Epics, Myths, and Legends Introduction

Today I introduced the class to epics, myths, and legends. In doing so we discussed what are some of the qualities of these three types of literature, but first, we connotatively or colloquially identified them.

Myths seem to discuss natural phenomena and/or how things came to be a certain way.
Legends seem to discuss heroes or amazing people and/or their adventures.
Epics seem to discuss the adventures of heroes over a certain period of time.

We then discussed a few of their characteristics, they often are/contain/portray/etc.:

1. Fiction


2. Mythical creatures


3. Personification


4. Exotic Locations


5. Hyperbole

Some examples can be found here; some were read in class and some you may, please, read on your own.

http://www.planetozkids.com/oban/legends.htm

http://teacher.scholastic.com/writewit/mff/myths.htm


The assignment for the day was the following, in groups you are to compose a myth where you explain how the lion came to be Westlake High School's mascot. Please make sure that you cover the following in your narrative/story:

• Lion's characteristics




1. Proud


2. Strong


3. Dominance




• Narrative/Story Style




1. This is a story in the narrative style, not an essay, research paper or letter. Your purpose is to entertain and to inspire.


2. Your goals in writing are to be creative, retain your reader's attention and give them a story they would want to repeat.


3. You need to remember to develop your plot and provide good characterization for the creatures in your story




• Creatively link the school and the lion




1. The way the lion gets associated with the school should be clever and make you smile or be happy or feel positive.


2. Do a good job here as this is a very important part of the story.




• Good and Positive Closing




1. Myths are all about positive messages almost like morals at the end of the story. They also repeat the purpose of the story at the end, to remind the reader of the purpose and also to seem as though that is the true reason things are as they are.

GOOD LUCK!