How to Teach Greek Mythology

Allusions to Greek mythology can be found in temple ruins.

Teaching Greek mythology will require you to tap into a broad array of student abilities, including creative writing, vocabulary and even their understanding of art, history and geography. The stories are well organized and straightforward, and the principal characters -- gods and heroes -- are easy to identify. The trick is in picking from the wonderful wealth of literature available..

Instructions

1. Have your students get a good reference book on Greek mythology. Edith Hamilton's "Mythology" is a good one.

2. Teach your students about the creation of the principal Greek gods and goddesses, the Olympians. Teach them the story of how the titan Kronos ate all of his children until his wife, Rhea, tricked him into eating a rock. This spared his son, Zeus, who then led a revolt against his father. Discuss the symbolism of Kronos, whose name means time, eating his children.

3. Teach your mythology students the stories of the major Greek heroes. Make sure to teach them about Odysseus, Perseus, Atlanta, Achilles, Hercules and any other heroes who will come up in your readings. Have students write character sketches on the hero they find most intriguing.

4. Read ancient Greek literature. Ovid's "Metamorphoses" is a primary source for Greek mythology. Homer's "The Odyssey" and "The Iliad," as well as Sophocles' Oedipus trilogy, explore the interplay among the Greek gods, kings and heroes.

5. Study Greek history. Homer's works, in particular, cannot be understood outside of a historical context.

6. Read some modern adaptations of Greek mythology. For example, Jean Anouilh's "Antigone" provides an interesting treatment of the Oedipus myth.

7. Have students explain how Greek mythology has affected modern language. For instance, have them explain the significance and origins of terms such as "Achilles heel."

References

• Myth Web: Teaching Tips