D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths
Lessons 1 & 2
Instructions for Lesson One
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Begin reading D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Read pages 8-69 (from “In Olden Times” to “Dionysus”)
Read pages 70-107 (from “Minor Gods, Nymphs, Satyrs and Centaurs” to “The Muses”)
2. Vote your opinion in the Poll. CLICK on the Lesson One POLL on the Home Page.
3. Post ONE of the following blog assignments (your choice) to the Blog forum:
Feedback for Lesson One
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson One- D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
Hi Ethan!
Congratulations! You have finished the first lesson in our class. I hope you are enjoying reading D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. Let’s take a look at your work for the week.
First, you responded to our class poll. This week, you were asked:
If you could spend the day with one of the Olympian gods, which would you choose?
You indicated that you would spend the day with Poseidon. Excellent choice! I wish students could have expressed the reasons for their choices.
Blog Assignment:
b. We learn early in the reading assignment that Hera is a very jealous wife. Choose a story from the Lesson 1 reading assignment in which Hera does something to one of Zeus’ other wives out of anger or jealousy, and write about the incident in a 150-300 + words journal account from Hera’s first person point of view. Writing as Hera, you should certainly find a way to present yourself in a positive light in this scene!
Please note: You may write more than the 300 word limit, but do NOT write less than 150 words!
Student Response:
One day, when I looked down on the Earth, I spotted a mysterious thundercloud where it shouldn't have been, and knowing to Zeus' ways of secretly marrying wives, I quickly rushed down there, only to find a white cow! But, why would Zeus bring a cow with him in a cloud? It must be a wife of his! So I had to try to get it away from him! I had to do that because the less wives he has, the more respect and closeness he has for the ones he does and besides, she was a mortal! So I slyly asked "May I have the beautiful cow?", knowing that he could not refuse or he would give himself away. I then got the cow and put Argus to watch over it since Argus is special with 100 eyes on him all over his body! But all was not to be well, for soon Zeus sent Hermes to capture Io back by boring Argus to death, and as soon as I found out, I sent a gadfly to sting her so at least she would get the warning, "Do not mess with my husband."
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, Hera is nobody’s fool and you’ve captured that in this blog. First, she sees right through the cow in a cloud ploy. Then, she puts Zeus on the spot by asking for the cow as a gift. I almost feel sorry for Io – almost. She is lucky that Hera only sent a gadfly to sting her! Things ended much worse for many others including Seleme! You use vocabulary very effectively to express the action of your story. For example, you refer to the “mysterious thundercloud” which aroused Hera’s suspicions. You also help the reader understand Hera’s intent when she “slyly” asks for the cow. Good work on your first blog!
Discussion Questions:
d. Hades and Persephone. What is your reaction to the story about how Persephone became Hades’ queen? Do you think Zeus’ solution to the conflict was fair? Do you think this “ending” to the story was intended to be happy either to those involved in the story or to those who heard about it? Why or why not? Aside from its entertainment value, what purpose did this story serve for the Greek people?
Student Response:
Hi Ellen! I get what you are saying about Zeus not being fair, but I also think he did the most he could. If both gods wanted her it might create a really bad fight if she chose to stay with one god for the whole year. It also would've caused winter for the whole YEAR if she chose to go to Hades.
Teacher Feedback:
Thank you for responding to a classmate on the first lesson! You empathize with Zeus’ plight on this issue. As you point out, the whole affair could have created a “really bad fight if she chose to stay with one god for the whole year.” On the other hand, I doubt she would have chosen Hades; she would certainly have returned to her mother, Demeter, and the world of the living. Remember, however, she ate a few pomegranate seeds, which meant she had to return to Hades for at least part of the year. Maybe if she hadn’t eaten the seeds, we could have summer all year long! I don’t suppose we can really appreciate summer without experiencing winter, though.
e. Hephaestus and Aphrodite. How did Aphrodite come to be the wife of Hephaestus? How does she feel about her husband? Do you think that Aphrodite and Hephaestus are a good match? Do you sympathize with Aphrodite in this situation? Do you sympathize with Hephaestus? Why or why not?
