinding his son, the Cyclops Polyphemus
Will also accept:
Ares – vengeance through violence and war
Apollo – vengeance when his honor was insulted
Artemis – vengeance when her rules or purity were disrespected
Tell me 1 reason why a modern retelling of a fable is easy to reconstruct.
Acceptable answers:
Fables teach one clear lesson, so it’s easy to place that lesson in a modern situation.
The characters represent simple traits (greedy, proud, lazy), which makes them easy to turn into modern people.
Fables are short, so the structure is easy to copy and retell.
The problem and consequence are direct, which makes it easy to update the setting without changing the meaning.
The lesson still applies today, even if the setting changes.
Fables don’t rely on complex history or magic, so they translate easily to modern life.
The moral stays the same, even when the details change
What is the overall purpose of legends?
Legends help communities remember history by turning real events into memorable stories.
→ Carrying a heavy responsibility or burden.
Stories like Excalibur and Merlin were developed and popularized with King Arthur. Explain why it is still considered a legend, not a fairy tale or myth.
King Arthur is largely considered a legend (not a myth or fairy tale) for a few clear reasons:
It is rooted in possible history.
The story is set in real places and time periods.
The main character is human, not a god.
Exaggeration develops over time.
The purpose is cultural identity, not explanation.
Explain the difference between a creation myth and a explanatory myth and give one example of each.
Acceptable criteria: Creation myths explain how things began. Explanatory myths explain why things happen.
Why are fables usually short stories?
A. To teach one clear lesson quickly
B. To describe historical events
C. To explain how nature works
D. To build complex characters
A: To teach one clear lesson quickly
Name one thing that myths have that legends do not.
Main answer I'm looking for: Myths include gods or supernatural beings who explain how the world works, while legends do not.
Myths explain the creation of the world or natural events; legends do not
Myths focus on gods and divine power; legends focus on humans.
Myths explain why things exist; legends explain heroic people or events
A problem is very confusing and hard to figure out.
Which allusion fits best?
A. Sirens
B. Labyrinth
C. Atlas
D. Pandora
B. Labyrinth
What's the difference between an epic and a legend?
An epic is a long narrative poem or story that tells the adventures of a hero whose actions affect an entire nation or culture.
Often written in poetry
The hero faces large-scale challenges (wars, monsters, journeys)
The hero’s actions impact many people, not just themselves
May include gods or supernatural help
Examples: The Odyssey, Beowulf, The Epic of Gilgamesh
Name 3 Greek gods and their Roman counterparts.
Zeus → Jupiter
Hera → Juno
Poseidon → Neptune
Hades → Pluto
Athena → Minerva
Ares → Mars
Apollo → Apollo
Artemis → Diana
Aphrodite → Venus
Hermes → Mercury
Hephaestus → Vulcan
Demeter → Ceres
Hestia → Vesta
Which feature best helps readers quickly understand the message of a fable?
A. A long, detailed plot
B. A realistic historical setting
C. Multiple points of view
D. A clear cause-and-effect ending
D. A clear cause-and-effect ending
Name 2 stories that fall under the legend genre that weren't mentioned in class and explain why they meet the legend criteria.
King Arthur
Robin Hood
William Tell
Beowulf
Joan of Arc
Paul Bunyan
Johnny Appleseed
Davy Crockett
Pecos Bill
Mulan
El Cid
The Headless Horseman
What does the sirens' song represent?
Resistance to Temptation
Why is learning about ancient texts crucial in terms of "finding your voice" as a writer?
Learning about ancient texts helps writers find their voice because these stories show that people have always used writing to express ideas, values, fears, and hopes. When students study myths, legends, and fables, they see how writers use choices—such as theme, character, and message—to communicate meaning.
Most importantly, ancient stories ask big questions—about right and wrong, courage, failure, and responsibility. Wrestling with those questions helps students clarify what they believe, and strong beliefs lead to strong writing.