How to Teach Mythology

For many cultures, dragons were mythical creatures.

A myth is a timeless and vast source of inspiration and entertainment. Typically, you can define a myth as a narrative of ancient origin that symbolizes a people's view of their surroundings. A myth also tells of godlike beings or heroes. Teaching mythology can be a pleasure, but it does require structure. Creating a framework to organize and discuss the varied world of myths is key.

Instructions

1. Define mythology. Mythology is the study of the stories and beliefs that a culture uses to explain the natural world and human actions in supernatural terms.

2. Discuss the different types of myths. For example, creation myths concern the creation of the world and trickster myths describe tricks played by mischievous gods or creatures. Quest myths place the hero on a journey of self-exploration on which he finds his destiny.

3. Have the class read "Hero With a Thousand Faces" by Joseph Campbell. This book addresses the hero's journey in mythology, exploring powerful themes common to myths from all around the world.

4. Read a variety of myths as a class. Read creation myths from several cultures, then read trickster myths from several cultures. Discuss common themes and differences between the different stories.

5. Discuss modern uses of mythology. Watch the movie "Star Wars" as a class and examine the mythological patterns in it. Examine the mythological underpinnings of the "Harry Potter" books.

6. Have the students write their own myths. Students can tackle classic themes like "Why does the sun rise in the morning and set at night?" or create more modern myths such as "Have we been visited by aliens from other planets?" Encourage them to be as fanciful as they wish.

References

• Yale-New Haven Teachers Institute; Teaching Mythology: Gods and Heroes; Diana Doyle