Student Response:
When Zeus made Aphrodite Hephaestus’ husband to try to prevent other Gods from getting jealous, I was very confused. First off, they are not even a good match because Aphrodite doesn’t even want to be Hephaestus’ husband, and also, that choice could make other Gods jealous of them! I sympathize with Aphrodite on this because she didn’t want to be Hephaestus’ husband, and I don’t see why that should happen.
Teacher Feedback:
I can understand your confusion. I took a few minutes to reread the stories of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. Let’s look at Zeus’ motivations for giving Aphrodite to Hephaestus. First, [n]obody knew from where [Aphrodite] had come” (30). She was so beautiful that Zeus feared a fight over her would erupt amongst the gods. Zeus gave her to Hephaestus, “the steadiest of the gods” (30). I wonder in Zeus also felt guilt over the way he had injured Hephaestus during an argument with Hera.
I completely agree with you that if Aphrodite “didn’t want to be Hephaestus’ husband,” she shouldn’t have been forced to marry him. One thing I dislike about the myths is the lack of free will – especially for the women!
Notice that in my response to you, I’ve added evidence from the text to support my points. That is something we will work on in this class. Take a look at the discussion questions for Lesson Two before you start reading. As you read, underline or mark passages that support those questions. You might be able to use that information in one of the discussion posts.
Ethan, you are off to a great start! Keep up the good work in Lesson Two! As a reminder, Lesson Two is due on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at midnight your time.
Have a great week and enjoy the rest of our book!
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
Instructions for Lesson Two
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Finish guided reading of D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Read Pages 108-147 (from “Mortal Descendants of Zeus” to “Heracles”)
Read Pages 149-189 (from “Theseus” to end)
2. Vote your opinion on the Poll. CLICK on the Lesson Two POLL on the Home Page.
3. Post ONE of the following blog assignments (your choice) to the Blog forum:
Feedback for Lesson Two
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Two- D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
Hi Ethan!
I hope you enjoyed reading D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. I think it is a book I will keep near at hand as I read our next two novels. There are so many characters to keep straight!
This week our poll asked:
Do you think that the pictures included in D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths added to your enjoyment and understanding of the book? Or, do you think that pictures should be included only in books designed for young children?
Every person in the class agreed that the pictures made the book more enjoyable and easier to understand. I’m 46 and I still love a good story with pictures.
Blog Assignment:
a. Pretend you are Heracles. Using first person point of view, write a 150-300+ word journal entry describing and reflecting on one or more of the labors you had to perform for Eurystheus. How do you feel about having to perform the labors? Have you considered trying to escape them somehow? Do you find them to be easy or difficult?
Please note: You may write more than the 300 word limit, but do NOT write less than 150 words!
Student Response:
Things have not always been clean between Hera and me, and my misfortunes started before I was born. When Hera found out that my mother had married Zeus, she did all she could to plague my life with misery and misfortune, and soon she started to send snakes and whatnot. And when all just started to go well and I had some beautiful children, Hera cursed me and made me insane! And while I was insane, I killed my children, thinking they were monsters. Whence I had recovered from my insanity, I soon I realized that the only way for me to become happy again was to atone for my sins. A bit after that, I had arrived at the oracle of Delphi, to await her response. Her response was so weird that I didn't want anything to do with it! The oracle said I had to serve as a slave to my cousin Eurystheus, and in that year, I had to complete ten labors of HIS choice! I was extremely annoyed at the decision of the oracle at first, but soon I was gaining lots of glory by either catching Artemis' hind, fighting the Nemean lion, or scaring away metal birds. My name was soon known throughout Greece as a hero, and I was partly happy he was making me do the labors. But after I had completed those labors, he sent me on two more, saying that I got help on two of my first labors. I couldn't believe it! But I grudgingly went along with it, reasoning that there was probably more glory to be won.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, your writing has a very natural tone. It is as if I am hearing Heracles himself! I enjoy the way you start this story by explaining, as Heracles, “my misfortunes started before I was born.” This helps the reader to empathize with Heracles and the injustice of being singled out by Hera simply for existing. As I wrote in my comments in the classroom, your presentation helps the reader to see the circumstances and hardships Heracles faced. Nonetheless, he accepted the challenges placed before him and persevered. I wonder if this myth was used as an example of how a Greek person should lead his life. In our own culture, we have many stories of people coming up against great odds and yet being successful. Do you think it is important to have such stories to pass along the values of a society? (You don’t have to answer that; it’s just a pondering question.) Great job on the blog!
