Myth Characteristics

Name: ______________________________________________________________________________

Block: _______ A or B

Common Characteristics of Myths Characteristic 1

Example

Myths teach a lesson or explain the natural world Winter came when Persephone was forced to spend part of the year underground. The striking of Thor's hammer caused thunder. Many myths had a huge cast of characters that had specific jobs. Zeus controlled the heavens, Poseidon controlled the seas and Hades ruled the underworld.

2

Myths have many gods and goddesses

3

The gods and goddesses are super-human

Jason won the golden fleece by performing impossible tasks. Atlas held up the world.

4

The gods and goddesses have human emotions

Pandora was curious. Loki and Eros were mischievous. Hera was jealous.

5

Myths contain magic

The sons of the North Wind and Pegasus could fly. Ciice transformed men into pigs. Athena was born from Zeus' head.

6

Gods and goddesses often appear in disguises

Hera appeared to Jason as a old woman. Aphrodite became a hunter.

7

Good is rewarded and Evil is punished

8

Myths can be violent (within reason, PLEASE!)

Baucis and Philemon were rewarded for their generosity to Zeus, but Prometheus was punished for stealing fire from the gods. Thor killed Thrym with his hammer. Prometheus' liver was eaten by vultures!

Created by Nicki Callahan (Library Media Specialist) and Russell Sherman(6th Grade Teacher) from Roger Ludlowe Middle School, Fairfield, CT