Discussion Questions:
a. Chiron. How is Chiron different than other centaurs? Why is this difference so significant? What role does Chiron play in Greek mythology? How has he influenced the history of the Greek gods and goddesses? Can you think of anyone you can compare Chiron to in human history?
Student Response:
Chiron's father is Cronus, and I think it's important to remember that he isn't related to any other centaurs. That's because while other centaurs are usually mean and extremely annoying, Chiron is kind and is the main teacher of most of the known heroes in Greek mythology. I also think he influences some of the gods actions around mortals in a indirect way, like when Zeus used a thunderbolt to turn Asclepius into a pile of ashes when he accepted gold for bringing the dead back to life, on page 99 in D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, I’m so glad you referenced the book. That’s an excellent place to start, and it is an important skill we work on in this class. Now, Chiron raised Asclepius and taught him the healing arts. Asclepius “became the first great physician” (99). Many of the gods became angry with Asclepius including Hades who what angry to be “cheated out of dead souls” (99). Zeus, however, became angry “when Asclepius accepted gold for brining the dead back to life” (99). In your response, you write that Chiron “influences some of the gods actions around mortals in an indirect way.” Are you making a connection between Chiron and Zeus’ decision “to turn Asclepius into a pile of ashes”? I don’t think Chiron would approve. He seemed to kind, and I’m sure he loved Asclepius.
Notice that when I use quotations from the book, I include quotations from the book and follow with the page number in parentheses. This is the format you can use for this class.
d. Jason and Medea. Would you consider Jason and Medea’s story a love story? Why or why not? Were you surprised by the gods’ reactions at any point? Do you think Medea was deserving of her punishment(s)? What about Jason? Is any one person or god to blame for the sad outcome of the story?
Student Response:
Hi Ian!
Even though I agree with you that Medea fell in love because of Aphrodite, doesn't that happen to everybody? There wouldn't be love otherwise! I think that because isn't that how people fall in love in greek mythology, gods or spirits making them?
Teacher Feedback:
Thank you for responding to Ian. I agree with you both that Medea originally fell in love with Jason because of Aprhodite. On the other hand, I disagree that this was the way all the gods and goddesses fell in love. For example, Hades fell in love with Persephone because she was so lovely. Remember the story of Hippodamia and Pelops? What about Orpheus and Euridice? I will grant you this: love amongst the gods and goddesses was rarely simple or without complication.
Have you started reading The Shadow Thieves yet? It is definitely a page-turner! I hope you enjoy it. As you begin to read and respond in the classroom, try to include evidence from the text in at least one discussion post. Also, see if you can use any of our literary terms. Lesson Three is due Sunday, October 18, 2015 at midnight your time.
I’ll look forward to reading your next lesson! Happy reading!
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
Lessons 1 & 2
Instructions for Lesson One
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Begin reading D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths by Ingri and Edgar Parin D’Aulaire, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Read pages 8-69 (from “In Olden Times” to “Dionysus”)
Read pages 70-107 (from “Minor Gods, Nymphs, Satyrs and Centaurs” to “The Muses”)
2. Vote your opinion in the Poll. CLICK on the Lesson One POLL on the Home Page.
3. Post ONE of the following blog assignments (your choice) to the Blog forum:
Feedback for Lesson One
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson One- D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
Hi Ethan!
Congratulations! You have finished the first lesson in our class. I hope you are enjoying reading D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. Let’s take a look at your work for the week.
First, you responded to our class poll. This week, you were asked:
If you could spend the day with one of the Olympian gods, which would you choose?
You indicated that you would spend the day with Poseidon. Excellent choice! I wish students could have expressed the reasons for their choices.
Blog Assignment:
b. We learn early in the reading assignment that Hera is a very jealous wife. Choose a story from the Lesson 1 reading assignment in which Hera does something to one of Zeus’ other wives out of anger or jealousy, and write about the incident in a 150-300 + words journal account from Hera’s first person point of view. Writing as Hera, you should certainly find a way to present yourself in a positive light in this scene!
Please note: You may write more than the 300 word limit, but do NOT write less than 150 words!
Student Response:
One day, when I looked down on the Earth, I spotted a mysterious thundercloud where it shouldn't have been, and knowing to Zeus' ways of secretly marrying wives, I quickly rushed down there, only to find a white cow! But, why would Zeus bring a cow with him in a cloud? It must be a wife of his! So I had to try to get it away from him! I had to do that because the less wives he has, the more respect and closeness he has for the ones he does and besides, she was a mortal! So I slyly asked "May I have the beautiful cow?", knowing that he could not refuse or he would give himself away. I then got the cow and put Argus to watch over it since Argus is special with 100 eyes on him all over his body! But all was not to be well, for soon Zeus sent Hermes to capture Io back by boring Argus to death, and as soon as I found out, I sent a gadfly to sting her so at least she would get the warning, "Do not mess with my husband."
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, Hera is nobody’s fool and you’ve captured that in this blog. First, she sees right through the cow in a cloud ploy. Then, she puts Zeus on the spot by asking for the cow as a gift. I almost feel sorry for Io – almost. She is lucky that Hera only sent a gadfly to sting her! Things ended much worse for many others including Seleme! You use vocabulary very effectively to express the action of your story. For example, you refer to the “mysterious thundercloud” which aroused Hera’s suspicions. You also help the reader understand Hera’s intent when she “slyly” asks for the cow. Good work on your first blog!
Discussion Questions:
d. Hades and Persephone. What is your reaction to the story about how Persephone became Hades’ queen? Do you think Zeus’ solution to the conflict was fair? Do you think this “ending” to the story was intended to be happy either to those involved in the story or to those who heard about it? Why or why not? Aside from its entertainment value, what purpose did this story serve for the Greek people?
Student Response:
Hi Ellen! I get what you are saying about Zeus not being fair, but I also think he did the most he could. If both gods wanted her it might create a really bad fight if she chose to stay with one god for the whole year. It also would've caused winter for the whole YEAR if she chose to go to Hades.
Teacher Feedback:
Thank you for responding to a classmate on the first lesson! You empathize with Zeus’ plight on this issue. As you point out, the whole affair could have created a “really bad fight if she chose to stay with one god for the whole year.” On the other hand, I doubt she would have chosen Hades; she would certainly have returned to her mother, Demeter, and the world of the living. Remember, however, she ate a few pomegranate seeds, which meant she had to return to Hades for at least part of the year. Maybe if she hadn’t eaten the seeds, we could have summer all year long! I don’t suppose we can really appreciate summer without experiencing winter, though.
e. Hephaestus and Aphrodite. How did Aphrodite come to be the wife of Hephaestus? How does she feel about her husband? Do you think that Aphrodite and Hephaestus are a good match? Do you sympathize with Aphrodite in this situation? Do you sympathize with Hephaestus? Why or why not?
Student Response:
When Zeus made Aphrodite Hephaestus’ husband to try to prevent other Gods from getting jealous, I was very confused. First off, they are not even a good match because Aphrodite doesn’t even want to be Hephaestus’ husband, and also, that choice could make other Gods jealous of them! I sympathize with Aphrodite on this because she didn’t want to be Hephaestus’ husband, and I don’t see why that should happen.
Teacher Feedback:
I can understand your confusion. I took a few minutes to reread the stories of Hephaestus and Aphrodite. Let’s look at Zeus’ motivations for giving Aphrodite to Hephaestus. First, [n]obody knew from where [Aphrodite] had come” (30). She was so beautiful that Zeus feared a fight over her would erupt amongst the gods. Zeus gave her to Hephaestus, “the steadiest of the gods” (30). I wonder in Zeus also felt guilt over the way he had injured Hephaestus during an argument with Hera.
I completely agree with you that if Aphrodite “didn’t want to be Hephaestus’ husband,” she shouldn’t have been forced to marry him. One thing I dislike about the myths is the lack of free will – especially for the women!
Notice that in my response to you, I’ve added evidence from the text to support my points. That is something we will work on in this class. Take a look at the discussion questions for Lesson Two before you start reading. As you read, underline or mark passages that support those questions. You might be able to use that information in one of the discussion posts.
Ethan, you are off to a great start! Keep up the good work in Lesson Two! As a reminder, Lesson Two is due on Sunday, October 11, 2015 at midnight your time.
Have a great week and enjoy the rest of our book!
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!
Instructions for Lesson Two
All work is due on the due date shown in the Home Page of the classroom.
1. Finish guided reading of D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths, preferably reading in the following reading chunks:
Read Pages 108-147 (from “Mortal Descendants of Zeus” to “Heracles”)
Read Pages 149-189 (from “Theseus” to end)
2. Vote your opinion on the Poll. CLICK on the Lesson Two POLL on the Home Page.
3. Post ONE of the following blog assignments (your choice) to the Blog forum:
Feedback for Lesson Two
TO: Ethan Carey
RE: Lesson Two- D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths
Hi Ethan!
I hope you enjoyed reading D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths. I think it is a book I will keep near at hand as I read our next two novels. There are so many characters to keep straight!
This week our poll asked:
Do you think that the pictures included in D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths added to your enjoyment and understanding of the book? Or, do you think that pictures should be included only in books designed for young children?
Every person in the class agreed that the pictures made the book more enjoyable and easier to understand. I’m 46 and I still love a good story with pictures.
Blog Assignment:
a. Pretend you are Heracles. Using first person point of view, write a 150-300+ word journal entry describing and reflecting on one or more of the labors you had to perform for Eurystheus. How do you feel about having to perform the labors? Have you considered trying to escape them somehow? Do you find them to be easy or difficult?
Please note: You may write more than the 300 word limit, but do NOT write less than 150 words!
Student Response:
Things have not always been clean between Hera and me, and my misfortunes started before I was born. When Hera found out that my mother had married Zeus, she did all she could to plague my life with misery and misfortune, and soon she started to send snakes and whatnot. And when all just started to go well and I had some beautiful children, Hera cursed me and made me insane! And while I was insane, I killed my children, thinking they were monsters. Whence I had recovered from my insanity, I soon I realized that the only way for me to become happy again was to atone for my sins. A bit after that, I had arrived at the oracle of Delphi, to await her response. Her response was so weird that I didn't want anything to do with it! The oracle said I had to serve as a slave to my cousin Eurystheus, and in that year, I had to complete ten labors of HIS choice! I was extremely annoyed at the decision of the oracle at first, but soon I was gaining lots of glory by either catching Artemis' hind, fighting the Nemean lion, or scaring away metal birds. My name was soon known throughout Greece as a hero, and I was partly happy he was making me do the labors. But after I had completed those labors, he sent me on two more, saying that I got help on two of my first labors. I couldn't believe it! But I grudgingly went along with it, reasoning that there was probably more glory to be won.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, your writing has a very natural tone. It is as if I am hearing Heracles himself! I enjoy the way you start this story by explaining, as Heracles, “my misfortunes started before I was born.” This helps the reader to empathize with Heracles and the injustice of being singled out by Hera simply for existing. As I wrote in my comments in the classroom, your presentation helps the reader to see the circumstances and hardships Heracles faced. Nonetheless, he accepted the challenges placed before him and persevered. I wonder if this myth was used as an example of how a Greek person should lead his life. In our own culture, we have many stories of people coming up against great odds and yet being successful. Do you think it is important to have such stories to pass along the values of a society? (You don’t have to answer that; it’s just a pondering question.) Great job on the blog!
Discussion Questions:
a. Chiron. How is Chiron different than other centaurs? Why is this difference so significant? What role does Chiron play in Greek mythology? How has he influenced the history of the Greek gods and goddesses? Can you think of anyone you can compare Chiron to in human history?
Student Response:
Chiron's father is Cronus, and I think it's important to remember that he isn't related to any other centaurs. That's because while other centaurs are usually mean and extremely annoying, Chiron is kind and is the main teacher of most of the known heroes in Greek mythology. I also think he influences some of the gods actions around mortals in a indirect way, like when Zeus used a thunderbolt to turn Asclepius into a pile of ashes when he accepted gold for bringing the dead back to life, on page 99 in D'Aulaires' Book Of Greek Myths.
Teacher Feedback:
Ethan, I’m so glad you referenced the book. That’s an excellent place to start, and it is an important skill we work on in this class. Now, Chiron raised Asclepius and taught him the healing arts. Asclepius “became the first great physician” (99). Many of the gods became angry with Asclepius including Hades who what angry to be “cheated out of dead souls” (99). Zeus, however, became angry “when Asclepius accepted gold for brining the dead back to life” (99). In your response, you write that Chiron “influences some of the gods actions around mortals in an indirect way.” Are you making a connection between Chiron and Zeus’ decision “to turn Asclepius into a pile of ashes”? I don’t think Chiron would approve. He seemed to kind, and I’m sure he loved Asclepius.
Notice that when I use quotations from the book, I include quotations from the book and follow with the page number in parentheses. This is the format you can use for this class.
d. Jason and Medea. Would you consider Jason and Medea’s story a love story? Why or why not? Were you surprised by the gods’ reactions at any point? Do you think Medea was deserving of her punishment(s)? What about Jason? Is any one person or god to blame for the sad outcome of the story?
Student Response:
Hi Ian!
Even though I agree with you that Medea fell in love because of Aphrodite, doesn't that happen to everybody? There wouldn't be love otherwise! I think that because isn't that how people fall in love in greek mythology, gods or spirits making them?
Teacher Feedback:
Thank you for responding to Ian. I agree with you both that Medea originally fell in love with Jason because of Aprhodite. On the other hand, I disagree that this was the way all the gods and goddesses fell in love. For example, Hades fell in love with Persephone because she was so lovely. Remember the story of Hippodamia and Pelops? What about Orpheus and Euridice? I will grant you this: love amongst the gods and goddesses was rarely simple or without complication.
Have you started reading The Shadow Thieves yet? It is definitely a page-turner! I hope you enjoy it. As you begin to read and respond in the classroom, try to include evidence from the text in at least one discussion post. Also, see if you can use any of our literary terms. Lesson Three is due Sunday, October 18, 2015 at midnight your time.
I’ll look forward to reading your next lesson! Happy reading!
Elisabeth Brantley
Please confirm that you and your parents have read the feedback by asking your parent to click on the “Add submission” button, type in the parent’s name and any comments in the “Online text” box, scroll down, and click on “Save Changes.” This parent acknowledgement lets me know that a parent has read the feedback for that lesson or unit. Thanks for your cooperation!